Honda Rancher 350 Top End Rebuild

[@CARLPHILLY]

I'm going to rebuild my 350 after deer season, and I'm not a mechanic, so thanks for the video. I did subscribe to the channel.

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

Thanks and thanks for watching

[@CARLPHILLY]

@@FourwheelerDoctor I got the rebuild done, it works great man runs good. Thank you for the video. I have never rebuilt an engine at all and we managed it thankfully.

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

@@CARLPHILLY thanks man I'm glad I could help.

[@patrickbailey2263]

Thanks for the video indeed. I followed it and rebuilt my 02 Honda 350. However, the valve instruction I understood to be spec but also tedious. I closed one valve fully and adjusted the other and vice-versa. Seems to run great. Thanks!

[@icy_vxbez45]

It it bad if my ring have to much play like I move my thumb around them and they move a lot

[@CARLPHILLY]

I didn't see when you put the long bolts in the side of the cylinder. could you please tell me when it is that you do that, and how much torque to put on them. Thanks.

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

Yes I didn't show that in the video. You want to install these long bolts after you torque the head down. These bolts should be torqued to 9 lb ft

[@cheraw20]

what if the motor won't rotate how can you get it to top dead center or do you have to before removing the top end? I believe that the piston is hitting a valve.

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

You don't have to before hand. It just makes it easier to put it all back together if it's at top dead center to start off with. You can go ahead and tear it apart and then get it at top dead center before you adjust the values.

[@cheraw20]

Ok if you tear it apart without it being top dead center. How do you determine what stroke its on without the valves on it?

[@cheraw20]

Or it the T symbol only visible on the compression stroke

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

@@cheraw20 the tea is visible twice during the four strokes of the engine.

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

If you don't have the valves in it you can put the pushrods in and rotate the engine. The pushrods should be even at the top dead center t mark.

[@NelsonCreekCustoms]

I feel like this one is gotta be a hit awesome videos man

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

Thanks and thanks for watching

[@daleross2739]

My friend with a 350 with a new top end and can’t figure the ticking noise maybe it’s the lifters

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

Could be, try adjusting valves.

[@daleross2739]

@@FourwheelerDoctor it was the timing chain is that a common problem with Honda rancher 350 and it’s bored to a 355 idk if that makes a difference or not

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

@@daleross2739 the change do stretch on these bikes periodically and I have swapped out a bunch of them.

[@daleross2739]

@@FourwheelerDoctor we figured out it was the timing chain but we will test it once it gets out back together thanks for the response help

[@hondaatc1987]

I rebuild these ranchers from time to time.. those aftermarket jugs with the new pistons are hit and miss. Sometimes these kits have too much play between the piston and cylinder causing a rattle/knocking sound. I have used a Numara piston in these and they fit good and tight

[@michaelschlup-c5o]

if you do not use RTV on the base gasket, how do you keep it from leaking ... i just reassembled mine and it leaked like a sieve !! i think i missed the dowel guides ....

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

@@michaelschlup-c5o it will seal if put it on dry. I usually put RTV on all gaskets with exception of the head gaskets. But I have had issues in the past just with these base gaskets because of the pressure that the head bolts are tightened to. They will make the gasket move and break causing a severe leak. I have never had a base gasket leak when put on dry

[@michaelschlup-c5o]

@@FourwheelerDoctor i did put it on dry but it leaked so bad i wonder if i missed aligned the guide pins...

[@TheHomePros6221]

Yay I love watching rancher videos!!

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

Thanks for watching

[@bryantcreech7423]

Instead of pulling the pull starter off could I just jack up the rear end, put it in gear and spin the back wheels to get it to tdc that way?

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

Yes you can also put a small wooden dowel in the spark plug hole to let you know when you are getting close to top dead. It may be aggravating but probably not as aggravating as unbolting the pull start. Lol

[@bryantcreech7423]

@@FourwheelerDoctor that would definitely be easier for me because the previous owner deleted the pull start and put a plate over the hole and it seems to be glued in.

[@micahl9075]

I can’t get the head off my 350. The one bolt seems to be stuck to the head where it comes up through the head. Any idea how to get it off?

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

It's stuck on a stud?

[@micahl9075]

@@FourwheelerDoctor yes

[@hbro372]

If the rings are just worn and no scarring in the cylinder, have you ever just honed the cylinder and reused? Are the cylinders honeable?

