[Shamrock95]

Hello all, I am a new ATV rider just bought a New 2008 model Honda Rancher 420cc ES 4x4. I am having a problem with the radiator getting clogged up after about a hour of trail riding. I do go though some mud but it's nothing that the ATV can't go through in 2 wheel drive and it not more then 1 1/2 feet deep. I see that there is not much stopping the mud from coming from the front tires and slinging it on to the radiator. Has anyone had this problem. Also any info on max speeds in certain gears like 1 to 4 I just don't want to over due it and burn it up. I am from Louisiana and hope to get to know some of you. Also maybe some ideas on tires. again I mostly trail ride but would like to be able to go through some mud and water one day. Thanks and have a great week and be safe.

 

[jaradbailey]

How often do you wash out your radiator? Maybe honda made a bad radiator i would take it back to the dealer. I just bought my 09 420 the other day, I do alot of creek riding and ive had alot of problems with small sticks gettin hung in my cooling fan and making it overheat.

 

[Shamrock95]

well I took the thing from the dealer show room floor to the trails and with in one hour it was overheat because the mud just covered the radiator. I am going to do a few Mods like put a barrier under the radiator that comes out a few inches that may stop the mud from coming off the tire on to the radiator. but I washed it out three times my first day riding.

 

[TRX2fiveO]

maybe you could make some fender liners for the front to divert the debris away from the radiator? post a few pics up and let me look at what your setup looks like

 

[tomgodd]

Try what Moose suggested. My buddys dad has a 420 but I have never heard of him complain, But it has probly never seen mud. It is like a 08 and has like 1 Hour on it. But if I get the chance to look at it I let you know what I think. Call your dealer to see if Honda makes something for it.

 

[Saber6]

Old industrial belting works great to keep mud out. Just cut to fit any gaps and zip screw or zip tie in place.

 

[Shamrock95]

Thank you all run the ideas

 

[chonete3]

check the oil level and the air filter
low oil levels and bad air flow cause engines to over heat

 

[blimpman]

From Ohio

New quad wannabe... Looking for a utility quad I think. I need the cargo carrying capability since I plan on camping with it.

53 yrs old, ride Dual Sport bikes mostly but the wife likes quads since they are much more stable and can handle pretty knarley terrain. Probably concentrate on finding a Honda but a good deal anywhere with other manufacturers would be considered. I have alot to learn...

 

[Saber6]

New quad wannabe... Looking for a utility quad I think. I need the cargo carrying capability since I plan on camping with it.

53 yrs old, ride Dual Sport bikes mostly but the wife likes quads since they are much more stable and can handle pretty knarley terrain. Probably concentrate on finding a Honda but a good deal anywhere with other manufacturers would be considered. I have alot to learn...

Welcome to the forums!!!!:icon_ lala:

 

[jrowe06]

welcome to the forums , my son & i love our honda ranchers!

 

[zachd420]

mine was really low on oil and i rode it for like 3 days stright day and night and it over heated like crazyy! and i guess thats why? but idc im about to relocate my radeator anyway!! haha

 

[dennissonnier]

When you say you washed it out, how did you wash it out? If your trying to spray it from the front through the opening, theres a black screen in front of the radiator. Its impossible to properly clean the radiator that way. On each side of the radiator, behind the front wheels, there are panels that you remove. Once removed you can get to the front and back of radiator. I made me a 3/8" line with a 90 deg. bend at the end that hooks to my water hose. Makes it easy to reach in and wash the radiator from top to bottom both front and back.