How do I Troubleshoot a 1987 Honda Foreman?

The 1987 Honda Foreman is an ATV used by all-terrain enthusiasts. If you are having problems with your '87 Honda Foreman, there are several things you can do before taking it to a service shop. The battery, fuel and spark plug are the most common items to check. You don't have to be a Honda technician to get your Foreman working again. You can do it yourself with minimal hassle.

Things You'll Need

  • Fuel
  • Siphon hose
  • Voltmeter
  • New battery
  • Dry cloth
  • New spark plug
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Instructions

    • 1

      Park the Foreman on stable ground and engage the parking brake. Turn the key in the ignition to engage the instrument panel. Look at the fuel gauge to determine if there is enough fuel for the Foreman to start.

    • 2

      Siphon out old gas if the Foreman has been sitting in the elements for a prolonged amount of time. Remove the gas cap from the tank on the right side of the ATV. Insert one hose of the siphon pump into the gas tank and then insert the other end of the hose into an empty gas container.

    • 3

      Pump the top of the siphon pump until all of the gas has been pumped out of the tank. Fill the tank with fresh gasoline and then try to start the ATV. If the ATV will still not start, move on to the battery.

    • 4

      Lift the seat of your Foreman to reveal the 12-volt battery. Make sure that the connections to the battery are secure. Use a pair of channel locks to tighten the connections at the terminal. Test the battery with a voltmeter to make sure it has a proper charge.

    • 5

      Connect the test leads from your voltmeter to the positive and negative terminals on the battery. Look to the voltmeter's display for the voltage reading. If the reading is less than 11 volts, replace the battery.

    • 6

      Go to the right side of the engine and locate the spark plug housing. The spark plug housing is labeled as "Spark Plug." Remove the spark plug with your fingers and then use a dry cloth to clean it. Put the spark plug back into the housing and try to start the ATV. If the ATV will not start, replace the spark plug.