I think I was wrong in the title. I think its a 2004 Rancher 350

I've got a Honda Rancher that runs inconsistently(which I have figured out and am working on), but today it would run and when any fuel was added(throttle or choke) it would make odd popping sounds almost like a bubble. Not like a backfire.

If it helps with the diagnosis, the other issue is the float gets stuck on the carburetor and lets fuel flow from the overflow. Sometimes it will die on deceleration, sometimes it will idle fine after a little throttle.

Not asking for help on all of these problems at once(unless you'd like to). I'd primarily like to know the cause of the sounds. Thanks.

 

Fuel flowing from overflow is dirt from tank getting stuck between float needle and seat, or the tiny plunger in the float needle sticking. A sticking plunger can only be cured with a new needle. Dirt is cured by cleaning the carb, then the tank out (almost impossible) and/or fitting an in line filter. Paper element ones tend to air lock if run dry though so, if you run out and go onto reserve, the fuel wont go through the filter. The pops could be a valve sticking, too much fuel leads to too much carbon and a sticking exhaust valve.

 

Appreciate it a lot. There is an aftermarket inline fuel filter in the fuel line and a new (~8 month old) carburetor in place, but I can still think of a few ways that dirt would have gotten in the carburetor. Thanks again.