Jim's $400.00 1986 VF500F

Discussion in '1st & 2nd Generation 1983-1989' started by Jim McCulloch, Jun 25, 2019.

  1. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Freaking love them but there was not / is not one available here in Houston. If I see one local I will definitely snag it.

    The VF500F was kind of a flier for me and I had no idea they were so trouble prone. Can't walk away now though!

    I had until recently a VFR800 FI (2000 model) but it was no challenge to work on because nothing broke. Solid bike it was.
     
  2. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    i'm really impressed with how far you dug in to your 500 project to make a runner, brave and determined. great work.

    your experience backs up what i've learned about vf500's: don't buy one unless the compression #s look OK.
     
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  3. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    OK. I am over the depression of a failed rebuild and ready to tear it down and see what I f-ed up. I am betting on leaking valves.

    Engine is out!

    IMG_9659.JPG
     
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  4. RllwJoe

    RllwJoe Insider

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    Looks nice and clean on the outside.:Yo:
     
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  5. RS125

    RS125 New Member

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    Keep digging! You'll get there an have a great story and memories with it.
     
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  6. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    Never give up! EVER. I am working through a very similar experience. Just pulled the engine out of my RVF recently and shipped it out. It is painful getting it 100% done, only to find out you are just practicing, lol.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

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    It is supposed to arrive at my engine builder tomorrow......Hang in there!
     
  7. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    WOW! RVF, kind of Holy Grail. I am sure that will be bad a$$ when you get it going!

    I am also very impressed with the shipping crate. Awesome craftsmanship!
     
  8. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    Hahahahahaha, thanks for the kind words on the crate.

    It's not the 750, just the 400. The goal is to get it to 80hp and sub 350 pounds. Will have to wait and see how it dyno's to confirm the numbers, but that's what the projected number is from the engine builder, up from 60.

    I'm really interested in how you get along with your project. I know you'll get it nailed down this time. I'll be keeping an eye on this thread.
     
  9. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    BACK DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE......Decided to tear down the V30 Magna engine to see what I have. Turns out it is in a lot better shape than I originally thought. I appears to be a low mileage engine. It was for sure flooded in Hurricane Harvey as there was water/mud inside the engine. But not really that bad.

    The heads are in excellent shape (still going to need a valve job however) but the valve heads are in really good shape.

    IMG_9660.JPG
    Harvey MUD on the engine. Kind of dig the V30 Magna polished clutch cover. The F does not have this.

    IMG_9661.JPG
    This is different, it looks like the V30 Magna has a gear position indicator. I guess that is what it is. The F just has a neutral switch.
    IMG_9664.JPG

    Mmmmm....more Harvey flood water...stinks like crazy!

    IMG_9663.JPG
     
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  10. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Cases Split! Looks pretty good..... If the cylinders are good I may use this V30 Magna block. I understand the transmissions are different but assume the F tranny set will be a drop in replacement?

    IMG_9674.JPG
     
  11. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    Nice work. It's great to see you motivated again. It doesn't take long to get over the initial frustration and it only hardens the resolve to conquer the problem and show it who's boss. I don't know much about these 500 engines, but I'm pulling for you to mix up a functioning engine from the ashes.
     
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  12. Mind_Surfer

    Mind_Surfer New Member

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    I put a salvaged V30 engine in my '86VF back in the winter of 1987. Ran it hard up until a couple years ago when it finally milk shaked on me.
    Yes the transmission is different, as is the final drive, but I never had any issues, and actually was getting 74 MPG!
    It's been long ago but I do remember a couple things... the coolant piping is of a smaller capacity, but the Interceptor piping will swap right over. The clutch stacking is a little different, so if you get into that, stay organized. The starter clutch is a little different but will run on VF igniters. A couple of options here (I ended up using the programmable igniters from V4spark). Carbs a little different but I run Interceptor carbs. I think you just swap insulators. Valve clearances a little different.

    That's about all I can recollect.
    Best wishes.
     
    Last edited: Feb 6, 2020
  13. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Thanks for the input....I am going to make a Frankenstein engine most likely. Lot of swapping about to happen. I have been pouring over the V30 and VF500F parts lists and there seems to b like a 95% parts sharing on the engine internals. Electronics were a different story as there are many different P/N's to contend with,
     
  14. chuntera

    chuntera New Member

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    Do you have a recommendation for sealant when re-assembling the crankcases halves?
     
  15. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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  16. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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  17. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Have not posted in a while. Waiting on the heads for come back from the shop. No news may be good news?

    Probably better check on them!
     
  18. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Well I have a lot of time on my hands like many of you all, hope everyone is well.

    Just starting to reassemble the bottom end AGAIN. Cleaning out all the Hondabond is certainly a chore!

    IMG_9692.JPG
     
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  19. sixdog

    sixdog Member

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  20. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Last edited: Mar 22, 2020
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