Bought an 02 400ex for $1800 (Pics). Have questions and problems

[cragster]

I bought this for 1800 title in hand. Front and rear plastics could use replacement. Seat has a very very small rip in it. The cluthch slips some. It is a over full on oil though. Is it adjustable? Also it ticks quite a bit, im guessing the valves need adjusted. It smokes some when its cold, but once it warmes up, it stops. But even when its pretty warm, if you gun it (like doing a wheelie) it will smoke some. The rear bearings arent perfect so i ordered new bearings and seals in the rear. The bars are bent and i ordered some new bars also. And i got some new grips for her. Also i took off the stock exhaust and mounted up a stock stainless steal chrome 450r muffler on it. With the tip in, it is about stock. With it out, it lets out a ton of air! Im gonna buy a uni airfilter and a jet kit and take the tip out and take off the airbox lid and it should be a major perf upgrade id imagine. Here are some pics from the guys house. Ill get some pics up sometime next week when i get home again.
http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/5125/897uq6.jpg
http://img125.imageshack.us/img125/2763/5474db9.jpg
http://img125.imageshack.us/img125/9982/jnkjpjpinief1.jpg

[DieselBoy]

you can adjust the clutch where the cable connects to the right side of the engine/on handlebars, but if the clutch plates are on their way out then it's time to do a clutch... adjust the valves and see if the ticking stops.... if it doesnt the cam chain may be stretched or not tight... sounds like its going to need some rings and what not soon... if it's overfilled with oil then just loosen off the drain plug & let some out, or just do an oil change if its worn..

[cragster]

Ya i did change the oil, I put in 2 quartz and it seems to be low, it was about half when cold. So i added some till it was almost full when cold about 2 1/4 quarts total. Im gonna let some out. Then im gonna adjust the clutch. Hopefully i can save the clutch. Should i just do rings or rings and piston if i do it? How much is it to do the 440 kit to it?

[cragster]

Also do you think 1800 was a bad price or decent or good?
Thanks alot!!!

[DieselBoy]

Originally posted by cragster
Ya i did change the oil, I put in 2 quartz and it seems to be low, it was about half when cold. So i added some till it was almost full when cold about 2 1/4 quarts total. Im gonna let some out. Then im gonna adjust the clutch. Hopefully i can save the clutch. Should i just do rings or rings and piston if i do it? How much is it to do the 440 kit to it?

Personally, I would do rings and piston at the same time. It depends the condition of the bore, and if you really want to spend $200+ on a kit, but I'm not sure what they sell for. I would do a slight overbore if the bore is bad, and put a slightly oversized piston & rings with that. Also, you will want to check the cam chain, and the condition of the valves. Personally before I did anything, I would take a compression test to see where you stand with engine wear. If the head needs work, you will be into alot more.

[DieselBoy]

Originally posted by cragster
Also do you think 1800 was a bad price or decent or good?
Thanks alot!!!

I couldn't tell you if you got a good deal or not, it all depends what they sell for where you are. And, you will probably have to buy a manual for it, and I recommend buying one before you do anything. But, in the meantime take a compression test.

It sounds like it does need some work, and the TRX400EX is a fairly affordable quad...

[cragster]

Where can i get a tool to check the compression? Are they cheap. It has plenty of power though.

[DieselBoy]

Honestly, I bought a brand name compression tester from walmart for like $28.00, and it has been very accurate.

Anyways, you can buy it anywhere they sell automotive parts, or try walmart.

Basically this is what they look like, the price varies:

http://www.tooled-up.com/artwork/ProdImage/37442.jpg

Your goal is to find out how good the compression is. if you have 90s-below its on its way out. 125PSI i believe is peak compression in the TRX400EX.

also, spark plug access is REDICULOUS on these machines.

[cragster]

Oh, i wonder if i can find someone that has one already though. Whats the compression supposed to be? At first thought i was gonna do the 05+ Front plastics conversion on it but now im questioning that thought because i like the older style. Idk though, id need to see some newer styles in yellow to decide.

[flauge]

How hard was it to put on the 450r muffler? What'd you have to do? Make sure you get some pics on that:)

[2004exrider]

Like DieselBoy is saying your clutch is more than likely toasted as the piston and rings might be too. Out of curiosity how are you checking your oil? The right way to do it is to let it idle for about 3-5 minutes to let it warm all of the way up. Let it sit for less than a minute to let it settle then check it. You have way to much in there, the manual says to have 1.9 quarts in but i always put in 2. Also, the EX/XR engines are known for valve tick, if you adjust them and they still tick its more than likely normal, but if your planning on tearing it down anyways you might as well check the timing chain. But out of curiosity what color smoke is coming out, if its blue then yeah your rings are more than likely shot but if its black then its jetted to rich. If your gonna do a compression check the manual says the engine should be 100-120 psi, to get an accurate check id get the engine up to operating temperature and have the throttle opened all of the way when doing it.

