I just purchased my first atv, a 04 Foreman ES 4x4. I have a couple of questions for you guys. I'm not sure I understand how the 4wd works on this thing. Does it lock up when you hit the 4wd switch or what? I also notice tons of wires and connections under this thing, I assume this stuff is sealed and it's ok to get it in deaper water????

thanks in advance for your help

Chuck

 

Its not a submarine, but should handle water up to the headlights before the front starts to get light, and wants to float.

The 4wd switch engages the front differential. Its not a locker, but a torque senseing diff. Its supposed to give traction to the wheel that needs it, but it works on bias...which means the other front tire must have some resistance. So if one front tire gets air born ( like going over a log), it will spin, because there is no bias ( the air borne tire has no resistance to spinning). If you find yourself in that condition and need the tire on the ground to catch some traction...start squeezing the front brake. That gives the air born tire resistance and lets the differential apply some to the other side. This techniquice is known as the honda locker.

The differential is licenced from land rover, and is the same design used in those 4wd suvs...it works very well, but it wont lock. Its much better than the speed sensing differentials. If you need a locker, check out the detroit gearless locker, for the foreman.

 

Well I hope that I don't drop off in any water that deep. I was just concerned that something would malfunction with all those wires getting wet.


Chuck

 

Most of the connectors are weather tight type. They have o rings and seal up good. If youre really concerned about it, buy some dielectric grease, and take apart the connnectors and lube them generously with the dielectric grease. While youre at it, put some on the outside of the spark plug, and inside the spark plug boot, this will stop the spark from shorting out in wet conditions.