1986 VF500F fuel line issues

Hi all...I have a '86 VF500F which I've recently acquired...non-running, although it did start when I went to trailer her home. There is no fuel pump on the '86, and I believe the fuel line should run directly from the petcock to the carbs....however, the petcock opening has an outer dia. of about 13mm and the carb opening connection has an outer diameter of 10mm or about 3/8"...which explains the heavy rubber 3/8" fuel line on the bike from the po...of course, the fuel line is way too long and probably getting kinked and shutting off fuel flow which corresponds to this bike's problem symptoms as described by the po. But running a shorter line is difficult under the tank, especially with the two different opening sizes. I'm thinking of an adapter about mid way and getting that tygon fuel line made by motion pro which is great stuff (highly flexible) but $$$...anyways, looking for any and all suggestions and solutions...thanks, ron.

 

Yes, i agree, and i even have the factory service manual but cannot find any illustrations or reference to how the line should run on this year...doesn't seem like Honda would f-up like this...let me check the fiche and see if there is a missing part.

 

Definitely a help...but of course my looks different...my concern is that i have that t-connection not hooked up to anything!...the fuel line was feeding into a single opening connnection...I will have to take pics and post tonight.

I was goint to take the air box plate off to see where these lines go specifically but didn't think it was necessary...might be now.

 

Lol...seriously thank u


I will post pics tonight maybe i'm hooking up to the wrong line...but that would be crazy

 

got both...and i didn't understand why it never mention that metal plate removal until after the carbs are off...damn...how does one see what is going on in under there?

the po had the fuel line from the petcock leading into a connection which poked out from just above the short left side of the line leading of the t in your pic....the two with two lines was not connect to anything...like I said, pics will help which I will wait to do before removing the carbs...the carb where removed and cleaned by the po but who knows whats going on now....stay tuned please

 

If I could suggest, keep the FSM and list your copy of the Clymer manual on eBay. You'll be much happier.

Regarding the carburetors, more information on removal process can be found here:

http://vfrworld.com/forums/1st-2nd-generation-1983-1989/32929-86-vf500-carb-removal-advice-fuel-lines-diameters.html

Lots of patience is key here.

As Tink mentioned keep the carburetors mounted on the airbox base, after you have removed them.

Taking them apart from here is best left to the experts unless you have logged in many hours of rebuild time on this model.

 

Will read the threads...thanks...and then post pics and maybe i can avoid carb removal at this time and you guys can tell me what u think is going on.

...but if i have to jump in the water, i will, cuz i luv learning this stuff

 

Okay, I think the correct connection (not where the po had the fuel line) is to the right of the pic coming out of the T...follow the left side of the t-line and you will see right above another connection...here's a close up of it




Looks like it leds to a smaller feed that runs between carb #1 and carb #3

...help?...I would say plug this (at least for now) and run the gas tank line to the t-connection and see how the effects starting...what do u think?...thanks, ron

 

Doesn't the '86, not having a fuel pump, have two separate carburetor fuel inlets, each feeding one pair of carbs?

 

Okay will do...but u think the line feeding the t-connection is were I should attach the fuel line from the gas tank petcock, correct?

 

Thanks, I'm going to give it go...and check the schematic..will let you know how it goes

 

The diameter of the connection to the T, matches the diameter of the fuel petcock outlet...clearly this must be the correct fuel line connection.

Do I really need a hand vacuum pump to test my petcock operation...I have disassembled and cleaned but does not appear to be feeding the carbs gas as the fuel line from the tank to the t- connection is pretty much dry after cranking...maybe I've reassembled incorrectly...but any help on this is appreciated...thanks.