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

Yes they can be honed. If they don't have any deep scratches in the cylinder, you can just hone them but I still try to replace the rings.

[@brianmcneese9659]

Good video!! I contacted you in July about a 2009 Honda Big Red 700 oil pressure problem. I replaced the pump, chain and sprocket. Unit worked perfectly for 4 months. Then the linear solenoid failed. Tested old solenoid, I know it was bad. I replaced it, but the unit won't move. Using the test port, I tested it for oil pressure. No oil pressure. I've taken the unit apart again, and no signs of anything wrong. ( no blown seals or o-rings, chain looks good and the oil pump turns.) Can the solenoid failure cause oil pump failure? Could the pressure relief valve in the pump be stuck? I was thinking, with your experience, you might have some insight on this problem. Any help and advice would be appreciated. Thanks for listening.

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

The relief valve would be about the only thing left. I can't say I have ever seen this.

[@NicGunn]

Could I use any oil for the lubricant or should I use atv oil?

[@ronniep1788]

No oil on the piston,or the cylinder, before assembly?

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

It was cleaned with transmission fluid and a light the oil before assembly. I didn't mention oil but I did the transmission fluid which would probably suffice by itself since it is a lubricant until the 2nd rotation when oil goes everywhere in the bottom end of the engine.

[@danielhubley7564]

Hey man just wondoring if you have to put the timing top dead center or not when you take the head off? Will it mess it up once's it's all back tobetgwr

[@larrywalden626]

Can you give me the dimensions of your home made press out 1x tubing please? Thanks

[@robertfrankowski3244]

Hey got a quick question. Got my top end off after buying it from someone who ran it low on oil. Got the piston off and noticed some scaring in the connecting Rod where wrist pin goes. And noticed a tiny bit of play with the wrist pin in without piston. Is there any play at all between wrist pin and connecting Rod?

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

No there shouldn't be any play.

[@jggunther7949]

If I have some grooves in my connecting rod from the stuck rust pin can I smooth them out with dremel tool. Thanks

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

Yes just a little at a time. The pin should slide in with very little effort.

[@6foot8jesuspilledpureblood82]

Hey mate, my honda trx 420 runs sweet until it heats up then starts blowing tons of white smoke? Any ideas? Should i go ahead with a top end rebuild? Happens after about 20 mins riding hard

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

Is the oil level going down? Does your coolant level drop any?

[@6foot8jesuspilledpureblood82]

​@FourwheelerDoctor coolant hasn't dropped only oil I think.

[@6foot8jesuspilledpureblood82]

Could I use this video to rebuild the 420 or is it too different with the 350

[@colonialroofingofnorthcaro441]

I did a new top end of 2005 honda foreman 500, which ran perfect before I put the new top end on, now it just hits on the compression stroke but want run or stay running, I can make it ideal holding the starter but want stay running past the hit in the compression stroke, any ideas, I'd appreciate it, God bless

[@andersona9862]

Hi, I have a rancher 350 that has a bad tick, I know it’s not valves or cam chain, I’ve come to the conclusion of piston slap. Do you know what symptoms would be piston slap. The rod has no up and down play, but it does have some scars where the wrist pin goes. I had to beat it out and can’t get it back in to check for looseness. Any of your feedback would help. Thank you

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

Sounds like you probably have wear in the small end of the rod. Probably need to replace the crankshaft.

[@richardgreen5602]

How much labor time, parts and total cost would this be????? I have a BMS 400cc Mountaineer with an Odes Honda knock-off which ran out of oil due failure to replace an O ring during oil change.

[@danielbradshaw1913]

I build diesel engines for a living but never done small engine but I’m getting ready to do my sons 350. I see you installed rings dry. On diesels we put oil on them. Should I put oil on these or install dry?

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

The manual does not call for any additional oil on the rings. I do apply a light coating of oil to the cylinder before replacing it.

[@larrywalden626]

I’m here bc I started smoking bad on a quad riding camping trip to Pickett state park in Jamestown Tenn this past weekend. It’s all original 2006 Rancher 350. What kind of money are we talking about having this repair done?

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

There is a aftermarket cylinder piston and ring kit for these bikes that you can purchase for less than a hundred bucks on ebay. If you follow this video you can do it yourself and have right around $100 in it with an change. without really needing any special tools except for a filler gauge and normal hand tools.

