2005 Honda Rincon 650 Problems
The 2005 Honda Rincon 650 is a capable ATV, but some common issues can surface. A loose or worn drive belt can slip and cause acceleration problems. Fuel delivery problems can also occur, as well as lack of spark. The engine itself may develop issues over time as well. Being aware of these potential problems and performing preventative maintenance can help keep your Rincon 650 running strong.
Key Takeaways
- Loose or worn drive belt causing slipping and acceleration issues
- Fuel delivery problems preventing proper engine function
- Lack of spark leading to hard starting or no start
- General engine problems over time due to wear and tear
- Preventative maintenance key for avoiding major repairs
| Problem | Potential Solution |
|---|---|
| Loose/Worn Drive Belt | Replace belt, ensure proper tension |
| Fuel Delivery Issues | Check fuel filter, lines, pump - replace as needed |
| Lack of Spark | Test/replace spark plug, wire, coil as needed |
| Engine Problems | Diagnose specific issue (e.g. compression), rebuild/replace parts as needed |
The Honda Rincon 650 is one of the most popular mid-sized all-terrain vehicles. This capable and comfortable machine makes trailing, working, and general recreational riding enjoyable. However, even a well-engineered ATV like the 2005 Rincon 650 can develop some problems over time.
Being aware of the most common issues these machines face can help you diagnose problems and get the right repairs when trouble strikes. Here we’ll cover some of the typical problems you may encounter with your 2005 Rincon 650 and potential solutions to get you back on the trail.
Loose or Worn Drive Belt
One of the most common problems on the 2005 Honda Rincon 650 ATV is a loose or worn drive belt. This belt transfers power from the engine to the wheels, transmission, and certain other components. If it becomes too loose or worn out, you’ll notice some performance issues.
Symptoms of a Loose/Worn Drive Belt
Here are some signs your Rincon 650’s drive belt may be slipping:
- Lack of acceleration when you twist the throttle
- Loss of top speed capability
- Belt slipping noise, often a loud “screeching”
- Burning rubber smell from the belt friction
A severely loose or broken belt can render the ATV undriveable. So if you notice any loss of power or odd noises coming from the drive belt area, it needs inspection.
Causes of a Loose or Worn Drive Belt
There are a few root causes of a failing Rincon 650 drive belt:
Normal Wear and Aging: Drive belts slowly wear out over time, especially if exposed to dust, sunlight, or ozone. The belt material breaks down, leading to slippage.
Improper Tension: If the drive belt isn’t adjusted to the proper taughtness specification, it can more easily slip. This leads to accelerated wear.
Damage: Foreign material like small sticks or rocks can get lodged in the belt components, tearing the belt or gradually damaging it. Oil exposure can also degrade rubber belt materials.
Fixing Drive Belt Issues
Replacing the worn or damaged drive belt is the straightforward repair in most cases. Here are the steps:
- Purchase a new OEM-quality drive belt or belt kit with all wear items
- Gain access to belt - remove necessary body panels/guards
- Loosen adjustment bolts and tensioner to relax belt
- Remove old belt and inspect pulleys/clutches for issues
- Install new belt as per spec for your Rincon 650 model
- Adjust tensioner until belt reaches proper taughtness
- Spin components by hand and check belt alignment
- Reinstall covers and test operation
Following the factory service manual’s drive system procedures is advisable. Having a shop do this repair is also an option. Proper tension adjustment is key for longevity of the new component.
Performing periodic inspections and being careful about introducing debris can help maximize drive belt life. But ultimately, expect to replace it every few years or if issues emerge.
Fuel System Problems
Without proper fuel delivery, your Rincon 650 will quickly have performance issues or not start at all. Like most engines, these Honda ATV power plants require precise fuel-to-air ratios to run properly.
Some common fuel system problems on older Rincon 650s involve faulty components prompting incorrect gas/air mixes.
Fuel Starvation Symptoms
If your 650 CC single cylinder engine isn’t getting sufficient fuel, here are some possible symptoms:
- Hard starting or completely non-functional
- Stalling, sputtering, misfiring once started
- Significant power/acceleration loss
- Backfiring or popping noises
- Unusual exhaust odor indicating rich condition
Persistent fuel system issues that result in incorrect fuel metering can cause engine damage over time. So getting the root problem diagnosed is critical.
Causes of Fuel System Problems
Here are some typical culprits of Honda Rincon 650 fuel delivery troubles:
Faulty Fuel Pump: The internal pump that delivers gas from the tank to the carbs/injectors can fail, providing low/no fuel pressure.
Clogged Fuel Filter: Debris accumulation in the filter reduces fuel flow volume to the carbs. Less gas reaches engine.
Carburetor Issues: Internal blockages, stuck float needles, warped bodies, wrong jetting, and dried gaskets affect air/fuel metering.
Kinked Fuel Lines: Pinched, cracked, or plugged fuel supply and return hoses interrupt proper gasoline flow rates.
