Not a Honda, but...

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by MiddleTBabb, Feb 9, 2014.

  1. MiddleTBabb

    MiddleTBabb New Member

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    Hey guys been a while.

    I have been neglecting the VFR for a while due to this new project.

    It's a 1985 Yamaha Virago 700. I have plans to customize it after I get it running, but more on that later (hopefully).

    I got this thing dirt cheap. With the title. Had a key made (that cost me more than the bike itself). When I got power to it, all the lights worked, signals, etc, but nothing when I pressed the start switch.

    I assume this is (1) an electrical problem being either the switch, the starter relay,the starter, or bad wiring or (2) the engine is locked up.

    I am going after (2) because the bike sat for so long. I want to make sure the engine turns before I get into the carburetors. I have only restored one other bike (the 87 VFR) and used the large valve adjustment nut to turn the engine to verify it wasn't locked up.

    Obviously this bike doesn't have gear driven cams. I refuse to buy a Haynes manual (only one available) because I have done that before and was disappointed. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to turn the engine manually to see if it is free? I have poured marvel mystery oil into the cylinders to help.

    Other than that, as you can tell, the bike is in great shape. I know it isn't a VFR...but I know I can get some great help from yall too. Phone 12-30-13 4939.jpg Phone 12-30-13 4935.jpg
     
  2. kennybobby

    kennybobby New Member

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    How old was the battery--what's the battery voltage when you push the starter button? Check the crankcase oil level, there's a good chance that it is full of gasoline and hydrolocked.
     
  3. MiddleTBabb

    MiddleTBabb New Member

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    thank you KB - I had it jumped from my car and I think it had plenty of volts. The oil pan is empty - nothing on the gauge, and I have opened the oil filler cap (dry) but not the drain hole. if it were a matter of hydrolock, would that have fixed that? Thank you again
     
  4. kennybobby

    kennybobby New Member

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    If the crankcase were full then it would not be able to turn over. Sounds like that's not the issue.

    Might need to pull the starter motor and check/clean the brushes, especially if it has set up for a long time. Power goes from battery positive terminal thru the starter relay to starter terminal to the brush block thru the armature back thru the brushes and then to the case 'ground' and back to the battery negative terminal--all that path must be clean and intact.
     
  5. MichaelD

    MichaelD New Member

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    Those Viragos are known for starter problems. Try raising the rear of the bike and in a upper gear rotate the tire or just push it.
     
  6. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    ^^ He's right, alot of Virago problems is why i hate 'em. Fuglyest, most nauseatingly over-stylized engine in 'cycling history and an execrable cruise too inferior to even share a garage with a VFR.
     
  7. Outboard John

    Outboard John New Member

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    What Michael said but it will be even easier if you pull the plugs before hand.
    John
     
  8. MiddleTBabb

    MiddleTBabb New Member

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    Once again this site comes through for me. Thanks guys.

    Plugs have been pulled, and in a high gear I tried to rotate the rear wheel and no luck. The starter is next I guess.

    Much thanks and CHEERS WHITEYS
     
  9. kd4ysi

    kd4ysi New Member

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    whas up mittle t babb
     
  10. Big_Jim59

    Big_Jim59 Member

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    Gosh Squirrelman! Stop sugar coating it and just tell us what you really think. :)
     
  11. Badbilly

    Badbilly Official VFRWorld Troll Of The Year!

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    WTF is a Yamaha Viagara?
     
  12. Big_Jim59

    Big_Jim59 Member

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    That's not a promising sign. If you can't rock it back and forth with the bike in gear and get the engine to turn then you have more than a starter issue.
     
  13. ZEN biker

    ZEN biker New Member

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    Take the stator cover off so you can see how far the engine rotates, if at all. Sometimes they get stuck at one point due to sitting for so long. Try rolling the wheel backwards and note if its in the same area that it gets stuck. Dont force it.
    Also, check the starter by using a battery and jumper cables, neg to starter body and just tap the positive to the starter contact. It should try to rotate but no lights should come on.
    These things are notorious for killing starter relays and brushes.

    If the engine moves a little, try going back and forth until it rotates freely (relative term for going all the way around) do not try using air tools to do this as you can/will break things. Be patient and take your time.

    Have fun!
     
  14. MiddleTBabb

    MiddleTBabb New Member

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    Finally got it turning today. Thanks much for the help.
     
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