Buying a 1985 VF500 Tomorrow Morning!

what he means by that is to give her hell mybe clear it out...that is a good starting point check your plugs seem wild that the bike was doing ok then boom! it just starts running like shit. but check the plugs out.. the rear cyinders aren't bad but the front will be a pain

 

I would also shine a flashlight into the gas tank to see if there are any obvious signs of rust. It's possible that some loose particles may have worked their way loose and caused a fuel flow problem.

Regards,
Rollin

 

Thanks for all the tips. Tomorrow morning I will buy some sea foam and see if that solves my problem. I will also check the spark plugs, check for rust in the tank and perform my first hillbilly ride.

I will let you all know what happens.

 

Whenever I leave the bike for long periods of time it starts right up and idles, but after that first start i have to give it throttle to start and turn the choke all the way up for it to idle at 3k.

I put seafoam in, but I couldnt find detailed info so i left the bike running for a good while but saw to "white smoke" any ideas?

 

well if i leave my bike sitting for awhile i have to full choke it, as for the sea foam never used it so i cant tell you anything about it. think it supposed to smoke not to sure about it??

 

Have you checked to see if there is a fuel filter installed? If so, it could need replacing or removed altogether.

Also, check the fuel lines from the tank to the carbs to make sure none of them are kinked. If they have been replaced and not cut short enough, then that would do it too.

 

Needing to give a VF500F some throttle when warm is very common. All 500's that I've owned have displayed this behavior to some degree. The 500's seem to be finicky about their idle circuit jetting for some reason. They run fine, it's really just the hot start where they have difficulties.

 

jamie isnt there a metal style fuel filter you can run??

 

Fram GF1 $ 1.50 Napa:thumbsup:

 

Yes, there is. On some of bikes that have questionable gas tanks I use a sintered bronze type filter. These are typically seen on motocross bikes. They can be purchased from your local dealership for just a buck or two.

Here's what the one looks like that I use:

 

And my carbs need to be rebuilt. all four? Wish I wouldve known before buying it haha

I was quoted about $575. This sounds a bit too much, but I have nothing to base it on ($75/hr). Any ideas?

I live in California in the bay area, if anyone can recommend a mechanic I would very much appreciate it.

 

I can clean your carbs:

Carb service specialist

With over 30 years experience working on carbs from exotic sportscars, racecars to bikes, and having owned many VFRs. Hawks, VTRs ( and lots of other bikes mostly from the 80s and 90s) over the past 24 years, i feel i'm well qualified to offer carb cleaning and rebuild service to members here.

My service includes careful inspection, ultrasonic cleaning of jets, replacement of any parts found unservicable, blow-out with high pressure filtered air, setting float levels, remove mixture screw seals, precision assembly, bench tests to verify operation, and visual synchronization. Jet kits can be installed also.

Much INexperienced carb cleaning needs to be done again....and again because it takes lots of experience to do the job right the first time, every time.

I aim for less than 2 week turnaround time.

i have a spare set of VF 500 carbs for parts.


Put them in a box and ship. ( I'm willing to help you over the phone to remove and replace.)

If interested, PM me on this site or@ squirrelmanxxjerry@yahoo.com

 

when he means spare vf500 carbs he means mine :biggrin:

 

NOT so, Matt. Would i do that?? that wouldn't be right and isn't the "cowboy way."

i picked up a set from a member here to get parts for Michelle's carbs and only needed 2 small pieces.

 

oh squirrel i am just yanking you chain

 

And the bike has officially died on me. Stuck at a walmart parking lot with a dead bike and no money for towing haha.

The engine won't fire up.

 

I shouldve listened to the voice of reason. Squirrelman

 

You should try again. It was probably just the hot start thing. It happens to me every once in a while. Just make sure not to crank it so long that your battery dies. Assuming you aren't there already.... just don't jump it from a running car!

 

If you decide to let Squirrelman work on your bike you should also have him put in some new Chinese bearings for you! I hear he is a real fan of Chinese Bearing LOL!!

Regards,
Rollin

 

That's really disappointing....