Bossdaddy

It's not mine but I thought I would try and help a friend of the family. When he brought it to me it would run but only with the choke half on, it would run pretty good, plenty of power, he just wanted it fixed. The owner had put a Chinese carb on it about a year ago and shortly after installation he had to engage the choke to keep it running. He brought the original carb when brought the machine. I ordered a rebuild kit for it and cleaned the carb while I was waiting for the kit. I rebuilt the carb and got it installed this afternoon. It fired right up, I idled it up just a little and let it warm up good then adjusted the, I believe ya'll call it the pilot screw not sure but the only adjustment screw there is, very little since I set it two turns off the seat prior to installation. When I went for a test ride it ran perfect, no hick-ups at all but when you go to accelerate it don't bog down it just don't have the power it should have, almost like it is starving for gas but not running rough. It's hard to explain, I've never experienced anything like this before, maybe I did something wrong. I know with all the experience on here somebody has probably seen this before. Sorry for being so long winded, HELP!!

toodeep, 2 1/2 turns was where I started at but to get it to run I had it out about 5 1/2 turns. I'm like you I think the biggest problem is the carb on the overheating and running bad. I will check the oil flow and fix the heat indicator problem. All the suggestions are greatly appreciated and always a learning experience, I need everybody's help and input and thanks to all of you.

I'm asking, if the engine was just idling, under no load, how long would it be before I would start seeing signs of the oil pump not working. I'm looking for a ballpark time I know it will vary. 

How long will a 450 run with the oil pump not working?

I just checked the sparkplug and it's black on one half and mostly like new on the other, I put in a new plug prior to start up the first time. Replaced the oil filter and filled with oil. Started up, had to use choke the whole time to keep it running, in approximately one minute I could tell it was starting to get hot mostly at the exhaust pipe and within 30 more seconds it was really hot, shut it down. I checked the sides and bottom of engine and it was just barely warm. The engine it very quite, not ticks or knocks at all. I continued to run it and adjust the carb but it never ran right and only while using the choke to help keep it running.

Fishfiles, I hope you're wrong but who knows, I am hoping toodeep's theory is what the problem is. I appreciate all comments and I'm looking at all suggestions. Keep them coming. 

toodeep, I have not checked the plug but I will first chance I get tomorrow.

shadetree, I believe I very well may have a problem with the fan or some of the components associated with the fan and I am working on checking them out, but the fan not coming on did not cause it to run so extremely hot so quick. All of us know that these engines will start and run a very long time under the conditions it was in, 68 degree in a shop under no load at all. The oil pump may be something to look at but after I have tried everything else. The carb bring to lean may be something to look in to. Here is something to think about, I mentioned the exhaust was so hot, the exhaust and shield may have been the hottest thing, and when I drained the oil this morning checking the oil filter, the oil had a strong smell of gasoline to me.

Is there any way to check the oil pump?

It's hard to explain how quick it got hot and how hot it was. In less than five minutes it was smoking hot. The exhaust pipe, shield and all was so hot it was heating the left rear fender and there is no exhaust leaks. I've got two more Foreman 450's I can start both of them leave them running for ten minutes and the fan will not come on and they will not be hot enough for the fan to come on. I don't know if the oil was hot or not. Totally lost again!!

I didn't get the results I wanted on the oil filter. The filter was installed correctly. 

jeepwm69, I understand what you are saying about the top end, what would be the most likely reason for not getting oil ?

I still don't understand the fan not coming on and I never got a overheating light.

It did get hot but I never heard any noises at all coming from the engine, maybe that is the problem and I didn't hurt the engine.

Fishfiles, I haven't changed the oil but it has very clean oil. That crossed my mind about the oil filter but didn't know would happen if it got flipped. Man I hope that is the problem. I've heard of people installing the filter backwards but never heard what the results were if that happens. I'll check it out tomorrow.

When I got this Foreman it was just barely running. I rebuilt the carb and replaced the choke cable. When I went to start it it fired up and ran pretty good. I let it idle after the choke was no longer needed and adjusted the carb and it was running really good. Then I noticed it was extremely hot, this was to quick to be hot , we're talking less than five minutes. I immediately shut it down. Checked the oil which was normal. Can anybody give me somewhere to start to figure out why it ran so hot so quick. I have seen many start to get hot and fan comes on and they kool down. I don't think the oil ever got to the cooler. The fan never came on.

Thanks, toodeep

It started soaking last night.

I pulled the carburetor off and the throttle cable is fine, free and smooth. The carb. is like sticky in all operations. I've ordered a rebuild kit for it. I believe it will build good and work out good for him.

I say slow, what I mean is slow to respond. I can push to accelerate, let off and it come back to normal real slow. So naturally engine comes back to idle slowly.

Thanks Fishfiles, toodeep, it will still operate, it's just slow, I think I can get it working right. I do appreciate all the other options I have, thanks guys.

Thanks shadetree.

Thanks THH never messed with one but thought I would try and help him out. I'll check and see what I can find.

A friend brought a Big Red by for me to look at and see If I could help him out. It will run but poorly, leaks fuel not only at overflow hose and seems the throttle cable is sticky and don't work smoothly and respond quick. Where do I find a rebuild kit for the carb and new throttle cable. I will even buy a carb if I could find one. Any suggestions will be appreciated. 

Thanks guys I got it .

How do I download a manual for a 2003 Honda Rancher 350, service/maintenance?

Everything stayed in place as far as I can see except for the triangle, and it looks like it goes back with the little spring towards the engine. Does anybody have a Rancher 350 service/maintenance manual they can download; I would like to have one.