How to Waterproof your ATV...

[Sooner]

I wouldn't worry too much about the vent lines. Most any water that might get pulled into the vent lines will end up in the differentials, etc. If it's significant, you're gonna see it when you check for contamination. If it's not noticeable, it won't cause any damage and will burn off quickly. But if we're going to add that to the list, we might point out that both ends of the vent line should be disconnected and low psi should be used to blow them out. I can see someone using 100 psi to blow out their vent lines, not disconnecting the line from the differential and blowing the differential seals right out of their seat. LOL

[Bootlegger]

If you sink it in Mud you need to check the vent lines.....they can get partly clogged from the Mud, dirt & dust. If they do if will cause your diffs to get hot. In some occasions it will build up pressure and puke diff oil out the vent line. The only reason I know this is because it happened to a friend of mine just a few months ago.

[Sooner]

That makes sense. I was just thinking of water. I didn't think about the lines clogging up with mud. Good point Mayhem and Boot.

[Mayhem]

The reason I even thought about it was I was getting mud in my right front drum and I finally found where I had tore a little hole in the vent tube. Water at least clear stuff did not do anything but help it rust some. The muddy stuff seem to grind its way into the pads and make them wear faster. My drums have a plug I pull out and blow out with air after water riding. I leave them out until the next ride.

[Bootlegger]

Originally Posted by Ccrane

Looks good Boot... just one thing I'd add.

The Pull-starter (not all have them, but most)

This is one area most people tend to forget about, and can allow water/sand/mud invasion into the engine. Not to mention ruin the pull-starter and leave you stranded if the battery dies.

There are several Pull-starter leak shields available through after-market mfg's including High Lifter... or you can silicone the hole up yourself.

I personally use a pressurized can of di-electric grease and just cram as much in there as I can... and then fill the void in the bottom of the pull-starter handle full and press it down on there so that the grease squeezes out and wipe off the excess.

If you're going deep, you're likely to wind up with your pull-starter rope breaking... or coming out and not going back in when and if you need it.

Just a thought.

I took the pull rope out of mine and sealed the hole up.....LOL!!!

[Fishmstr]

Originally Posted by Ccrane

Looks good Boot... just one thing I'd add.

The Pull-starter (not all have them, but most)

This is one area most people tend to forget about, and can allow water/sand/mud invasion into the engine. Not to mention ruin the pull-starter and leave you stranded if the battery dies.

There are several Pull-starter leak shields available through after-market mfg's including High Lifter... or you can silicone the hole up yourself.

I personally use a pressurized can of di-electric grease and just cram as much in there as I can... and then fill the void in the bottom of the pull-starter handle full and press it down on there so that the grease squeezes out and wipe off the excess.

If you're going deep, you're likely to wind up with your pull-starter rope breaking... or coming out and not going back in when and if you need it.

Just a thought.

I pulled mine off and ran a bead of silicone around it, I then siliconed the rope in place. That way if I do ever need it I can just break the seal around the handle and it should be nice and dry.

[Mayhem]

Originally Posted by Fishmstr

I pulled mine off and ran a bead of silicone around it, I then siliconed the rope in place. That way if I do ever need it I can just break the seal around the handle and it should be nice and dry.

Thats what I did. I used clear so it wouldnt looks so bad if I did not get it all cleaned up or had to use the pull starter.

[SABINE RIVER RAT]

SOUNDS LIKE I NEED TO TRY THIS OUT ON MY 450...

[Bootlegger]

Originally Posted by SABINE RIVER RAT

SOUNDS LIKE I NEED TO TRY THIS OUT ON MY 450...

will this fit yours
Honda MacSim Recoil Replacement Guard

If it does I will the code for 10% off.

[mcfarlinclan]

good info.


mack