Well I picked up a new one today and have a couple questions.
First I have read here where the 20hr service with valve adjustment is very important. I mentioned this to the dealer and he stated that the oil should be changed to eliminate metal filings etc at 10hrs but as far as valves are concerned it is a non-issue with Hondas as long as you do not hear them ticking.
Second, I was told that a 1700lb Warn winch is the only winch that will "properly" fit this unit as the mounting area is small. I mentioned Viper winches that I have seen on E-bay and was told that these are absolute junk...i.e. better off throwing your money in the garbage. And if the winch is more than a 1700lb winch it will not install properly due to the size of the winch. If a bigger winch is somehow installed it will not be installed properly and will most likely bend the frame.
I was wondering if anyone has any thoughts in these area.

Thanks

 

First of all, break it in hard, to seat the rings: http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm


I always do an oil and oil filter change very early on, like at 1-2 hours. I guess that 10 hours is better than not doing it at all...which is what most folks would do! Stick with a petroleum based oil during break in (like Honda GN4 or Maxima Premium), then you can change to a synthetic later if you wish.

As far as valve adjustments, I think the 20 hour one is the most important! That is right after things are just nicely broken in. Most of the time my valves are in at 20 hours, but I have had them be way out too, so I wouldn't take a chance on that one....

 

i will let you know about the winch this week..........ordered a gorilla winch and mounting kit....didnt fit ..sent it all back and ordered a warn 1500lb and kit should be here monday

my 420 has 50 hrs on it and the valves are quiet.....should it be done i think so but i havent got around to it......i change the oil and used mobil1

 

According to my sources (the dealer) your 1500lb Warn winch will do the job just fine as it is under the maximum size which was stated as being 1700lb.
Sorry if I did not clarify in original post.

 

I purchased a 420 last December. Since then I mounted a Warn RT25 (2500lb) winch. I asked the dealer for suggestions and this is the one they suggested. I also asked Warn and got the same reply. Warn makes a mounting plate for the 420. I'm not doubting Wayne36 in anyway, but no one ever told me that 1700lbs was the max allowed for this model ATV.

I will say this. I mounted my winch myself becuase the dealer wanted 175.00 to do it. It took me all day but it works great. It was an unbelievably tight fight however after it's in there is a small amount of clearance around the unit and it sits fine.

 

you dont have to adjust the valves, it just a way for the dealership to make money. I have 2001 honda 300ex and i never adjusted the valves. I also have an 07 rubicon with 700 miles on it and havent touch the valves. Im a small engine mechanic and can say the valves will not go out of adjustment more than one or two thousands which is not enough to do any thing. For example when setting valves the repair manuel will say adjust intake valve from .003 to .005. and exhaust from .005 to .007. Theres room for break in.

 

jrafter is not a good idea to use mobil 1 in a engine with an oil bath clutch. The oil you get for a car dosent have clutch additives in it. using that oil can cause premature clutch wear. Its ok to use that oil in a quad with a belt drive because theres no internal clutch

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: kgcool

jrafter is not a good idea to use mobil 1 in a engine with an oil bath clutch. The oil you get for a car dosent have clutch additives in it. using that oil can cause premature clutch wear. Its ok to use that oil in a quad with a belt drive because theres no internal clutch</end quote></div>


if you get the red label mobil1 for high mileage it doesnt have the additives that mess with clutchs and ive been using that or royal purple in 3 quads and havent had any problems.

 

Some good advice about oil: http://www.thumperfaq.com/oil.htm


Mobil 1 Racing 4T synthetic motorcycle oil is just fine in your quad. You do not however, want to run any kind of "car" oil (particularly energy conserving ones) because they contain friction modifiers that will make your clutch slip.

If you notice, in the original post the dealer wasn't pushing him at all to get a valve adjustment, then kgcool comes up with this BS about it just being a way of dealers making money......

Play it safe...do the valve adjustment! Wait until you start hearing weird noises....that's just stupid!

 

as long as its not standard mobil 1 it mmk. just thought you were using the stuff with no adds.