Jimmy

[cragster]

It was real easy. I drilled one bolt. Ill get some pic. its whitish smoke when it does smoke....
Thanks for your replys

[flauge]

Oh, what year was it off of? I dont know if that matters or not tho. Im guessing you drilled a new bolthole on the top mount right.
Also, like everybody else said, id do a comp check then go from there..

[cragster]

No i drilled thru the frame. It was off an 06. I had a spacer sitting around that worked good. And it mounts up fine.

[ilpadrino113]

if you want to up the bore i'd start with a 416, you can always go biger down the road. And i would definitely take some oil out. I always put in 2 quarts also.

[cragster]

Well i got my new bars on it already. Still waiting for the grips and bearings. Im gonna take some oil out once i get home before i ride it. Im gonna adjust the cluth before i ride it too. I wil get up some pics of the exhaust and stuff tomorow.

[cragster]

more pics!!!!! and a vid so u can here the beast!!!!!!!

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/8439/dsc05881ku6.jpg

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/9269/dsc05883xv0.jpg

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/788/dsc05884cj3.jpg

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/903/dsc05885ax7.jpg

my bearings i gotta install!!!
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/3544/dsc05886dl4.jpg

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/6739/dsc05887tv1.jpg

[cragster]

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/2449/dsc05888kg8.jpg

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/2886/dsc05890bn4.jpg

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/9391/dsc05892ht4.jpg

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/3295/dsc05893st8.jpg

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/9972/dsc05894fa1.jpg

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/9972/dsc05894fa1.jpg

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/2780/dsc05896sn9.jpg

[cragster]

See the exhaust bolted up real easy, Once you take off the spark arrestor, it lets out alot of air too. With the spark arrestor off and the airbox lid off, it still didnt suck enough air to ride it like that. Once i get a UNI airfilter, and jet kit, then i will remove the sparky from it.

Video of the beast idaling.

http://www.zippyvideos.com/7553193146144976/mov05898/

[flauge]

ohh, i see what youre talking about now. Looks pretty simple. How bout the bottom mount, were you able to use that still?

That thing doesnt look too bad after you got er all warshed up:p

[cragster]

Lol ya it was real simple. Im not using the bottom mount but it wouldnt take much just a little bracket to bolt it up too. So what did you all think of the beast?! lol
Ya it gets er done not to bad. U think it was an OK deal for 1800?

[DieselBoy]

did you stop the oil burning / fix the valve ticking? (light ticking is normal)

[cragster]

No i didnt, you just cant hear it very much sometimes. It only smokes when its cold or you really gun it though

[biggie400ex]

The ticking is more than likely your timing chain. Mine ticked bad for awhile and I checked my vavles and they were fine. Finally the ticking got real bad and my timing chain tensioner went bad. The chain jumped the cam and bent all my valves. Just get an adjustable tensioner, they are faily cheap. I would say 1800 is a decent price.

[TRFOXX]

I have a question about my 400ex ticking. It only dose it at start up and then goes away after its been warmed up is this the timing chain? or is this normal? I adj my valves and they were fine. Almost sounds like a exhaust leak maybe?

[tim colston]

Originally posted by TRFOXX
I have a question about my 400ex ticking. It only dose it at start up and then goes away after its been warmed up is this the timing chain? or is this normal? I adj my valves and they were fine. Almost sounds like a exhaust leak maybe?


Let me know if you need a timing chain I have a brand new one.

[johnsls]

If you change the chain make sure you don't buy the stock one,, get the CRF chain a little thicker than stock

[STEVENJANNA]

Originally posted by johnsls
If you change the chain make sure you don't buy the stock one,, get the CRF chain a little thicker than stock
GET BACK TO WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[biggie400ex]

I feel the tensioer will go bad way before the chain will. And the tensioner is an easy fix. However, if your tear it apart and have easy access to the chain why not. Its a safe upgrade. I wouldn't tear it apart just for the chain.

[cragster]

Now im having problems with how to take out the axle. I need a pipe wrench to lossen up the axle nut so i can the snap ring out. Then i'd imagine i just remove the rear brakes and slid the axle out. ( ialready have the chain off)

[JForestZ34]

Cragster, what kind of bars did you put on? I'm looking for a new set. Kind of tired of the stock one's, also what bend are they.


James

the axle nuts are reverse thread. take both all of the way off of the collar. then take the locking ring off that holds the collar in place and slide the collar off...then you can get into the spring clip that holds the brake stay on...

[jrm03]

what ^^^^ he said. I would highly recommend the RAD locknut to replace the stock one, but that is just me. I think you got a good deal. Keep us up on your progress.

