BRed New to me 2009 MUV700 does not move

[Justaguy987]

Hi! Thanks for having me. As I learn about these machines I hope to one day be able to share what I learn with others.

As the title states, I just brought home a 2009 Big Red 700. I bought it knowing it does not move under it own power. The story I was told was the previous owner was driving it and it just stopped moving. The shop gave them at estimate of $3,000 to make repairs, but I don’t know what those repairs would be. Not wanting to spend the money, the machine has sat for a couple of years. I put a jump pack on it so I could use the winch to pull it up onto my trailer and out of curiosity I turned the key. Much to my surprise, it started right up. There was a bit of smoke that I would expect after sitting but sounded good. I quickly confirmed that it would not move in any gear, does not try or make any noise.

So where should I start? I am fully prepared to pull the motor and open it up, but after reading on here sounds like it could be something as simple as a plugged oil filter. I’ll start reading the service manual, but curious what everyone here would do. Thanks in advance!

Edit to add: when I first looked at this a week ago, I did check the engine oil. I don’t recall right off where it was on the dipstick, other then there was oil in it.

 

[Remington]

I just brought home a 2009 Big Red 700.

Welcome and congrats on the purchace. Need some pics! Rule #4 here. POIDH.
Then someone with Big Red experience will chime in for ya.

 

[Justaguy987]

Pictures? Careful what you ask for!

Also in the Honda family is a 1984 TRX 200, I wish I had another one of these.

And a 1996 TRX300T that I’m currently chasing down an electrical issue that I believe to be an intermittent short in the CDI.

And just because, and old 610 Bobcat, technically, it’s my fathers, but it has been passes around a bit and might just stay with me.

 

[JenElio]

Hi! Thanks for having me. As I learn about these machines I hope to one day be able to share what I learn with others.

As the title states, I just brought home a 2009 Big Red 700. I bought it knowing it does not move under it own power. The story I was told was the previous owner was driving it and it just stopped moving. The shop gave them at estimate of $3,000 to make repairs, but I don’t know what those repairs would be. Not wanting to spend the money, the machine has sat for a couple of years. I put a jump pack on it so I could use the winch to pull it up onto my trailer and out of curiosity I turned the key. Much to my surprise, it started right up. There was a bit of smoke that I would expect after sitting but sounded good. I quickly confirmed that it would not move in any gear, does not try or make any noise.

So where should I start? I am fully prepared to pull the motor and open it up, but after reading on here sounds like it could be something as simple as a plugged oil filter. I’ll start reading the service manual, but curious what everyone here would do. Thanks in advance!

Edit to add: when I first looked at this a week ago, I did check the engine oil. I don’t recall right off where it was on the dipstick, other then there was oil in it.

Welcome from South Florida

I'm sure someone will give you some knowledge soon. Nice rides 👍🏼

 

[Remington]

Pictures? Careful what you ask for! View attachment 411301View attachment 411302View attachment 411303View attachment 411304
Also in the Honda family is a 1984 TRX 200, I wish I had another one of these.
View attachment 411305
And a 1996 TRX300T that I’m currently chasing down an electrical issue that I believe to be an intermittent short in the CDI.
View attachment 411306

And just because, and old 610 Bobcat, technically, it’s my fathers, but it has been passes around a bit and might just stay with me. View attachment 411307

You cant be careful. We like picture porn!
NoHmo

 

[DG Rider]

Hi! Thanks for having me. As I learn about these machines I hope to one day be able to share what I learn with others.

As the title states, I just brought home a 2009 Big Red 700. I bought it knowing it does not move under it own power. The story I was told was the previous owner was driving it and it just stopped moving. The shop gave them at estimate of $3,000 to make repairs, but I don’t know what those repairs would be. Not wanting to spend the money, the machine has sat for a couple of years. I put a jump pack on it so I could use the winch to pull it up onto my trailer and out of curiosity I turned the key. Much to my surprise, it started right up. There was a bit of smoke that I would expect after sitting but sounded good. I quickly confirmed that it would not move in any gear, does not try or make any noise.

So where should I start? I am fully prepared to pull the motor and open it up, but after reading on here sounds like it could be something as simple as a plugged oil filter. I’ll start reading the service manual, but curious what everyone here would do. Thanks in advance!

Edit to add: when I first looked at this a week ago, I did check the engine oil. I don’t recall right off where it was on the dipstick, other then there was oil in it.

Not many BR people on here. Fortunately, the pioneer 700 shares the same engine.

Check the oil again. It's different than most automobiles.

The procedure:
Run the engine 5 minutes if temps are above 50f. If below, add another 5 minutes (10 total). Wait 2-3 minutes, pull the dipstick, wipe, and reinsert without screwing it in. You want it at least full and maybe a touch over.

