[bcsman]

So I just got this 1998 Foreman 450ES Saturday and would like some ideas what I should do for initial upkeep. I plan on oil, air and oil filters, spark plug, rear end and differential fluids. Everything seems to be working so far. Have to make sure I get ATV oil for it. It has 5,000 miles but a rebuilt engine about a year ago. Thanks for any info....

 

[mrbb]

basic's I would do on any new to me atv would be as follows
one I would drain the fuel tank and inspect inside of tank for crap

next I would do an oil change and new oil filter(I prefer good syn oil) next I would drain and replace front and rear diff fluid, next I would clean the air filter and or replace pending condition and type that is in the unit, I would also replace the spark plug with a new one, I would then proceed to inspect ALL wheel bearings, any slop at all, would correct
and all the more so with the LEFT REAR wheel, its a known weak link on this model atv, and if it has even a LITTLE play in things, water gets into the axle tube and rust off the rear axle splines and you go from having a 35 bucks new bearing seal repair to a 200 plus buck new axle needed plus bearings and seals,
so that is one thing to keep a closer eye on on ALL honda atv's with axle tubes and duel rear shocks!

NEXT I would be inspecting the front axle boots for any holes or tears, as they too, if damages can lead to larger costing repairs or break downs trail side!
any torn boot or any with any holes in would get pulled, opened up and inspected, and pending what I find, either just re greased and new boots, or well, new what ever worn parts needed replaced!
also while up front, inspect all tie rods and front end parts!

last and optional, is the brake system, front brakes I would flush out OLD fluid for new fluid, and I would inspect pads
rear are drums and I would maybe suggest opening them up to CLEAN them as odds are they are packed up with old mud and dirt, and again, inspect pads and make sure all things are working as they shsould
this is a rather older atv, so anything can need some TLC or replacing, good news is these are long lasting atv's and all parts are still available and there rather simple to work on, as before all the most modern electrical crap has been added to them!
OH and last, I would adjust the clutch, if there is any funny shifting! fast simple easy to do(well as long as the bolt turns and not frozen up LOL

https://www.hondaatvforums.net/forum...-problems.html

 

[shadetree]

and you could not find all this info in the service manual ??. it spells out everything from maintenance to over hauling the engine.

 

[bcsman]

and you could not find all this info in the service manual ??. it spells out everything from maintenance to over hauling the engine.

Well I would have looked if I could download one. So far I am not able to do anything on the service manual post so that's why I asked. Maybe you can help me out by telling me how to get one, I can see the post and click on pages but everything is shaded so I can't get anywhere. Thanks..

 

[bcsman]

And many thanks to mrbb for some very informative advise.....

 

[shadetree]

and you could not find all this info in the service manual ??. it spells out everything from maintenance to over hauling the engine.

Well I would have looked if I could download one. So far I am not able to do anything on the service manual post so that's why I asked. Maybe you can help me out by telling me how to get one, I can see the post and click on pages but everything is shaded so I can't get anywhere. Thanks..

go to the manual section, first sticky, click on it ( bryan ), once open, scroll down until you see in big red letters ( service manuals ), click it, then locate utility pdf file for honda, then look for your year/make model, down load it .

 

[shadetree]

and you need to be on a pc or tablet or lap top to get it, you can't use a smart phone ( stupid phone ) to down load it .

 

[bcsman]

Well crap that was easy, just never scrolled down far enough, what a maroon!! I don't surf on my smartphone, much prefer my 24" LCD for viewing. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction, wow that's a big manual....gee whiz

 

[shadetree]

Well crap that was easy, just never scrolled down far enough, what a maroon!! I don't surf on my smartphone, much prefer my 24" LCD for viewing. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction, wow that's a big manual....gee whiz

your very welcome . glad I could help, and yeah, its pretty big !..lol.

 

[mrbb]

well I will say this, I HATE using down load service manuals, I am OLD and old school, I like a REAL hard copy paper in my hands when I have a service manual I can carry it with me , have next to machine in shop when working on it or??

you can MANY times find cheap USED service manuals on Ebay
when I BUY an atv I INVEST in a manual, I then use that manual as a service records book , for THAT machine, I use the black pages and cover, to log down all work I do, and PM"s, as my memory isn;t the best and have too many things to even try to keep all in my head on what and when I do what!
having the hard paper copy service manual IMO is worth PAYING every penny I have paid for them!
but to each there own!

 

[bcsman]

You are definitely correct with having a paper copy handy. I probably won't be doing any engine or shift rebuilds due to my lack of expertise. So I can always print off a page or 10 that I need for doing my kinda maintenance. And some of the stuff is just for reference and I can write down the info. You are most likely gonna tackle anything that breaks so I don't blame you for having the hard copy.