Next: Oil Pressure woes...

Ugh. My next issue with the 500.

Idle has been around 2000 rpms, since I haven't gotten the carbs tweked yet (sync and mixture) and today I noticed that when it does act right and idle down around 1500, the oil light comes on. It was just flickering under 1500, but now it's steady under 2000.

Now for the questions:

Is there a spec listed for the pressure, so I can use a test gauge to verify it is too low, and not just a faulty sender? I know the sorts of things that cause low oil pressure (main and rod bearings, oil pump, etc...) but what's the norm on the 500? Should I try swapping the pump with the one from my parts engine, inspect it, or tear it open first? Or should I go straight to splitting the case and replacing the bearings?

Just looking for opinions, other than Squirrelman saying to scrap it! LOL

Thanks in advance!

 

Specs are 540 KPa (5.4Kg/cm^2, 77psi) at 9000 rpm. For warm engine at operating temperature. (Reference: Honda shop manual 1985, 67MF201)
Easier is while removing the sender for pressure checking also changing the sender unit. If new sender unit gives same trouble then go to oil pump.
Let me know if pump is the case and I will post pump clearances.

 

+1, start with the sending unit first, then move to the oil pump.

On a side note - purchasing a Factory Service Manual is really the first step in owning a VF500F. Often an original manual - with its great green and white vintage Honda binder - can be found on eBay for around $10 - $15 + shipping. It's really a must have for your library shelf.

 

Awesome! I wish they had a spec for idle though. Sometimes they publish an idle spec and a higher RPM spec for cars, I was hoping they did for this bike. I will be checking it anyway. I'm just wondering if there's an automotive equivalent for the sender that I can pick up locally. I can swap out the one from the parts engine and hope for the best, I suppose.

I have been watching on and off for a factory manual but have not turned anything up. Helm has the reprint of it pretty reasonably priced, so I may go the route.

 

For anybody looking for the factory service manual for the VF500F, here's a link to it. $36

1984-1986 VF500F Interceptor Service Manual - Helm Incorporated

 

I'd really recommend holding out for an original copy. The printing quality is much better (the photos are sharp and clear) in the originals when compared to the re-issues.

I see the original issues on eBay every few weeks. $10-$15 + shipping for ones in good shape.

 

Any time oil pressure is an issue it is a must to check it with a gauge. Remove the sending unit and plumb a gauge at that point to know what it is for sure.

 

Idle spec is 1300 +/- 200 RPM.

-Jake

 

I meant an oil pressure spec at idle.

 

Yea...just checked my manual. 540 kPa (77 psi) @ 9,000rpm.

You'd think if you had an oil pressure problem the last thing you'd wanna do is wind the bike up to 9,000rpm :crazy:

+1 .....very good idea.


Also...to touch on what IC mentioned about getting a factory service manual as a first for any VF500 owner, I agree 100%.

A close 2nd....Rubber Mallet....followed by booze.

 

Rubber mallet? Check! Alcohol? On my way to restock! BFH? Check! I should be good to go with this and the questionable Clymer's manual, on top of years of automotive experience.

The more I think about my situation, the worse it sounds... to me.

It's getting worse a little at a time, meaning the RPM that the light starts to come on is getting higher and higher. Changing the oil did not help at all, probably since the oil wasn't very old anyway. I'll just have to test the pressure, and if it is low, I'll pull the oil pan and see what's going on.

If it comes down to it, does anyone know where to get ahold of any bearings for it?

 

A lot of the oil pump parts don't seem to be available any longer. However, used parts are up on ebay all the time.

 

I have one from my parts engine (which is supposed to be the original from the bike, that smoked, and has wiped cams) that I think I might try, or at least tear it apart and see how good or bad it looks.

 

Just close your ears to the song of squirrel-birds :tongue: :tape:

 

Keep the oil pan re&re as a last resort. I had to do it once and it's a HUGE Pain.

But we sing so sweetly!

 

On a side note - the OEM oil pan gasket (11315-KE7-000) is NLA.

 

You get yours in the mail IC?

 

Yes sir! Many thanks.

I've squirreled it away in the parts bin.

 

Good to hear.

 

But, they still make Hondabond!

I tested the oil pressure, and the needle on our test kit gauge didn't move until about 1500 - 200 RPM's. It hit about 7 or so PSI at 3000. Snap the throttle and it pegged the 50 PSI gauge. The engine was not fully warmed up, either. It seems to be making good pressure at higher RPM's, but not in the lower range. I'm just going to tear apart the spare oil pump that I have and see how it looks, then I'll drop the oil pan and take a look around in there.