[cragster]

Ok i got the axle nut off. Now i just gotta get off the brakes and put in the new bearings.
They are FLY trx bend or sumthin

[cragster]

Hell ya. Just scored me a brand new front bumper for cheap off ebay!!!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=200039062892&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=010

Now im gonna get me some nerfs. Adjust the clutch. And when i can afford it, get the new styled plastics for it in yellow!
:D

[johnsls]

Originally posted by cragster
Hell ya. Just scored me a brand new front bumper for cheap off ebay!!!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=200039062892&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=010

Now im gonna get me some nerfs. Adjust the clutch. And when i can afford it, get the new styled plastics for it in yellow!
:D


DUDE,,, THAT IS JUST DOWN RIGHT WRONG.... WHOLLY CRAP!!

WHAT A DEAL...

[cragster]

loli know. i didnt expect to get it sooo cheap!
But im not complaing lol

[flauge]

OMG! You did not just get it for that cheap did you??:eek2:
I hope theres some more.. Btw, I just bought me a 06 450r muffler too, I'll take some pics whenever i get it put on. :cool:

[cragster]

Lol i know. Ya for the money it makes a good exhaust. Deffiantly not a white brothers or anything but it isnt bad and they are dirt cheap! I noticed you have a clutch kit sittin on the shelf... How much was it insterested in selling it? I might be needing a clutch if i cant get mine to adjust out good.

[flauge]

Heh, I might have to keep my clutch kit. Mine's trying to slip a lil when i get on it wide open. I just havent put it in yet b/c i plan to do a rebuild whenever i get all my parts rounded up (trying to decide on a 416 or 426 still). I done forgot how much the clutch kit was all together tho, everything was bought seperate. I got the vesrah clutch plates off ebay for like 50 something, i thought i was getting a deal until i got em and found out it was only the friction discs:scary: . Oh well, i heard they're supposed to be good. Then i got the stock steel plates for about 30 or 40 at service honda, then the ebc hd springs at RMAtV for like 8. It prolly would've been cheaper to just get a barnett kit but i dunno, I think i might have a good setup here..:)
Uhhhh, if you wanna buy something tho, i got a cam sitting on the shelf . lol:p

[cragster]

well i would but i dont want to do any engine mods unless something blows up or something. But what cam is it and how much? :rolleyes:

[flauge]

A magnum stg 2. I bought it about a month ago for the rebuild but i kinda changed my mind about it b/c you have to take the camgear flange off the stock cam and put it on that one. I bought another stock cam too just so I'd have another flange, but now Id just rather get a hotcam stg 2 b/c you dont have to do all that. Just dropit in and go. I was askin like 75 for both but ill consider any offer tho.

[cragster]

Oh alright. I dont know it depends if i could even have someone install it for me or not

[hks308]

yea dude, you gotta a pretty good deal. i just got mine on sunday for 1900 02 400ex and needed nothing at the time. lol.

but that front grab bar, wtf. that is so cheap

p.s. that video link doesn't work. try puttin it on google videos, they let anything on there.

also, take the baffling out the exhaust and there you go, you got some more power. i did it today and what a change it made, can deff tell.

[flauge]

Originally posted by cragster
Oh alright. I dont know it depends if i could even have someone install it for me or not Hey if you ever want it let me know, it'll still be on the shelf. There aint too many people fighting over it.lol :o
I still might use it in my rebuild, i dunno, i cant make up my mind on what to get..:scary:
Btw, how loud was the 450r pipe w/o the baffle, I got one off an 06 too, there straight thru right. I wonder how it would be with the hrc tip??

[cragster]

ya mine is from an 06 i believe. Its alot louder than stock ill say that. And i have a stock airfilter on mine. And i had to remove the airfilter and lid before it was letting in close to the same airflow as letting air out. I figure a jet kit, uni filter, and just that stock 450r exhaust will help it wuite a bit.

[cragster]

Also just wanted to show you guys my newest ebay deal!!!
For .99 cents! And i already got a tracking number for it and i just bought it this morning lol! Like i said i LOVE EBAY!!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=230041005654&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=013

http://i10.ebayimg.com/05/i/08/bb/a9/c9_1.JPG

[flauge]

Man how are you finding all those deals? :eek: I cant never find em like that.

[cragster]

Lol i dont know. I think im just lucky lately. lol
There was quite a few more deals i was gonna get but i passed.
:D Gotta watch out for them deals though, even if it meens setting your alarm clock for 4 oclock in the morning to bid. LOL :rolleyes:

[cragster]

Bought some nerfs for her!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=001&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=110049286355&rd=1,1

[flauge]

Im mad man, I got my 450r muffler in yesterday but i think im gonna need another tip for it. The box it came in said damaged in handling and it looks like the mailman beat on it with a bat:mad:. Anyways, now the tip is egg shaped. :scary:
The rest is fine so im still gonna try to put it on this weekend,Ill try to get some pics sometime..
That aint too bad of a deal for those nerfs. Send me some deals my way if you come across any more..lol:p

[cragster]

Dman that sucks. but the tips dont cost much. And now you have a reason to get a HRC TIP!
Here is a performance tip for the 450r exhaust
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-TRX-450R-CFM-Performance-High-Flow-Exhaust-Tip_W0QQitemZ260046217336QQihZ016QQcategoryZ46093Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem