The Honda Rancher 420 has a reputation for being tough and dependable. But no stock ATV is made to swim. Take a Rancher into water deeper than it was built for, and the air intake can pull in water. That can mean a hydrolocked engine and a long, expensive repair.
If you ride creeks, flooded trails or deep mud, our NEW Honda Rancher 420 (2014-2019) Radiator Relocation/Snorkel Combo Kit is one of the best ways to prep the machine for it.
Step one: raise the air intakes
The snorkel side of this combo is a Going Deep snorkel kit, custom-designed for the Rancher 420. A snorkel moves the air intake points up high, well above where the factory put them. That way, when you drop into a deep crossing, the engine is still breathing dry air instead of sucking in water. Raised intakes are the single most important upgrade for any ATV that will see deep water.
Step two: move the radiator up
Water is only half the story. Deep riding usually means deep mud too, and that mud gets packed into a low-mounted radiator. Once the fins are clogged, the engine cannot shed heat and starts to overheat. The radiator relocation part of the kit moves the radiator up out of the muck so it stays cleaner and keeps cooling. The kit is designed to improve cooling as well as water fording.
Other habits for deep-water riding
The right parts make a big difference, but riding habits matter too. A few tips from the shop:
- Check every snorkel joint and clamp before each deep ride.
- Cross at a steady, slow pace so you do not push a wave over the intakes.
- Check oil after a deep day. Milky oil means water got in somewhere.
- Wash out the radiator fins after muddy rides so they stay clear.
Doing both jobs at once saves time, since the plastics only have to come off one time. It also means the Rancher is ready for water and mud at the same moment, with no weak spot left behind.
Fitment
This combo kit is designed for the 2014-2019 Honda Rancher 420. Honda has made several Rancher versions, so confirm your model year before ordering. If you are unsure whether this kit fits your machine, call the Wild Boar team at 850-912-4350 and we will help you sort it out.
