Valve Gasket & Carb Questions

Howdy from Occidental, CA

I have a '86 VF500F and need valve cover gaskets. I know that they are not available anymore, but what have you all used? Made your own? and what is the best material? Also, the previous owner had messed with the idle screws and I discovered that they are, except for one, missing the O rings and the little washers that go in front of them. Does anyone know the parts I need? The fiche is almost unreadable. Is it screw set A,B or C or will that carb gasket kit contain those parts? I'm just not getting a definitive answer from dealers etc. I was told screw set B, but that it's not available. What are my alternatives? The screws themselves are fine. I would also like to replace the head bearing with a roller one, is the bearing from Old Bike Barn the one to get?

Thanks for being patient with all the questions everyone. This is my first post too.

Alex

 

Hello:

The valve cover gasket is part number 12391-MF2-710.

Here it is:

Ohio, Florida, Honda, Parts, Accessories, dealer, Honda Direct LIne

As to the carbs, here is an on-line parts fiche wherein you can click on the "+" and zoom-in for a closer look:

http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-vf500f-500-interceptor-1986-us_model7598/partslist/E++1702.html

Gray Market

 

Thanks Grey Market, I'm gonna call them and see if that stuff is still available tomorrow. That fiche was a lot easier to make out than others I've seen.

Been a little warm lately eh?

Alex

 

Hello:

I think I just "got" your username. You're talking "Bohemian Highway," right? That is always a nice ride, but I am particularly fond of Skaggs Springs Rd.

Just so you know, SOMETIMES the U.S. on-line parts distributors leave discontinued parts up on their web sites - annoying, actually. They say they are up there "for reference." If you find your bike here: Honda Motorcycle Parts, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha Motorcycle Parts - ATV, Classic Bike, Dirt Bike Parts, it shows the valve cover gaskets as still available. So, you should be okay.

I'm in The City, so, compared to Sonoma County it is cool - but lemme tell ya it is hot for San Francisco. The earthquake last night was fun.

Gray Market

 

Hey there Gray Market,
Yeah, there are a lot of great roads up here. One of my favorites is coming UP Coleman Valley Rd. from the coast, Fast. And of course, Hwy 1 on a week day. Lot of animals coming out of the hills lately in search of water...hit a small deer just the other night, luckily we both came out of it unharmed. And just this moment another tree has crashed to the ground across the street. It is really, really dry up here.

Was just down in SF today and got the old girl some new rubber. She's very happy...

Alex

 

Hello, Alex:

Ah, yes, I've done that ride too. I lived in Sebastopol for a while.

The last time I was up that way, I just missed a deer. The darned thing about those animals is that you never know what the Hell they are going to do when they see you coming.

S.F. for tires? Let me guess: Subterranean?

Do you know about Mammoth MotorSports in Rohnert Park? If not, check 'em out. Damon, the guy who runs the place, really, really knows his stuff. And, he will work on ANY bike. None of this "your bike is too old" crap.

Gray Market

 

My buddy goes there and has told me about them, I'll be checking them out sometime. I will be needing a new chain soon. He also recommended K.C. Engineering for tires so thats where I went (My sis lives in the city so I got a visit in as well). I have mixed reviews about that place. I took my wheels in and got an Avon SuperVenom on the front and a 120 Avon RoadRider on the rear. Got outta there for $230. I'm happy with the tires. But jesus, they are like the soup-nazi's of tires...After the main guy putting on the tires found out that I wanted to get my teaching credential he warmed up, even lent me tools to take off my front axle. I guess his son's a teacher. The other guy...I don't know, over the phone he seemed surprised that I needed a 16" front tire. I also asked him if they had anything in stock to make my brake light flash and he looked at me like I was from outer space, then went on to say he had NEVER heard of what I was asking about. Weird. Whatever... I got to spend a fun afternoon with my sister on a beautiful day in the city and thats whats important. To paraphrase the comedian Ron White, you don't need a gun to hunt deer...just a vehicle with it's lights on.

 

Take a flashlight and look in the pilot screw bore. They commonly get "stuck" in the bore and don't come out when you remove the pilot screw. A paperclip with a tiny curl at the end will fish them out with no damage.

 

masonv45,

I appreciate your suggestion. I don't know how else to put it but, they are not there. I have looked, probed, lit. They are not there. Thats why I was asking the question to you because it might be cheaper that buying screw set C for all four carbs. I just need the O rings and washers. The screws and springs seem fine.

Thanks again,

Alex

 

It sounds like you've got it under control. I just chimed in cuz I used to live in Monte Rio in the 80's and 90's and commuted through Occidental, Freestone, Valley Ford to Highway 1, Walker Road to Pepper Road (or Roblar Rd) to Cycle West. Got in my worst wreck on good old Bohemian Hwy!
Best of luck with your bike.