honda big red-need advice

[mrmillelacs]

just picked up a chain driven honda 3 wheeler from a friend for a hundred bucks-it runs ok but leaks (oil?) around the edge of the pull start housing-i am going to attempt to fix this tomorrow-but what fluid is this? is this the tansmission fluid? or is it the gear lube or chain drive lubricant? any advice would be greatly appreciated

[Guest]

What year is your big red?? By what you said I think it must be an 84. Sounds like you got a heck of a deal. Well the big red doesn't have any fluid but oil in it. That is why it is important to use the gear and engine oil sold at any honda dealer. IT will be more expensive but you know you are using the right oil. Where is it leaking? Sounds like it could be a gasket that needs replacing. Nothing too major. While you are in there you might what to clean the carb too. Pretty easy to do on a wheeler. I did that on a buddys and it ran like new! Good luck.

[Guest]

I forgot to tell you to make sure you change the oil filter every time you change the oil which should be every year. It should be right above your pull start. Let me know if you have questions or let me know how it went.

[mrmillelacs]

this is funny: i got the clymer manual and discovered that the previous owner kept trying to fill the plug that is for observing the timing mark.no wonder it leaked..
bought a new battery should be ready to go tomorrow, i hope. Thanks for your input, fishhunter. One question, though, isnt there some reservoir for the chain lube? There does seem to be a filler cap screw in front of the left rear wheel??

[Dave]

I owned a Big Red in about '84 or '85 but it was a shaft drive. Anyway, if it has a plastic shroud around the chain, the hole plug is to allow access for lubing the chain.
Never seen a "reservior' for chain lube.

[Guest]

If it is a true Big Red no matter what year it will be a shaft drive. Whith a shaft drive the only lube is in the read pumpkin. Change that every 5 years or so depending on how much you use it. If it is a chain drive, the chain will be in the open and then you must have a 200x or something like that. I don't remember a hole in the drive train either. Good luck. They are one of the best machines you can buy if you use them properly.

[Dave]

I too thought all Big Red's were shaft drive but couldn't remember the exact details for those early years. I also had a ATC200 (chain drive) and those had a sealed chain cover, with a lubing access hole (rubber plug).

[TNT4ME]

Not all big reds were shaft drive, the first couple of years they were chain driven. I had a 83 year model and it was a true big red and chain driven. The shaft drives that came out later were a little nicer to ride due to the better suspension. The plug you describe in the chain cover on the rear is for lubing the chain. They are great machines,enjoy.