Bad Spark Plugs: Since the spark provides ignition source for combustion, fouled or improperly gapped plugs can mimic fuel starvation.
Correcting Fuel Problems
Pinpointing exactly which component is preventing adequate fueling allows for targeted repair. Here is the general process:
- Inspect air filter and spark plug condition
- Check pump operation and filter blockage
- Ensure fuel tank is supplying feed pump as expected
- Test fuel pressure and volume flow
- Clean/rebuild/replace faulty carburetors
- Inspect condition of all fuel hoses and fittings
- Consider adding fuel injection if swapped carbs still have issues
Parts like pumps, carbs, filters, and lines are relatively affordable for Rincon 650s. But factor in labor costs if not doing the repairs yourself. Several hours may be needed to fully examine the fuel system.
Be methodical when chasing Honda Rincon 650 fuel problems. And take care not to introduce debris or use improper assembly techniques when re-installing components. Correct tuning/adjustment procedures must be followed post-repair as well.
Lack of Spark Issues
Just like any internal combustion engine, your 2005 Honda Rincon 650 needs proper spark at the right precise timing to run correctly. Lack of spark can prevent startup, cause misfires, and present like a fuel problem.
No/Low Spark Symptoms
If your 650 single cylinder engine isn’t getting adequate spark energy, duration, or timing, here are common indicators:
- Hard starting the engine, long cranking times
- Rough idle, sputtering, misfiring once running
- Significant power loss and acceleration troubles
- Backfiring pop noises from the exhaust
- Fouled spark plugs indicating fuel richness
Persistent spark troubles can allow raw fuel into the exhaust, fouling catalytic converters. And excessive misfires can cause high load engine damage over time.
Causes of Spark Issues
The root causes of inadequate Honda Rincon 650 ignition spark typically stem from a handful of components:
Spark Plugs: Old plugs have corroded electrodes, insulating gaps too wide, are oil/carbon fouled. All reducing available spark.
Ignition Coil: This step-up transformer converts 12V to 20-30kV for spark plugs. Bad coils provide weak output.
Plug Wires: Cracked wire insulation allows voltage leakage to ground instead of the plug.
Timing Problems: Improperly set cam/crank timing or slipped timing belt/chain impacts spark timing accuracy.
Electrical Issues: Any wiring faults, bad switches, relays, or battery problems can effect spark delivery.
Fixing Spark Troubles
A systematic inspection, testing, and replacement process can get Rincon 650 spark issues resolved:
- Inspect and test or replace spark plug wires, coil, battery
- Verify cam/crank timing alignment is correct
- Test plugs under compression, check gaps/fouling
- Replace plugs and possibly coil if found faulty
- Ensure timing components are within specifications
- Check for any wiring faults impacting ignition system
- Retest operation once repairs completed
Checking and replacing common spark components like plugs, wires, ignition coils is very affordable for most DIYers. But costs can add up if extensive ignition electrical diagnosis or engine timing adjustments are needed.
Being meticulous when inspecting ignition components for correct operation and damage avoids overlooking any hidden issues during diagnosis. And proper torque procedures for fasteners must be followed.
General Engine Problems
While fuel, spark, and other specific issues make up many 2005 Honda Rincon 650 problems, sometimes more general engine wear occurs. ATV engines work hard and endure plenty of stresses that slowly take a toll.
Common engine issues stemming from simple high mileage wear include:
Compression Loss: Piston ring/cylinder glazing, gasket leaks, and valve guide sealing impacts result in low compression.
Noisy Valvetrain: Excess clearance in the valve lash allows valves to clatter loudly at idle due to camshaft movement.
Overheating: Coolant system leaks, stuck thermostats, debris filled radiators, or bad water pumps causes operating temp spikes.
Oil Consumption: Well-worn piston ring lands, valve guide seals, gaskets contribute to oil burning in the combustion chamber.
Repairing general engine issues can be affordable or quite costly depending on root cause and parts needing replacement. An accurate compression or leak down test is always advisable first.
Then advised repairs might entail top/bottom end rebuilds with fresh seals, gaskets, piston rings, valves, cylinder boring, or even complete engine swaps in severe cases of damage. Shop rates for extensive engine work adds up fast.
Preventing Problems
While even well-maintained Honda Rincon 650 ATVs face occasional issues, focusing on prevention reduces headaches.
Here are some smart preemptive maintenance tips:
Follow Service Intervals: Change fluids, filters, plugs, inspect belt wear based on factory guidelines by hour/mileage metrics.
Wash Regularly: Clean often to remove corrosive mud/dust from mechanical and electrical components before it causes deterioration.
Avoid Abuse: Don't overload the cargo rack capacity, tow beyond limits, or ride aggressively at high RPMs for extended durations as this accelerates wear.
Use Quality Fuels/Lubricants: Lower quality gasoline and engine oil grades promote sludge, corrosion, friction, and inadvertent damage over time.
Listen for Changes: Notice odd new mechanical noises, smells, or performance variations promptly to prevent small problems from cascading into larger ones.
