Jim's $400.00 1986 VF500F

the Caswell fuel tank sealer epoxy is better at filling holes imo.

https://caswellplating.com/epoxy-gas-tank-sealer.html

 

If I can't find a decent tank I may give that coating a go. Thanks.

Really don't have much to lose at this point. I don't think I will use RED KOTE again.

These VF500F tanks have so many nooks and cranies in them it may be impossible to get a sealer in there and not have it too thick to actually cure.

All I know is I am riding tomorrow!

 

Hi Jim, I had the same problem and tried the same things basically. My 3M panel bond epoxy softened and fell off after a few days.

The Caswell sealer is two part so it will cure under any circumstances and it is thick like molasses. I used two coats so at this point fuel doesn't even come in contact with those lower edges where the rot happens. The Caswell stuff will basically create a gas-proof epoxy bladder in the tank.

I actually did Red Kote and epoxy on a Nighthawk tank and it has help up fine, so YMMV... good luck and have fun!!

 

Wow, I really appreciate the feedback on that. I just rode the bike around the block and got another leak in the tank. Going to order the Caswell tonight.

 

Well, I finally got to ride it! Crappy picture but happy to be out and about!

 

I have seen a lot worse GoFundMe's than "Get Jim a VF500F tank that doesn't leak". Might want to look into it .

How did it run otherwise?! Also, was removing the centerstand a conscious decision? Or am I blind and there's actually one on there?

 

The center stand is there, I took the picture from the wrong angle!

It actually ran pretty darn good, It is still burning stuff out of the exhaust system so it started smoking again.

Also the rear shock is toast. From what I hear they were pretty crappy right out of the box. Have to research alternatives.

 

I knew I needed glasses. Nothing wrong with the angle of the photo. Glad to hear it ran well though.

My shock is toast as well. I'm planning on a YSS shock after doing some research. The other options I found were Hagon and Daugherty Motorsports. If I end up feeling a little spendier, I'll go with the Daugherty Motorsports one. When you're researching you may come across suggestions to have Jamie Daugherty modify a Honda F2 shock, but they don't offer that service anymore (I emailed earlier this year).

 

Thank you, good to know what is out there. I am not sure what happened to the shock. It was working 3 months ago when I last rode it.

It holds air but it feels like it has no oil in it and it's now a pogo stick! Also the centerstand does not hold the rear wheel up high anymore enough to clear the floor.

It never did that before.

 

Hi Jim, happy to pass my results along! I also recommend getting the quart size Caswell kit, I tried the smaller one and it didn't quite get all the leaks.

You have plenty of time to manipulate the tank before the epoxy hardens so I tilted it towards the worst area which was my right lower side.

Good luck!

 

REAR SHOCK REPAIR......I know it is probably a subject beaten to death, but there is nothing new I can find.

Is it even possible to repair the internals of the shock? I found a tutorial on the Daugherty Racing site, but it states that you cannot disassemble the internal valving.

http://www.daughertymotorsports.com/howto/Rearshock/shockrebuild.html

I am under some temporary budget restraints and wanted to take a crack at repairing the shock. I think there is an o-ring in the piston valve that took a crap.
The shock holds air fine but there is ZERO damping. Flame me if you must but I thought I would ask anyway.

 

No such thing as repairing the valving on the VF Air-Preload shocks.

They either let go with no dampening or they lock in a compressed state.

Good news is you now have a way to keep your dinghy from floating away or your shop door from slamming shut from the wind.

 

ANTIFREEZE/ COOLANT.....what is the best to use? Can I use the Asian RED Zerex I use in my cars?

Thanks, any advice would be appreciated!

 

Captain 80's hooked me up with a new to me rear shock and finally got it installed today. Nice hydraulic sound when I bounce up and down.

Looks like a winner. I also noticed that the rear wheel is now off the ground. It was not like that with the blown shock I had on it before. When I bought the bike it had clearance under the wheel, but when I actually got to ride it the clearance slowly when to zero. Now I know when the shock is gone, the wheel will touch the ground..This is how it looks with the "new" shock today:

 

Just caught up with your thread, awesome to see you finally getting the rewards from all your effort! I had the same issues with the rear wheel sitting on the ground on the centre stand with my seized shock so it's promising to see your new shock solved that!

 

Thanks, it is a seemingly never ending task to get this bike on the road!

It looks like yours was in much better shape so hopefully you wont have a build thread over a year old like me!

 

This THING from hell is keeping me from riding the bike. I have done (2) coats with the REDKOTE and it still leaks and the gas has a red/pink tint to it.



These tank coatings are all over the map with so many pros and cons. So much blame for improper applications of the coatings even if instructions were followed to the letter. All I know is Red Kote sucks and will never recommend it. /Rant over.

So I have settled on the Caswell coating as recommended by many on this site. The problem is, do I remove the REDJOKE or just pour the Caswell right over it? I understand acetone and or MEK will remove some of it, but I don't really want to deal with disposing of a crapload waste chemicals. Any thoughts out there? Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

Ouch, that hurt my feeling.

 

Whoops! Sorry about that. It's like a fine wine, right? Better with age.....!

 

Y'know... the one feeling.