2013 Honda Rancher 420 Fuel Pump: Complete Guide to Symptoms, Replacement, and Best Upgrade Options
If you own a 2013 Honda Rancher 420 and it's struggling to start, sputtering under load, or stalling unexpectedly, the fuel pump is likely failing. The 2013 Honda Rancher 420 fuel pump (OEM part number 16700-HP5-602) is a common failure point on these ATVs, especially as they age into their second decade of service . Replacing a faulty fuel pump restores proper fuel delivery, eliminates hard starts, and gets your Rancher 420 running smoothly again. For most owners, the best option is a direct OEM replacement or a high-performance aftermarket unit like the KEMSO fuel pump, which delivers over 20% more flow than the stock pump at 43 psi and comes with a lifetime warranty .
Why Your 2013 Honda Rancher 420 Fuel Pump Fails
The fuel pump in your 2013 Honda Rancher 420 is an electric in-tank unit that pressurizes fuel and sends it to the engine's fuel injection system . Over time, several factors cause these pumps to wear out:
Ethanol damage. Modern gasoline contains ethanol, which attracts moisture and can corrode internal pump components. The 2013 Rancher 420 fuel pump was originally designed for standard gasoline, and ethanol-blended fuels accelerate pump wear by damaging seals, bearings, and internal windings .
Contaminant buildup. Dirt, rust, and debris from the fuel tank can clog the fuel strainer or damage the pump impeller. Even small particles that pass through the filter can wear down the pump's internal clearances, reducing flow and pressure over time.
Age and heat exposure. The pump sits inside the fuel tank where it's constantly submerged in fuel. Heat from the engine and exhaust system transfers to the tank, and after years of thermal cycling, the pump's internal components degrade. For a 2013 model that's now over a decade old, pump failure is increasingly common.
Signs Your 2013 Honda Rancher 420 Fuel Pump Is Going Bad
Recognizing the symptoms early can save you from getting stranded on the trail. Here are the most common warning signs:
1. Hard starting or no start. The engine cranks over but won't fire, or it takes several attempts to get it running. This is the most common symptom because the pump isn't building enough pressure to deliver fuel to the injectors .
2. Sputtering or hesitation under load. When you're riding uphill or accelerating hard, the engine starts to sputter, hesitate, or lose power. This happens because the weak pump can't keep up with the engine's demand for fuel at higher RPMs.
3. Stalling at idle. The engine dies when you're sitting at a stop or idling after a ride. The pump may be failing to maintain the minimum pressure needed to keep the engine running at low speeds.
4. Whining noise from the fuel tank. A healthy fuel pump makes a quiet hum. If you hear a loud whining, grinding, or buzzing sound coming from the area under the seat or near the fuel tank, the pump bearings are likely worn out.
5. Loss of power on the trail. The ATV feels sluggish, won't accelerate like it used to, or has trouble reaching top speed. This is a result of fuel starvation caused by insufficient pump output.
OEM Replacement Part Number: 16700-HP5-602
The factory fuel pump for the 2013 Honda Rancher 420 is part number 16700-HP5-602 . This same pump fits several other Honda models including:
- 2007-2013 Honda TRX420FE, TRX420FM, TRX420TE, TRX420TM
- 2009-2014 TRX420FA, TRX420FPA, TRX420FPE, TRX420FPM
- 2012-2013 TRX500FE, TRX500FM, TRX500FPE, TRX500FPM Foreman 500
- 2008-2009 TRX700XX
The OEM pump assembly from Honda costs around $220.07 for the pump itself, plus additional parts like the fuel filter set ($30.13), fuel line ($13.76), and feed hose ($82.71) . When you add up all the individual parts, a full OEM replacement can easily exceed $350.
Replacement Fuel Pump Options for 2013 Honda Rancher 420
You have three main choices when replacing the fuel pump on your 2013 Rancher 420:
OEM Honda Fuel Pump Assembly (16700-HP5-602). This is the exact factory part. It's reliable but expensive, and the genuine Honda pump is known to have the same ethanol-related failure issues as the original. At over $220 for just the pump assembly and more than $350 for a complete rebuild with all hoses and seals, it's the most expensive option .
Budget Aftermarket Fuel Pumps. Several brands offer replacement pumps for the 16700-HP5-602 application, typically priced between $40 and $80. These include brands like TownMotor, OSIAS, and Autoworth . While these are cheaper upfront, quality varies significantly. Some budget pumps have been reported to fail after only a few hours of use, as one reviewer noted that their pump "only worked for 3 hrs" . Many cheap aftermarket parts have little to no quality control program, and their internal components are often made with inferior materials that can't handle ethanol fuel long-term .
