General maintenance questions on 86 VF500F

Now that I got back to my 1986 VF500F (My story), I need do to a bunch of maintenance work on it. I'm not a good mechanic by any means but I've always try to learn to be able to maintain the bike myself. In doing so, I have a bunch of questions I hope you can help me.



I bought some filters from ebay and change the oil. I noticed the oem filters have smaller hole volume that the one I took off. Does this matter? I was tempted to drill the existing holes into bigger holes but was afraid the residual metal cuttings would make it worse.



I changed three set of pads. Two up front and one from the back. The old ones are pretty worn out.



I purchased a vacumm pump from Harbor Freight but I must have gotten some air in the line still because my back brake now is mushy and doesn't work as well as before. I going to try to breed of some air later on today.



I changed the air filter and notice my first problem.



The original rusted tank was replaced with a 84 tank and apparently the petcock size is different. Instead of the fuel line going to the petcock. It connects to a smaller stub hose which then connects to the petcock.

I didn't pay attention when I removed the tank so when I was about to reconnect it, I noticed that there are three outlets. The big fuel outlet and two smaller outlets. One is for the vacuumn line but what is the third one for? I had to ask the tech person at a Honda dealer to know which one of the two is for the vacummn line. He didn't know about the other outlet either.






If traced the fuel line and notice a crack. I ended up replacing the short section of fuel hose purchased from PepBoys.



I also replaced the three way connector to a brass one so that I can also use a smaller hose to go straight to the petcock. Does brass play well with fuel? Now I have a smaller hose from the three-way to the petcock. I threw away the old small stub hose and the original big hose. Does having a smaller fuel hose affect fuel flow?



I also drained(sucked) and replaced the brake fuild for the front, back and the clutch. The old clutch fuild was nasty.

I added air into the front fork and back suspension.

I bike runs great with the execption of the spongy rear break for now.

The bike seems to run hot. I plan to flush and replace the radiator in the near future. Are there any things I should watch out for in doing this task? If I still have the over heating issue, I want to pull and test the radiator thermostat. If I do that, can I resuse the old gasket (I assume there is a gasket) or I should get some new gasket first?

What else should I do. The bike only had 7200 miles when I took it back. It now has 8100 miles. I think the tires are ok for now.

Thanks a bunch.

 

Ride and enjoy. Thanks for the post. :thumbsup:

 

those two small lines go to a black box behind the battery tray, its almost like a catch can so to say.

 

First off... you've got the ambition and motivation to do whatever you will need to do. By coming here you've got the info you will need as well. Be patient and stick to it. You'll get it all done.

Brakes. Yep... You've got some air. Be careful how far you crack the bleeder valve open. It doesn't take much and that could be how you got the air in there.

Matt gave you the answer to the hose question.

Thermostat. As old as it is, you will probably have to replace the o-ring that is there. Chances are when you take it out, it will either be dry rotted or end up not retaining its shape. Don't worry... its a cheap part. You really need to get the overheating issue straightened out. Heat will kill an engine fast.

Brass. It plays very well with fuel.

Smaller line. I doubt you will notice the difference in fuel flow.

Oil filter. Never do that. If you've got the correct filter, it will be fine and flow plenty of oil.

Other things. Thats a mighty fine lookin seat. Get a good conditioner for her to keep it soft and from cracking. Make sure the chain is lubed really good. It is probably in need of a good lube. You might also want to look into rebuilding the forks. The oil will need changed badly. The seals may or may not need changed but it wouldn't hurt as old as they are. While you are in there, you might want to look at upgrading the internals as well. If that is the original battery...or one that is quite old... it is time for a new one. You do not want to get stranded somewhere and a bad batter isn't good on the charging system. Tires may need changed as well. Look for signs of dry rotting. Small little cracks are bad. Your tires are all thats between you and the road and you don't want a blowout.

Come back as often as you need for ANY questions. We're happy to help in any way we can.

Ride her and have fun!

 

Pretty sure the 2nd 'nipple' on the petcock is just open to air.

 

the nipple on the back side of the petcock is for vacum to allow the fuel to flow and the first one is a vent, there is a vacum port on the rear right cylinder head thats where it connects to.

 

http://vfrworld.com/forums/first-second-generation-1983-1989/16735-help-re-installing-petcock.html

^^^ Should help with your Petcock questions.


I may have to do the same with the pre 86 tank and the smaller hose.

I don't think you'll have a problem with the smaller hose....it was already smaller to begin with coming off the Petcock.

I try and use Honda Oil filters whenever possible. But that's just me....I never skip on products that help my bike/car run.


FYI: If you decide to change the Spark Plugs on your bike...the 86 requires a different heat range plug then the 84-85's.

 

about the best plug i've found is the NGK IRIDIUM DPR8EIX-9

 

heres anothertip if your tank has rust in it CLEAN it or else its just going to be problems down the road i am dealing with that on my bike had to rebuild the carbs only a month after the carbs where already rebuilt... as for fuel filter if your tank is rust free and coated then you are fine.. heres one thing to look at honda didnt put a fuel filter on the bike when it was built in 1986 also that much of a restriction can starve the motor and cause a lean condition ( meaning spark knock ) as for the thermostat i havent found one yet my bike needed one and i ended up just leaveing it out i live in georgia so doesnt get as cold as some of these northern states and no over heating issue to date.. the gasket is a discontinued part i had to use a thin coat of RTV to seal it back up.