[Dick]

Problem: My Pioneer worked perfect when I first got it but after a couple hundred miles it lost power on the top end. It worked perfect up to around 1/2 throttle started and idled perfect, would reach high speeds but did not have the quick pickup or hill climbing power. I first tried changing spark plug and it made no difference. Time to take it to the dealer.

Diagnosed: I took it to the dealer yesterday and they called today and said they found the problem. There is piece in the muffer that became misplaced and was restricting the exaust flow severely (sorry I can not describe it better at this point as I have not seen it).

Fix: They said it is a defect in the muffler and the only way to fix it was to order a new muffler and not to drive it until they get the new one in.

Conclusion: I was very impressed with the dealer, I figured this would be a hard problem to diagnose. This may be an isolated case but then again we may see more of this problem as we all go along. I am not sure if you can see the problem if you remove the spark arrester but I will find out and report back so others can keep an eye on theirs.

 

[Moose]

Well of all of the things it could of been. I think a muffler issue is a welcome response from them.

Hope they get a new one in quick for ya.

 

[hoops]

interesting.. wonder what this piece was.. because there isnt anything in the exhaust that should fall out and cause such a blockage..

the baffles are running along the muffler so even if it was loose it should still flow...

wonder what it is.

 

[Dick]

interesting.. wonder what this piece was.. because there isnt anything in the exhaust that should fall out and cause such a blockage..

the baffles are running along the muffler so even if it was loose it should still flow...

wonder what it is.

I will be curious to find out also. They did mention something about a weld but if something was just loose you would think I would have heard a rattle and it would be more sporadic.

 

[Dick]

I bet that toodeep would know, he knows everything.

 

[toodeep]

Not everything Dick... lol I'm guessing Honda has had some internal weld problems in the exhaust systems since last months new letter mentioned just that problem. Lack of power to check the exhaust. I have had a few 4 wheelers in the past with bad welds but those was on the intake pipes. I'm going to guess there aren't going to be too many of these problems, but if there is Honda will issue an update for the problem.

 

[DG Rider]

Not everything Dick... lol I'm guessing Honda has had some internal weld problems in the exhaust systems since last months new letter mentioned just that problem. Lack of power to check the exhaust.

Any way you could post that?

 

[Dick]

Thanks toodeep we are lucky to have you here.
Question, who owns this site? Does the advertising pay to run the site or do you rely on paid memberships to keep it going?
I think you should consider Moose if you need another moderator, he sure helps a lot of people.

 

[toodeep]

The forum is part of the ATV.com network. Memberships, ads, vendors all generate money for it to keep it up to date. It's a business for them otherwise we would have a low rate setup, they need to have some profit (I have no clue on that though). I started helping on the sister forum in 09 and the owners/managers/admins are great to work with. They make sure to keep it a "members" forum and try not to overdo the ads and such. Anything we have ever needed was taken care of right away and the "wants" also get taken care of.

When I was asked to help on here I didn't have to think twice about saying yes. I knew the forum setup, the forum tech team and Honda's. The forum seemed to be run just like the sister forum, an easy going atmosphere. It takes a great group of members to keep it that way and the member team (mods) to spot when something is going stray so it can get resolved as soon as possible. At the moment we have a solid team in place but I do agree, Moose is at the top of the list when/if we need more help.

I rambled on long enough... lol I'll try to get that article posted here a little later.

 

[Moose]

Thanks toodeep we are lucky to have you here.
Question, who owns this site? Does the advertising pay to run the site or do you rely on paid memberships to keep it going?
I think you should consider Moose if you need another moderator, he sure helps a lot of people.

Thanks for the vote of confidence Dick. I really appreciate it. I do try my best to help, and like Toodeep says, its the community that makes a site great. While the title of moderator is something to be respected, its every day owners and gear heads that make this thing work and continue to function. I hope that even though, I'm not "titled" people can look at the posts, the knowledge (or lack there of when I ask a question), the time, and effort I put in to try and attract new members and keep current members active. With that, the respect I try to show for everyone and their opinion on here, and see that I am trying to make this a place we can all feel welcome to shoot the proverbial Honda breeze, and exchange ideas, and make friends.

Thanks again for what you said.

You too, Toodeep, that means a lot.

 

[toodeep]

Here's a snapshot of the newsletter. Just a short mention of the exhaust (on the right).

 

[rich450es]

are the pics (on the left)for the 2012-13 foreman 500 bent steering shaft recall ????

 

[toodeep]

Yes Rich, they are.

 

[Dick]

Muffler came in but the spark arrester is on back order. I am puzzled why it would have needed both, I will try to find out when I pick it up.

 

[Moose]

Probably because the welding issue was that the robot welded part of the spark arrestor shut.

 

[rich450es]

Muffler came in but the spark arrester is on back order. I am puzzled why it would have needed both, I will try to find out when I pick it up.

my bet is the dealer doesn't wants to take the 50/50 chance out of it (muffler-sparkaresster)and fix it right the first time .......or the warentee payes more to replace both .......lol

 

[Dick]

Now that would make sense Rich.

Don't trust those robots Moose. They are testing cars robotically driven now, I'm not getting in with them!

 

[Dick]

Parts finally came in, they must have came from Japan it took so long. I didn't get to see the broken parts but did get to talk with the mechanic who worked on it. He told me that what the service manager originally told me about the blocked exhaust was wrong, the welds holding the baffles in place broke and spun causing the exhaust to be basically free flowing and not creating enough back pressure. I was surprised it would make that much difference.

I got it home, let warm up and took it for a quick test drive, it hit 72 kms/hr in no time (about 45 mph to you southern boys) and the responsiveness was back. Before I took it in I couldn't get over 60 kms/hr and it wouldn't haul a sick hore off a piss pot. Strange I didn't, t notice any difference in the loudness of the machine, the motor sounded more like it was bogging out when I was loosing power. Its back and I am happier than a dog with 2 peckers.

I would say any who messes around with these exhausts better have the complete package.

 

[Moose]

That's good info to know Dick, I am sure tinkering with the exhaust is in my future. In fact right now, I want too!

 

[DG Rider]

it wouldn't haul a sick hore off a piss pot.

Ladies and gentlemen....
We have a winner for the quote of the month contest!