If that passes, maybe the test the oil pressure at the ports and/or take a look at the wiring to the trans solenoids. There is some clicking from them at the key on test.

A quick and easy test for trans wiring is to screw in the emergency valve on the side of the valve body. This bypasses ALL electronic controls for the transmission and locks it into 2nd gear. If it still doesn't move, it's oil pressure related, the clutches are shot, or some sort of failure in the drive flow.

 

[Justaguy987]

A quick and easy test for trans wiring is to screw in the emergency valve on the side of the valve body. This bypasses ALL electronic controls for the transmission and locks it into 2nd gear. If it still doesn't move, it's oil pressure related, the clutches are shot, or some sort of failure in the drive flow.

This is just what I was looking for, thank you. After talking with the previous owner a little ( I had to go back to get paperwork), he said it smoked a lot but they just ran it till it quit moving. So I guess I’m still going to pull the motor, but will do this check to make sure the trans issue is not electrical. Thanks.

 

[ODAMO]

The 84 TRX 200 was Hondas first 4 wheeler and was very stout. I bought one new in 84 and really enjoyed putting it thru its paces. I sold it after only 10 short years. plowed driveways and small parking lots with it every year. I still wish I woulda never sold it.
Good luck with the Big Red.

 

[Justaguy987]

The 84 TRX 200 was Hondas first 4 wheeler and was very stout. I bought one new in 84 and really enjoyed putting it thru its paces. I sold it after only 10 short years. plowed driveways and small parking lots with it every year. I still wish I woulda never sold it.
Good luck with the Big Red.

This is my second ‘84 trx200. I wish I had never sold the first one. I rebuilt the motor on that one. At the time, we were living right in town and could ride much. Now we are out in the country a bit on 4 acres so we have lots of room for toys!

 

[Justaguy987]

Well, I pulled the motor and have in most of the way apart, but I think it is far enough. There is very little debris in the motor, very little in the oil filter. The cylinder looks good so I’m assuming the valve stem seals are leaking causing it to smoke. I did get some oil coming out of the exhaust pipe. So why won’t it move? I believe the issue is with the torque converter. From what I have read and understand, the gear on the end of the converter should only spin one way. Mine spins both ways freely. The stator shaft/inner collar will also spin both ways freely but after a little cleaning will lock up sometime. None of these parts are available separately, Honda wants about $900 for a complete torque converter assembly. Are there any other real options? I saw a video where a guy cleaned the converter with paint thinner, soaked it in oil to get all the paint thinner out and then it worked again. I don’t want to do that then put it all back together only to have it fail again after a very short time. Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Ridinfool]

Well, I pulled the motor and have in most of the way apart, but I think it is far enough. There is very little debris in the motor, very little in the oil filter. The cylinder looks good so I’m assuming the valve stem seals are leaking causing it to smoke. I did get some oil coming out of the exhaust pipe. So why won’t it move? I believe the issue is with the torque converter. From what I have read and understand, the gear on the end of the converter should only spin one way. Mine spins both ways freely. The stator shaft/inner collar will also spin both ways freely but after a little cleaning will lock up sometime. None of these parts are available separately, Honda wants about $900 for a complete torque converter assembly. Are there any other real options? I saw a video where a guy cleaned the converter with paint thinner, soaked it in oil to get all the paint thinner out and then it worked again. I don’t want to do that then put it all back together only to have it fail again after a very short time. Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

First off, welcome from WNC
Not sure what you paid for the rig to start with, but if you truly believe it’s the torque converter and the only available part is the whole thing new @ $900 might be worth that just to have piece of mind and not have to try a witch doctor fix that might work…🤷‍♂️
But I also understand budget, and if $900 isn’t in there then I guess which doctor it is.
But also time is money, so what fits in your budget better? Time or money?
Good luck with whatever you do,

 

[Justaguy987]

First off, welcome from WNC
Not sure what you paid for the rig to start with, but if you truly believe it’s the torque converter and the only available part is the whole thing new @ $900 might be worth that just to have piece of mind and not have to try a witch doctor fix that might work…🤷‍♂️
But I also understand budget, and if $900 isn’t in there then I guess which doctor it is.
But also time is money, so what fits in your budget better? Time or money?
Good luck with whatever you do,

Do you or anyone have any firsthand knowledge or experience with the witch doctor fix? I found a converter for a little less and really leaning that way but still undecided. I paid 1200, and expect to be into it that much more or more if I replace the converter. Thanks.

