Does the 86 500 interceptors have cam problems?

Just wondering if the 86's had the same issues as the older 500's. if so what should I do first to my 86? I just picked one up with only 4,999 miles on it. Thanks

 

I don't know the answer to the first question but in answer to your second question - the first thing to do to your 86 is take lotsa photos and Post some pics for us sad people to drool over!!

Now Ill leave the more technical questions for the gurus.

 

How long is a piece of string. If you search on here you will find evidence of cam wear in all model years. The VF500 engine is fragile. However there are plenty of very high mileage examples floating around. If you do the maintenance and use decent oil you will be fine.

 

we need a "can of worms " Emoticon
oh yeah...

 

Yes, the VF500's do have the same top end oiling problems. However, they had a bigger problem with the valve springs that results in dropped valves. Keep the revs under 9000 and you can help that issue a lot. The top end oiling situation can only be resolved with an oiling system modification.

I hope this helps!

 

Over the last 20+ years, I've owned 4 of the 1986 500s. I only put the oiling mod on one of them. If you're religious about the valve checks, keep the oil changed, and don't ride at redline, then the bike should treat you just fine.

 

Thanks for all the info. I'm going to use amsoil. It only has 5k on the motor. When is the valve intervals? Thanks for all your help.

 

Nice find. Great addition to your RWB stable.

Weird...none of the photos are showing up on my computer...huh.:wink:

 

haha...i will get a pix up soon...it has the tank off and sides...

 

Here is some pixs! Yes it really has 4999 miles!

 

I do need to get a couple turn signal rubber mounts. I do have lower cowl but didn't put it on. Oil change. Road down the road today at 32deg. COLD! Ran smoooooth! Has a little dent in tank. Not bad but came with a very nice one in the box.

 

OMG it looks brand new!!! I have a top end oiling kit for my 750 but if I had a new 500 like yours I would leave it stock standard and just keep on top of oil changes and valve adjustments.

 

The '86 does have changes after '85 including line bored cam seats, 4 bolt cam caps & redesigned rocker shafts, also changes in the rod & main bearings, changes in the oil pump and a redesigned oil pan. If Invisible Cities weighs in, I'm sure he can supply more info.

 

These things are all true, however they are not part of the top end failures that were classic to the early VF's. The 86's did have increased oil pump volume and a higher relief pressure but that was to address bottom end problems. The cam oiling was not changed.

 

They don't have cam problems if you look after them & change the oil. That bike wouldn't even be due it's first oil change, but annually is a good idea ! The carbs may be the biggest problem with old fuel, but if it starts & runs OK, then just whack some carb cleaner in the fuel & run the bike, enjoy. Mine had 56K miles on it when I sold it one, wish I'd kept it Enjoy.

 

PS, if those are the original tyres, get them changed pronto, they will be like rock & grip will be terrible.

 

One example of a factor (not the only one) that plays a role is the time the engine spends at idle when warm. This does not fall into either of your two categories. Your suggestions do not address the problem and therefore do not help with the issue.

Experience is the best teacher. I own VF500's currently and have owned about 6 others over the past 20 years. I've seen it first hand, many people who offer opinions have not, IMHO.

I love these bikes and have made it part of my business to help keep them on the road. That said, I feel that not facing the facts doesn't help anyone.

 

Cam problems affect every thing with cams, only the maintenance appears to ahve any bearing on when or if that will affect them. I had a 86 for 10 years & revved it mercilessly & at 8 years in put it on a dyno, 59rwhp & the only thing they commented on was the the carb needles were a little worn. It had 45K miles on it then.
I did do the HP oil feed mod that year & ran it for another 2yrs & 11K miles with no problems. I only owned one & knew a couple of people with them, none had any issues.

The VT250, VF400/500/1000's did NOT suffer from the same manufacturing errors as the VF750. This is the oldest myth out there re the V4's. It's obvious really, they all came off seperate production lines & due to their respective owner types experienced different engine use cycles too. The 500 was probably closest to the 750 in use terms, i.e. a proper sportsbike & ridden hard a lot of the time. If the maintenance was NOT kept up & that does NOT mean following the manufacturers schedule. I did oil changes every 2500 miles & with a filter every 5000 miles (i.e. every second oil change), which was more often than the schedule of every 6K miles advised by Honda.

Your mileage may vary !

 

Hardly matters these days anyway. These bikes are old and cherished. The amount of use they will get is bound to be limited. Can't see anyone using one as their main bike. No point doing oil mods on them in my opinion. Mine has less than 20k miles and I'm pushed to do a few thousand a year.

 

the tires are new from 3yrs ogo...im not going to put a lot of miles on her...BUT i am going to ride her offten! : )...
Im running some SeeFoam in it now..Hope it keeps getting better as i run out that tank of it.