I need ya'lls advice on a '01 Rancher es 4x4 that the guy says the oil seals are bad because he overfilled the engine and started it and blew the seals. I'm not sure what seals he is talking about, only read his ad, have not talked with him yet. Before I waste my time going to check it out, what do ya'll think? I'm not sure if this is a somewhat simple repair or something major. Thank you for any advice. Jim

 

I don't know of any seals that can blow by overfilling the engine with oil. The engine is vented. It's not sealed so there is no seal that is under pressure in the sump.

Things like lip seals in the cases are not under any pressure. I don't have any idea what the guy is talking about.

What does he say it does or dosen't do?

 

Doc the only info I have is the ad he posted "I have a red 2001 honda rancher es 4x4. it has bad oil seals when changed oil over filled and started the motor what caused them to blow. i have talked to many different shops to get it fixed. I just do not have the money to get it done. i hate to sell but need the money more than the four wheller. due to oil seals blown it smokes more when gas is given. plus i am more into street bikes and need to fix mine as well." I am going to check the bike out, but I wanted a heads-up to what I should be looking for or what to exspect. Thanks, Jim

 

Might be a great deal depending on what is wrong.

Get some more info and I'll be able to give you a better answer if I can.

 

I have certainly heard of blown oil seals from overfilling oil on many different engine types, so this is a plausable explaination.....

If you are mechanically inclined and you can get a really really good price on it that will justify all the work that you will have to do, then I would go for it. If you however want to ride rather than wrench, steer clear of it.

 

Reconranger, he is asking $1400 for the bike. What is your opinion on this price? Can you give me some idea of what will need to be done in the repair? Thanks, Jim

 

Hard to say off the top of my head, which seals might be effected and how much work it would be to replace them. If you can get hold of a service manual and look at the section on oiling, might give you some clues.

As for price, it is hard to judge because prices very so much in different parts of the countyry. It is pretty old to start with and it is a give you are going to have to tear into it, so I would procede with a lot of caution. Again, if you want to ride not wrench, pass it up!

 

The Rancher engine is actually a DRY SUMP engine. The oil tank is internal on the left side of the engine, rather than in a remote location like on the 400EX and Z4000 for example. So, I would imagine that you have a fair amount of extra space for overfilled oil, before nasty things begin to happen.

I had a buddy overfill the oil on his wife's dry sump 400EX. He checked it cold and thought it needed oil. Thing is, the oil hides somewhere in these engines when they sit, and if you top them up cold they are way over. Luckily, we started the engines for a few minutes to warm them up, and I noticed the big puddle of oil under her quad. The pressure blew the lines right off the oil tank!

 

Thanks RR for the info.

 

Ok, what seals can blow on a dry sump engine by over filling it with oil? Name them and then explain how that can happen.

And I'm talking about a reasonable amount of oil over, not a gallon over on a 1 gallon sump.