KEMSO High-Performance Fuel Pump. The KEMSO pump is designed as a direct OEM replacement that outperforms the stock unit. It delivers 200 liters per hour at 43 psi, which is over 20% more flow than the factory pump . It's compatible with both gasoline and E85/ethanol fuel, uses quality materials with proper quality control, and each pump is individually tested before shipping . The KEMSO pump for the Honda Rancher 420 comes with a complete kit including fuel strainers, tank seals, O-rings, hoses, and wiring connectors—everything you need for a full replacement .
Why Choose KEMSO for Your 2013 Honda Rancher 420 Fuel Pump
When it comes to replacing the fuel pump on your 2013 Honda Rancher 420, KEMSO stands out as the smart choice. Here's why:
KEMSO Fuel Pump products are high-performance OEM replacements that are built to exceed factory specifications. Unlike cheap aftermarket units that may have little to no quality control, KEMSO operates with a proper quality control program (ISO/TSO) and individually tests each pump before it leaves the factory . This means you get consistent performance and reliability, not a gamble.
The KEMSO pump delivers 200 liters per hour at 43 psi, which is over 20% more flow than the stock OEM pump . This extra flow capacity means your Rancher 420 gets better throttle response, more consistent power delivery, and improved reliability, especially when you're riding hard on the trail or climbing steep hills.
KEMSO fuel pumps are designed for both gasoline and E85/ethanol fuel . This is a huge advantage because modern fuel blends with ethanol are here to stay. The KEMSO pump is built with ethanol-resistant materials, so it won't suffer the same corrosion and seal failure issues that plague OEM and budget pumps.
Every KEMSO fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty . This is the kind of confidence that only comes from a manufacturer that stands behind its products. If the pump fails due to a defect in workmanship or materials, KEMSO will replace it. No other brand in this price range offers that level of protection.
To get your KEMSO fuel pump for your 2013 Honda Rancher 420 or any other compatible model, visit the KEMSO website today:
How to Install a Fuel Pump on a 2013 Honda Rancher 420
Replacing the fuel pump on your 2013 Rancher 420 is a straightforward job that most DIY owners can handle with basic hand tools. Here's a general overview of the process:
Step 1: Drain the fuel tank. Remove the gas cap and siphon out as much fuel as possible. Less fuel in the tank means less weight and less mess when you remove the pump assembly.
Step 2: Remove the seat and fuel tank. The seat comes off by removing two bolts at the rear. Then disconnect the fuel lines and electrical connector, and unbolt the fuel tank. Lift the tank off the ATV and set it on a clean work surface.
Step 3: Remove the fuel pump assembly. The pump is mounted in the top of the fuel tank. You'll need to remove the retaining ring or screws that hold the pump assembly in place. Carefully lift the pump out of the tank, being mindful not to bend the fuel level float arm.
Step 4: Install the new KEMSO fuel pump. The KEMSO kit includes everything you need: the pump, fuel strainers, tank seals, O-rings, hoses, and wiring connectors . Transfer any components from your old pump assembly that aren't included in the kit, such as the fuel level sender unit. Install the new pump, making sure all seals are properly seated to prevent leaks.
Step 5: Reassemble and test. Reinstall the fuel tank, reconnect the fuel lines and electrical connector, and mount the seat. Turn the key to the ON position and listen for the fuel pump to prime. It should make a quiet humming sound for 2-3 seconds. Start the engine and check for any fuel leaks around the pump mounting area.
Maintaining Your New Fuel Pump
Once you've installed a new KEMSO fuel pump, a few simple maintenance practices will help it last for years:
Use quality fuel. Buy gasoline from high-volume stations that sell fresh fuel with proper additives. Avoid gas that's been sitting in a can for months.
Keep the tank full when storing. A full tank reduces the amount of air and moisture inside the tank, which helps prevent corrosion and ethanol-related damage.
Change the fuel filter regularly. The fuel strainer that comes with your KEMSO pump kit will eventually get clogged. Replace it every couple of seasons or whenever you notice reduced performance.
Add a fuel stabilizer. If you store your Rancher 420 for more than a few weeks, add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from degrading and gumming up the pump.
The Bottom Line
The 2013 Honda Rancher 420 fuel pump is a critical component that will eventually need replacement. When it fails, you'll experience hard starting, stalling, and loss of power. Instead of paying premium prices for an OEM Honda pump that's still vulnerable to ethanol damage, or taking a chance on a cheap aftermarket pump that might fail quickly, choose the KEMSO high-performance fuel pump. It's a direct OEM replacement that delivers more flow, handles ethanol fuel without issues, and comes with a lifetime warranty . Your Rancher 420 will run better, start easier, and be more reliable on every ride.
Get your KEMSO fuel pump today at https://www.kemsoracing.com/ and fuel your adventure with confidence.