Review Campaigns/Recalls: Check for any technical service bulletins or recalls from Honda on issues with certain Rincon 650 model year components that may provide free repairs.
Staying diligent about proper care and operation of your older Rincon 650 will provide the most trouble-free operation. But being prepared to tackle issues promptly using quality components and service procedures will keep you riding!
Diagnosing and Remedying Hard Starting on 2005 Honda Rincon 650 ATVs
Among 2005 Honda Rincon 650 troubleshooting scenarios, hard starting issues can have a few root causes. So methodically tracing down the specific reason for extended cranking times to get your single cylinder thumper running is key.
Hard starting problems typically fall into fuel delivery and ignition spark categories in most cases. By assessing each potential culprit systemically, you can narrow down repairs:
Fuel Checks: Confirm adequate pressure and volume by testing operation of the low pressure feed pump and filtering system. Ensure fuel reaches the float bowls. Check fuel line routing isn't kinked and flows freely. Inspect carb venting operation. Clean carb bodies, jets, ports completely.
Ignition Checks: Eliminate spark issues by testing plug, coil, and wiring condition. Replace components as needed, properly gap plugs. Verify static & dynamic timing settings of pickups and stator triggering components.
If correcting fuel and spark issues fails to remedy hard starting troubles, further mechanical inspection is required:
Compression Check: Use gauge to measure cranking and running cylinder compression. Minimum 150 PSI is typically service limit. Low readings indicate piston ring, valve, or gasket leaks needing repair.
Valve Adjustment: Check and adjust exhaust/intake valve clearances per spec. Especially if hard starting is accompanied by valvetrain noise.
Be sure to rule out simple problems like a discharged battery or bad starter system before diving deep into engine repairs. Test charging output and perform voltage drop tests on circuits as well.
Hard starting diagnosis involves patience and diligence to assess each potential culprit. But methodically checking fuel and spark systems while monitoring compression often reveals the root cause on troublesome Honda Rincon 650 ATVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the most common issues with a 2005 Honda Rincon 650 ATV?
A: The most common problems tend to be a loose/worn drive belt causing acceleration problems, fuel delivery issues preventing proper engine running, lack of ignition spark leading to hard starting, and general engine wear problems causing noise, leaks, or power loss.
Q: Why does my Rincon 650 have a lack of power and trouble starting?
A: Two of the most likely causes of power loss and hard starting are fuel delivery problems preventing proper air/fuel mixes in the engine and weak/intermittent ignition spark to combust that mixture. Testing and repair or replacement of fuel system and ignition components is needed.
Q: What causes the drive belt to wear out prematurely on a Rincon 650?
A: Frequent causes of premature belt wear include lack of proper tension adjustment allowing the belt to slip during operation, introduction of abrasive contaminants like small stones into the belt components creating friction and tears, and simple wear from exposure to environmental elements like sunlight or ozone over time.
Q: How do I know if my Rincon 650’s fuel pump or filter needs to be replaced?
A: Symptoms like hard starting, stalling, misfires, significant power/acceleration loss or backfiring noises point to fuel starvation from a failing pump not delivering sufficient gasoline volume and pressure or a blocked filter not allowing adequate fuel flow. Testing pump operation and filter blockage confirms issues.
Q: What are signs my 2005 Rincon 650’s carburetors need to be cleaned or overhauled?
A: The carburetors metering fuel/air can develop internal dirt or varnish build-up over time, resulting in symptoms like black smoke from the exhaust, choking sounds during acceleration, flooding, rough idling, and hesitation off idle indicating cleaning and overhaul is needed.
Q: How expensive is it to rebuild or swap the engine on my older Rincon 650 ATV?
A: A basic in-frame engine refresh rebuild with gasket replacement, piston rings, valve job will typically run $500-1000 in parts. A complete engine swap to a lower mileage used/remanufactured engine can run $1500+ for the engine itself, along with additional labor costs.
Q: What preventative maintenance should I perform on my Rincon 650?
A: Follow factory recommended service intervals for fluid changes, belt replacement, filter replacement. Wash regularly, use quality fuels and lubes. Inspect wear items like brake pads, check/adjust valve clearance and timing settings. Avoid overloading cargo capacity or towing beyond limits.
Q: Where is the best place to buy replacement or performance parts for my Rincon?
A: Many reputable online ATV parts retailers like Rocky Mountain ATV MC, BikeBandit.com, and CheapCycleParts carry extensive replacement and performance upgrade components for the popular Rincon 650 models at reasonable prices. Shopping their part finder tools simplifies getting the right parts.
Q: Is the 2005 Honda Rincon 650 a good, reliable ATV even at higher mileage?
A: Yes, the Rincon models have a good reliability reputation if proper maintenance has been performed. With lower-stress recreational trail usage rather than excessive heavy utility work use, and diligent servicing, a Rincon 650 can easily achieve 5,000+ miles while still running strong despite its age.