 

[Ridinfool]

Do you or anyone have any firsthand knowledge or experience with the witch doctor fix? I found a converter for a little less and really leaning that way but still undecided. I paid 1200, and expect to be into it that much more or more if I replace the converter. Thanks.

Sorry, I do not have any experience with the witch doctor fix… I wasn’t saying it doesn’t work, I was only being a sceptic… in my crazy mind if it didn’t cost me to much to purchase the buggy and the parts to fix it vs the cost of a new or decent used buggy then it’s worth the piece of mind knowing what I have definitely works. It’s really about me being lazy, if I tear the machine down to fix a problem and I use a part that might work then put it all back together and it didn’t help, now I’m out whatever money and time because now I have to tear it down again and spend more money again instead of just spending a little more up front for a part I know actually works… you know what they say… buy once, cry once.
There are a lot of very knowledgeable folks on this site and I’m sure someone has more knowledge about the big red platform than I do.
I hope you get it figured out.

 

[Ridinfool]

Also…
You might try moving or starting a new thread in the General Discussion area on the home page, you might get more people that know this buggy to chime in.
Good luck

 

[DRZRon1]

no first hand knowledge here on repairing that or what wears to make it go bad\rebuildable - Ron Ayers has a price on that at $620 if that helps - I get it $$'s may be an issue - just may be one of those parts have to spend money on

 

[Justaguy987]

I’ve been busy with other things and and work, but have been working on this some the last week. The motor is back together with a new converter and a bunch of other new parts. Just fives I was that far into it better do it right. I got it back in red and everything needed to run hooked up. I’m not going to put the parking brake, seat belts, and plastics back on till I know it’s good to go, I’d hate to put it all back together then have to pull it all right back apart.

Somehow I’ve neglected to get any oil for it. What’s everyone running? I think I read somewhere amsoil is maybe best. Definitely synthetic and overfill it a bit. Any other good brands? I live in a smaller town so options I what I can find tomorrow will be limited. I have some automotive oil, but not sure if it will work well with the wet clutchs. Thanks all. Hopefully I’ll be able to post some pics driving around soon.

 

[NTCPrezJB]

I’ve been busy with other things and and work, but have been working on this some the last week. The motor is back together with a new converter and a bunch of other new parts. Just fives I was that far into it better do it right. I got it back in red and everything needed to run hooked up. I’m not going to put the parking brake, seat belts, and plastics back on till I know it’s good to go, I’d hate to put it all back together then have to pull it all right back apart.

Somehow I’ve neglected to get any oil for it. What’s everyone running? I think I read somewhere amsoil is maybe best. Definitely synthetic and overfill it a bit. Any other good brands? I live in a smaller town so options I what I can find tomorrow will be limited. I have some automotive oil, but not sure if it will work well with the wet clutchs. Thanks all. Hopefully I’ll be able to post some pics driving around soon.

JASO 2 or maybe it’s JASO MA2 is the key to look for on whatever flavor oil you pick for the engine. That means the oil is wet clutch compatible.

Amsoil is definitely a quality brand. Rotella is a common one peeps around here swear by. Honda (and other mfg’s) obviously private label oils, and some people swear by them. Personally I don’t get too excited whose name is on the bottle. 10w40 or 10w30 and JASO 2 and I’d run it.

Synthetic vs dino is up to you as well.

 

[Justaguy987]

It’s alive! It moves under a its own power! And it does not smoke! Now to finish putting the interior back together and the door back on.

 

[NTCPrezJB]

It’s alive! It moves under a its own power! And it does not smoke! Now to finish putting the interior back together and the door back on.
View attachment 419725View attachment 419726

Nice work! Now enjoy it!

 

[kodiak2020]

Hi! Thanks for having me. As I learn about these machines I hope to one day be able to share what I learn with others.

As the title states, I just brought home a 2009 Big Red 700. I bought it knowing it does not move under it own power. The story I was told was the previous owner was driving it and it just stopped moving. The shop gave them at estimate of $3,000 to make repairs, but I don’t know what those repairs would be. Not wanting to spend the money, the machine has sat for a couple of years. I put a jump pack on it so I could use the winch to pull it up onto my trailer and out of curiosity I turned the key. Much to my surprise, it started right up. There was a bit of smoke that I would expect after sitting but sounded good. I quickly confirmed that it would not move in any gear, does not try or make any noise.

So where should I start? I am fully prepared to pull the motor and open it up, but after reading on here sounds like it could be something as simple as a plugged oil filter. I’ll start reading the service manual, but curious what everyone here would do. Thanks in advance!

Edit to add: when I first looked at this a week ago, I did check the engine oil. I don’t recall right off where it was on the dipstick, other then there was oil in it.

screen blocked in engine u have to pull and split case