Here is my original post:

Mon October 09, 2006 12:57 PM

Good afternoon folks!My name is Chris. I am a firefighter in New York. I am new to quads and this forum.I have a problem.I purchased an 05 TRX350 Rancher for my wife (simple automatic foot shifting was the attraction).I now cannot go through the forward gears.I have reverse.I tried to adjust the clutch as stated in the owner's manual, however, it did not work.Could my fluid level be low? If so, how do I check it?I don't see how the friction discs could be that worn in one year as to warrant replacement, however, I did work this little guy well in the past year. Is this a common maintenance issue with these quads?Could over-revving in a low gear contribute to this problem? (It took my wife some time to understand the mechanics of this nice little quad). I bought this quad new from an insurance buy out from a dealer that had Hurricane Katrina damage last year. I received a decent discount, however, all warranties are out the window when you buy any new vehicle that is classified as salvage. There was no water damage to this quad (water up to the rims...that?s it). I do not know of any recalls and, since I live in NY, I will most likely get bopped over the head with a big bill. I am pretty handy in the workshop, and would consider working on it. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!Sorry for this novel, I just want to make sure I have tried everything possible before I go to the local shop backwards ;-).Take care.Chris-------------------------2005 Honda Rancher (TRX350FM)2002 Suzuki DR-Z400S1999 Honda Gold Wing SE1970's? PUCH Moped



Hello again folks!

Well, a lot has transpired regarding this shifting problem mentioned above.
In a nutshell, I lost first and second gear. Since I am not that good of a wrench turner, I was forced to seek out a repair shop. I was told that the worst-case scenario for R&R with parts is around $1,500.00. I am thinking about selling it as is so I can purchase an 06 Rincon 650.

This Rancher is a very nice machine, however, I would like to step up to a larger unit. I really do like this machine and I wish I were a better mechanic because I would fix her my self. Just my luck????
Thanks.
Chris

 

Since you're going to buy another Honda, I would trade that SOB in at the dealer. You may come out better, but who knows. I would at least check into it.

 

Any chance there is a problem with the drive? Seeing the diffs are lower, it was more likely they got wet than the engine. Did it maybe get water in one of the diffs and it's freezing up? Have you checked the oil in them, and seen what it looks like?

 

Thats just sucks. But you could try to trade it in. Selling it out right would probably not be your best bet. You will take a beating on it. I doubt very many people will pay much for a Rancher that won't go forward.
This is what I would do. I would part it out on ebay. You don't have to be a mechanic to disassemble it. It would also be a great learning experience. I bet you would probably make more on it in pieces than you could sell it as a whole. Ebay is simple and very rewarding. You just need a camera. You would be amazed at what would sell on ebay.

 

Well if it was me i would buy a repair manual and tear into it to see what all you need to repair it myself , but i've been in small engine repair for over 20 yrs ; mostly lawn and garden equiptment ! The first atv i worked on was suzuki mohavi 250 2 strock that had some gear's chewed up , the part's cost about $300.00 to repair ; it only took about 3 hour's to fix ! The hardest and longest part of the job was the wait for part's to come in from the dealer , but like i said i have been in small engine repair for over 20 yrs ; and i didn't have a manual to work with ! A good O.E.M. manual for your quad would make the work much easier than what i had to work with , and about trade in at the dealer it's all about price ; with some dealer's you don't get as much on trade in even when the quad you're trading in is in good working condition ! You would probablly get more parting it out on ebay , but if you're going to tear into it to part it out you may find you can repair it yourself with a good repair manual ! ............I would give it a try with a good repair manual ; good luck whatever you deside !. ........williebee

 

Good morning people.

Thank you all for your input, I really appreciate it.

1) As for the dealer swap, I did not purchase this from a dealer. It was part of a Katrina sell off and it has a ?salvage? title.

2) At no time did this quad ever get submerged both prior to my ownership and during its life with me.

3) The oil levels are fine (the first thing I checked), and there seems to be no metal shavings present.

4) As far as Ebay is concerned, I am addicted to Ebay. I thought about parting out the Rancher, however, I do not have the time or inspiration to fudge with it. I just may throw the whole unit on ?as is? and take my chances. There are a lot of talented garage mechanics that could score well with this machine.

5) As for me repairing it?AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! It appears to me that this little devil is sectional, and it would require a S#*T load of work and time!

I think I will pick it up from the shop this morning and bring it upstate New York next weekend (opening day-gun) and try my luck with a local mom and pop-shop.

Thanks again for your advice.

 

I wish we were a little closer I'd gladly take it off your hands. But good luck with whatever you decide to do with it.
And definitely look into the Rincon. I love everything about mine.

 

Check out this link. http://www.ronayers.com/fiche/200_04...70&parent=2010
If it was mine I would be looking under the front cover. If it's stuck in reverse and won't even go to neutral I would suspect the detent arm(#7) or maybe the detent star(#6) itself is loose. I have seen #10 break b/4 but I have only seen #15 break on one unit. The one we had in the shop the other day that had 17,000 miles on it.
The trannies in these units rarely goes out but the gear change mechanisms go out more often.
You are probably better off taking it to the shop and getting them to take the cover off though. I would assume that they just guessed at it and gave you an estimate when you took it in. You should be able to convince them to take the cover off and have a look for say $75- $100.
If you would have to take the clutches out yourself you will need the puller to get the centrifugal clutch out.

 

Hello Melloyello:

Thank you for your information. I just might try the removing the cover as you suggested. I really do like this machine. It is perfect for my wife! It is a sturdy unit that won't snap your neck with ridiculous speed. I was told that the friction plates could be worn or the trans fork went from people of this forum (I hope they are correct). These two items are not that big a deal, and I will keep my fingers crossed.

If you are ever planning a trip to NY, drop me a line. Or, if I drive to see my parents in
Florida, I can drop off my quad on the way down????Hmmmmmmmmmmmm!
I live 20 miles from downtown NYC (yes I have trees, as a matter of fact, I just shot a 130+ class 8 point on Monday?Not too shabby!)

Okay, that?s it for now. Thanks again.

Chris

 

Rinman:

The more research I do, the more I like the Rincon. I do not need GPS, nor do I need the independent rear suspension they have now. I would not mind a camo 05 or left over 06. I got a price for a green (non camo) 06 w/o the Independent rear suspension but with GPS for $5,400.00. I think this is a bit on the high side. What do you think?
Thanks. Chris