vf500 makes grinding sound in the engine and revs freely but has no power

HI I'm new here, i have had my vf500 for three years now, but its developed a grinding sound in the engine on startup, but goes away after its warm.

I was told by a previous vf500 rider that the clutch is probably also a problem. I can confirm that as there is little power beyond the 5k rev mark.

iIhave little mechanical experience, but have two spare engines, what would you advise i do?

I also spoke to another guy who said i should bleed the clutch and put in a spare crank with bearings. I am about to embark on this project and am bound to learn alot as i go along. I am currently not riding my vf500 as she is sick and i bought an upgrade recently to take the pressure off her.

Please help me restore my baby to her former glory.

Also there is a little leak coming from somewhere around the front sprocket, havn't taken a deeper look yet, but i read a few threads and found out that it could be the counterbalance shaft seal that gone. I will update this thread when i get further into my investigations.

thanks in advance

 

STARTER clutch would make that noise. No balance shafts, you mean the transmission countershaft. Leak could also be from slave cylinder or clutch pushrod seal.

Low power, do a proper compression test.

With little mechanical know-how or experience--and GOOD tools-- you shouldn't be considering crank or bearing replacement.

Why do riders with problems so seldom state the mileage on their bikes, something always relevant to mechanical issues ??

 

Low power above 5K rpm could be a few things. Other than low compression, might be ignition problem due to low voltage. Is voltage good? 14v or so?

Carb slides could also not be opening. You can pull the tank off, open airbox cover and use flashlight to see if the slides open when you give it a rev. Might have to add fuel to fuel line if you run it more than a minute or so.

When were the valves last adjusted? If they are past due, they can not be closing all the way and causing compression loss.