85 vf500 shut off during traffic

the temp gauge was like 3/4 to hot. and this is the second time its shut of in traffic, im not sure if it is overheating or if it has a safety shut-off switch. it only does it when it is hot outside.

also only at idle, if i keep it reving it wont shut off, but let of the throttle and boom, it dies.

anybody know what the deal is?

ps there are only 16000 miles if that makes a difference.

 

wow thats a tuff one? mine will go just a cunt hair below the red and then the fan kicks on, but the bike should not shut off :crazy: does it still have its fuel pump?

 

:spit: best. misspelling. ever. :lol: :laugh: :rofl: ound:

 

I have owned 2 vf500's over the last 3 years (one an '85 and one an '86) and the '85 did the same thing you are describing consistantly on hot days. The '86 only did it a few times that I can remember. I always thought it was a cooling issue because the '85 was hard to start immeaditaly after it died but would always start after it cooled down. The '86s coolant lines are bigger than the 85s and the piping from the water pump to the radiator is also larger and not kinked all weird like the '85. I always wondered if the larger, more free flowing lines kept it that much cooler?

As far as the idling, there is a big adjustment screw in the middle of the carbs right behing the radiator fan you can twist with your fingers. Twist it clockwise just a little bit and see if that helps it stay alive once its hot.

 

im sure that could help some. but i heard from a pretty well known and great bike mechanic that these bikes have a relay that kicks the fan on

i havent paid much attention but i dont think my fan was turning on so being the age of teh bike the mechanic thinks is probably just a relay.

 

only you, you cought me

 

Definately sounds like an overheating issue, either the fan is not coming on or your coolant is not circulating (i not check thermostat for sticking).



Will R.

 

how is this a overheating issue? he said it gets 3/4 to the red, that doesnt mean it over heating, is or has the bike went to the red?, if not dont start messing with your cooling system. check vac, carbs, before you go on this wild goose chase!

 

red, blonde, or brunette?

 

There was a post sometime ago that was talking about the actual temps of the radiator cause the 500's don't have an accurate gauge always.

Best to shoot an infrared temp gauge at the radiator and then look at your bikes temp gauge. From there, you'll know what to do ; )

Cheers

P.S. matt1986vf500f , don't feel bad, I almost got kicked off a forum for some misspelled words.....but it wasn't on purpose. LOL!!