[@michaelmanning5034]

Hey, I just got an 03. It is seized but it ran last year. Do you have any advice? It's full of oil

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

Have you tried to turn it over without the spark plug? If so put oil in the cylinder and let it sit to see if it may free up

[@Mostviews111]

Take the spark plug out it turns over like a dream with the recoil

[@romaquadriciclo2219]

De qual moto que dá o cilindro no fourtrax 350

[@NicGunn]

Could I use any oil for the lubricant or should I use atv oil

[@zachmckee9389]

I have a 02 rancher barely if any smoke at idle. Quite a bit getting into the throttle and can hear what I think is valve chattering possibly would I need to do something like this? Thanks

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

Adjusting the valves would help quite the noise. If I were you I would ride it until it started smoking more. At that point then you would need to do the top end as shown in the video.

[@zachmckee9389]

@@FourwheelerDoctor thank you!

[@zachmckee9389]

What kit do you recommend or use?

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

I have used this kit in the past. www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-Rancher-Trx350-TRX-350-Cylinder-Piston-Rings-Gasket-Kit-Set-2000-2006-/161207181738?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m2548.l6249&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

[@zachmckee9389]

@@FourwheelerDoctor thank you!

[@vinceparker2888]

My pin was frozen as well

[@adamrobinson6671]

I just did a top end on my rancher 350 and I think I rotated the engine over the wrong way. And now that it's together I have 0 compression. Do you think I messed up the timing when I rotated it the wrong way? Thanks for the awsome video

[@whiteboyryan97]

You may have been on exhaust stroke instead of compression stroke when setting your valve clearance

[@starlight8298]

Thanks for the lesson , very helpful 😊

[@dannysheppard2882]

Love the videos bud, let ask you a question, you rebuild a lot of engines and my 420 rancher needs rings, is numara a piston ? Thanks for sharing the knowledge.

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

Normally just use OEM Pistons but there's really nothing special about them. My engine boring guy really likes the numara Pistons. I have used a few and can't say anything bad about them.

[@dannysheppard2882]

@@FourwheelerDoctor that’s what I thought, thanks for replying, !!

[@quinton666]

What cylinder kit did you buy? Honda wants 700 Canadian for the cylinder alone.

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

I just left a link to the kit in the description.

[@blazeweaver7467]

Thanks for the help buddy.

[@m.b8257]

Another great video ! Keep em coming .

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

Thanks and thanks for watching

[@richardgreen5602]

FYI Then bike will still crank ( and seems to sound normal) but will not start....follow -up to prior questions.

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

That's the same thing this bike was doing. And as you can see from the video the piston and melted so it was not getting any compression but didn't make any odd noises when it turned over. You can buy these cylinder kits very inexpensively off eBay for around $100. And really only takes a couple hours labor to replace.

[@richardgreen5602]

​@@FourwheelerDoctor Thank you for the quick and full information.

[@edwardespinoza2806]

Which top end kit did you order

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

This one off eBay www.ebay.com/itm/Cylinder-Piston-Ring-Kit-Gasket-for-Honda-TRX350TM-Rancher-350-2X4-S-2000-2006-/283342974466?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m2548.l6249&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

[@jeffdowdy5113]

excellent video

[@Timbobucky]

Good stuff

[@jtmartin8445]

Rule 1 never use a screwdriver like this when installing rings that’s exactly how you slip and nick the side of the piston causing it to smoke

[@Sweetie-yd3gh]

Get all that dirt down there oh yeaahhh

[@262fallguy]

So much easier to put the piston in the jug and then put the wrist pin in.this was actually very hard to watch 🤦

[@FourwheelerDoctor]

I've done that before but seemed to struggle to hold the cylinder up, get the piston in the precise location so that the wrist pain will slide through and then getting the clip on the wrist pin. It proved to be more of a struggle than just pushing the piston rings in one at a time but it will work.

[@johnkoshkerian2403]

Too bad you didn't mention the ft lbs torque for the head

[@BryanDevillier]

He did 29ftlbs on the acorn bolts 22ftlbs on the valve bolts I do 7ftlbs on the 10mm head bolts

[@NicGunn]

Could I use any oil for the lubricant or should I use atv oil?

[@NicGunn]

Could I use any oil for the lubricant or should I use atv oil?