[mcbros]

Hi,
I have an essentially new honda atv that has been stored over the winter. Today I went to start it and the battery was close to dead. Got it started, road it out of the barn, pushed the choke in and it died. When I went to start it again the battery died. I tried jumping it to my riding lawn mower and it just cranked. After reading the manual, it recommended against jumping as it may cause electrical system problems.
I charged the battery and again, just cranks. I know I did some damage to something electrical (fuse?). Any ideas are appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Helmut]

What kind of Honda ATV is it and does the neutral light come on?

 

[mcbros]

rancher

Hi,
Thanks...the Neutral light does come on. It is a rancher 300.

 

[Helmut]

Hi,
Thanks...the Neutral light does come on. It is a rancher 300.

You must be mistaken. They didn't make a Rancher 300. They only made the Rancher in 350, 400, and 420 sizes. You need to check and see if it's firing at the spark plug first. Take the spark plug out and hook the spark plug wire back to the plug. Now, lay the electrode end of the spark plug on the side of the head somewhere against one of the cooling fins. What you are trying to accomplish here, is to ground the spark plug to the engine, buy letting the plug tip the engine. When you've got it tipping the engine head good with the spark plug wire attached, turn the key on and hit your starter button. Make sure the kill switch is in the run position, first. When you hit the starter button and the engine cranks over, look at the end of the spark plug and see if it is firing. You should see a bright blue spark every time the engine turns over. If not, replace your spark plug and see if this helps. This is best done inside away from the sun, so you can see the spark better.

 

[mcbros]

Thanks Helmut...it is a 350 ES.
I'll give it a shot.

 

[elmerkit]

That a good way to check the ignition, if its a faulty ignition the spark will be small or nothing at all. try to check the fuse and the relay of the ignition system.

 

[mcbros]

fuel?

Thanks...Now I don't think it's electrical. I tried to start it the other day and again I pulled the choke, it started, ran for about 6 second and died. I think I'll try changing the gas. Any other ideas are appreciated

 

[submarine 300]

Thanks...Now I don't think it's electrical. I tried to start it the other day and again I pulled the choke, it started, ran for about 6 second and died. I think I'll try changing the gas. Any other ideas are appreciated

If it's been sitting awhile you will need to clean the carb. real good also.

 

[Helmut]

Thanks...Now I don't think it's electrical. I tried to start it the other day and again I pulled the choke, it started, ran for about 6 second and died. I think I'll try changing the gas. Any other ideas are appreciated

If it's been sitting awhile you will need to clean the carb. real good also.

I agree with Sub. If it's been sitting over winter, you carb probably needs to be taken off and cleaned.