ATC 250sx questions

[trikes125]

I have a 250sx wondering how to maintain the rear diff. And make sure oil is in it the boot up the front is ripped should I not ride like that. Also the electric start and headlight does not work would a brand new battery fix that maybe? Kick start works fine starts right up any help would b great thanks. Trike was sitting in garage for sometime. Any info I should know on these models would-be great is my second trike I hae a 185s also.

[dougspcs]

10mm bolt on the left side of the diff at the bottom to drain. Big cap on the back takes a 17mm to refill.

If there is water in the diff or the oil is milky best look up some of the threads on diff rebuild.

Riding with the boot ripped is not advisable since water and dirt will enter the swing arm tube and destroy your driveshaft U-joint, also with it sitting on top of the diff input shaft ruin the top seal and pit the shaft..all are bad!

Get a boot, then see if you can pull the swing arm bolt(special tool needed). You can pull the swing arm back far enough to slip the driveshaft off the transmission and slip the new boot on.

I know you may need clarification on what all this involves..just ask, there is more than enough wisdom on the site to draw on.

As far as the electrical goes..yes, new battery may fix electric start, or may not. The headlight is powered by the lighting coil in the engine and battery being NFG won't stop it from working. When the engine is running the light should work, so separate issue.

The electrical is another day and lesson!! Break it down and tackle one at a time is my suggestion.

[trikes125]

Thanks for the info great help. Can't seem to find a boot anywhere though. Other than that seems to be a great trike just have to replace the boot and electrical runs am rides great though.

[Flyingw]

Item 7 http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Honda/ATV/1985/ATC250SX+A/SWINGARM+%2B+PROPELLER+SHAFT+85/parts.html

[wonderboy]

10mm bolt on the left side of the diff at the bottom to drain. Big cap on the back takes a 17mm to refill.

A word of caution: it takes a 17mm to fit the hex of the fill plug, which typically means a big wrench or a 1/2" drive socket. The plug will NOT take the amount of torque you can apply with that large of a wrench. Be careful and only lightly snug it. I got carried away while doing maintenance on my SX and snapped the threads clean off of the plug. Easy does it!

[wonderboy]

Additional advice on the rear end: I find that inspecting the rear axle lube for water is mandatory after ANY exposure to water. It is very easy to check, and the ramifications of leaving water in there is too serious to not check it.