87 VFR700 Problems

Discussion in '1st & 2nd Generation 1983-1989' started by Fender13Bender, Apr 12, 2010.

  1. Fender13Bender

    Fender13Bender New Member

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    I just bought an 87 Interceptor, all body panels were apart, and the bike has been sitting for 10 months. Picked it up for $300. :cool:

    I changed the plugs, new oil filter and oil, fresh coolant, new battery. I can sometimes get the bike to fire up, but it can't hold an idle for more than 10 or so seconds usually, and with the choke on the idle doesn't always goes up, sometimes up and down.

    It's hard to start. When I did get it running, I couldn't get it to rev up very much, I had to give it just the slightest throttle blip and it would sometimes go up to 5k or so. When I had it WOT, it would bog down.

    Suggestions? Fuel or spark problem? It has fresh 87 gas in it, the top box on the intake is missing along with the air filter.

    Any and all help would be appreciated, I can't wait to get it running and together!!
     
  2. PyroMcnoob

    PyroMcnoob New Member

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    first thing I recommend is a carb rebuild... worked wonders for my gen2... also lets ya get all intimate with the new object of all your time and $ lmao :joker:
     
  3. Fender13Bender

    Fender13Bender New Member

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    How much do you think that would cost at a shop that charges $42 an hour?
     
  4. PyroMcnoob

    PyroMcnoob New Member

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    ugh, eff that... do 'em yourself... kit isn't that expensive, I think the one I got ran $60...if you have a manual, that's a plus, but carb rebuilds aren't too difficult...

    Post a thread askin' for carb help, and these boys'll come outta the woodwork ;) If you trust the shop guys, it'd prolly take about 2 hours give or take... but, IMO no sense in lettin' a shop charge ya when you can easily do it yourself...
     
  5. Fender13Bender

    Fender13Bender New Member

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    I completely understand, I love working on things myself and I'm pretty decent at it. But I'm new with carbs and bikes, and I HATE small parts, haha.
     
  6. PyroMcnoob

    PyroMcnoob New Member

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    where ya located? if you're close to the right guys, they'll help ya do it in exchange for a beer or 5 =P up to you mate... but as far as fixin' your problem, MOST issues on the gen2s when they've sat start in the carbs... mine sat for 4 years, w/ gas in it... cleaned the carbs and tank, started right up and ran solid ever since (til the fuel pump died lol)
     
  7. Fender13Bender

    Fender13Bender New Member

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    Actually I think that's the problem. I just sprayed fuel into the airbox surround, and it fired up and revved perfectly. I couldn't hear the pump or feel it move, so I unplugged the line and sure enough, it wasn't pumping anything.

    How do I check if it's the pump, or relay? All fuses are good.
     
  8. currycur

    currycur New Member

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    Fender just checked in to your thread. Listen bro I'm new to this bike myself and I had to start with a carb rebuild.If you want her to last take the time and get those carbs done. It will save you time and money later. Pay one of the guys here to do it and mail them to him but don't settle on a quick fix just to get on the road faster. Fix her right so you can stay on the road. Also look over all your systems if you don't know the seller. I bought my bike with a carb problem cause I knew it could be fixed. All else looked fine on the surface until we started verifying other stuff and 3 weeks later I have had a chasis clean and rebuild, muffler clean and rebuild, carb clean and rebuild, spring clean and rebuild, just finished brakes tonight cause they looked fine until we took the pads off. All I thought it needed was carbs but being down a month to do it right is going to let me ride all summer with a clear conscience. Just do it bro you will be happy you did.
     
  9. Fender13Bender

    Fender13Bender New Member

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    Yea that's not a bad idea, they were cleaned 10 months ago when it was last run. I'll see what happens when I get the fuel pump issue fixed. Does anyone know how to test the pump or relay?
     
  10. currycur

    currycur New Member

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    I'm still learning the bike bro so I can't get all technical with a but hang in there if you give these guys time to answer the knowledge is there. I have learned tons reading though these forums and learning from these guys.
     
  11. Fender13Bender

    Fender13Bender New Member

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    Alright me too.

    The best part of this bike is it only has 20,000 miles!
     
  12. supertex

    supertex New Member

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    A carb clean is probably still needed. Don't trust that it was done properly. Also these bikes run horribly without the filter and airbox on. A couple of fuel pump tests.... blow through the pump, if you are able too it's shot. Put a power source on the connections and feel for air being pushed through with a finger or what-ever. The green wire is the ground.
     
  13. jahlov420

    jahlov420 New Member

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    fender...my pump has been acting weird lately, let me know if u find a good one
     
  14. TOE CUTTER

    TOE CUTTER Mullet Man

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  15. Dukiedook

    Dukiedook New Member

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    You can download a manual on the forum here, but basically what you do is pull the fuel pump electrical red plug and the yellow green relay wire and jump the black to black blue wires on the fuel pump.
    If it puts out the required amount in the time shown, it is OK.
     
  16. Fender13Bender

    Fender13Bender New Member

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    Thanks guys. I will try what you guys suggested when I get off work later tonight. There's an air box top on ebay I'm going to get as well. Wish me luck.
     
  17. Fender13Bender

    Fender13Bender New Member

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  18. Dukiedook

    Dukiedook New Member

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    It should, looks like someone cut out some extra holes on that one, you should be able to plug those holes though.
    You'll run a little lean if you don't.
     
  19. PyroMcnoob

    PyroMcnoob New Member

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    It sounds dumb, but you can get a "Mr. Gasket" fuel pump from any Autozone for cheap... just make sure you get the right PSI for your bike (found in manual)... I did it that way cuz I was in a hurry and nobody could get me the one for the bike without chargin' me an arm and a leg... thing works, haven't had any problems with it...
     
  20. Tedric

    Tedric New Member

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    Don't condem that fuel pump yet chaps. If after testing it for the usual suspects, unscrew the top of the pump, (single screw) pull back cover (carefully)to expose contact breaker points. Lightly clean these with 1000 grit sandpiper. They do get a bit mucky etc (even after a few months with no use). Pop the top back on & he presto a working pump again.
    Any questions fire away, we are here to help mate.
     
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