Is Anyone having any problems with the rancher starting in the cold. It seems I have to warm it up in a room with a heater before it starts. Had it in the dealership and they couldn't find anything wrong with it.

 

Honda recommends running a hotter plug if the temperature is below 41 degrees. The standard plug is a DPR7EA-9 for cold weather a DPR6EA-9 is recommended. This info is on page 120 of your owners manual. I hope this helps, if not you will have a spare plug to use in the cold.

 

Yes the dealership gave me the plugs and have already done that. Did not work though. Thanks for the reply though I appreciate it.

Bye

 

Hi,

Use the choke and hold the throttle down half-way and it should start okay. That's what works on my Rancher.

 

Have you been using the primer when it won't start? Mine was hard to start in the cold but using the primer it started right up. I still didn't like the fact that I had to use it so someone told me to check the valve clearance. I got the shop manual and adjusted the valves, now it starts much quicker in the cold. If the valves have tightened down a little it'll make it harder to start.

 

Use the primer. I started one in -20 degree celcious temps, and it hasn't been started for over 2 weeks(to much snow to drive) It starts a lot easier. I don't even ues the throttle. just full choke, and 5 pushes on the primer button. The 350's are a good machine. My dad is very impressed with his. Good luck!

 

I was having the same problem with my Rancher and when I took it to my dealer for the recent recall, I asked them to look at it. After looking at the bike for a while they decided it wasn't sparking when it got cold out. Then they decided that it was the CDI module. Evidently, they took the moldule off my bike, warmed the module up, plugged it back into the bike and it started right up. I wonder if this might be the problem for some of the ranchers not starting in the cold.

 

Cold Weather (Sub Zero) Starting
Foreman 450, Rancher, Rubicon

- Turn key on for 30 sec to 1 minute before starting to allow the carb heater (factory equipment) to warm the carb.
- Pull choke out full.
- Start and allow to run until engine starts to sputter , then push in choke. (I have yet to use the primer using this method even in -30 degrees)
- If it does not start pump primer a couple of times then try and start again.
- In real cold conditions (-35 degrees) turn engine over with pull cord a few times to loosen engine before using the electric start.
- If it does not start using this procedure I suggest taking it into the shop and have the timing, carb heater, and choke cable/adjustment checked.