Advice?

Discussion in 'Introductions' started by Bradbose90, Apr 29, 2013.

  1. Bradbose90

    Bradbose90 New Member

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    Hey everybody! I have a 1985 vfr1000. When I purchased this, it had been wrecked a few times, repainted, and some not so professional repairs had been made on it. With all that said, after sitting all winter with hardly any gas in it, it started right up with one push of the button. I love this bike! My issue at hand though, I am leaking fluid from my clutch. Along with that when I'm in neutral if I let my clutch out to idle, there is a knocking (I'm assuming from the gears) also, if I lean the bike on the kick stand the knocking the gets louder...anybody experienced this? Or maybe just know what this could be? I'm not much of a mechanic...yet ;) thanks for your time and any help!
     
  2. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    OK Welcome to the MadHouse!

    In time honoured fashion folks on here like to see photos of your VFR before they believe it exists!!!


    :worthless:


    Anyway assuming it does exist it sounds like you have a few issues.


    You don't actually say where the clutch is leaking from - so can you supply a better description of the location or ideally pictures?

    In general any brake/clutch fluid leak needs to be tracked back as it can damage what little is left of you paintwork. Follow the flow - if its been parked up over winter there should be an obvious point of origin by now and possibly a puddle on the floor! Chances are it will originate at a joint in the clutch lines or is down to the seals in the lever. I guess this is not a big surprise if the bike has been dropped/crashed a few times. The big hassle may be finding suitable replacement parts for your 1000.

    As for the knocking sound - that sounds more ominous (potentially expensive).

    Before ripping into the bike you really need to do more work to identify where the noise is coming from. I can outline some basics but if you are not sure what you are doing, then its a good idea to start by calling in favours with any mates who have some mechanical knowledge, especially as this could get expensive real quick.

    It may be an idea to update your profile to include your state+town as its just possible you may find there are other VFRWorld members :vtr2: nearby who might be willing to help look things over for a few beer tokens :drinker:!



    So start by eliminating things.

    You checked oils and fluid levels are all good and the chain is not flapping loose?

    Is the noise linked to engine RPMs (gets more frequent as you add revs)?

    If you depress the clutch does the noise stay the same? Get louder? Go away?

    You may be able to use a large screwdriver as a stethoscope to home in one where the noise is. Just make sure you keep it and you and your hair well clear of anything moving. Place the pointy end against part of the engine place ear to handle end. Repeat at another location on the engine until you find where the noise is loudest. If its loudest at the top end of the engine it could be valve issues, if the noise is from the bottom of the engine then its potentially worn bearings, at which point if you don't have access to a tame mechanic you may be getting out of your depth.

    To eliminate gerabox issues - with the engine turned off, check that you can cycle through the gears smoothly. Do you encounter any alarming clonks or find gears which just won't select?

    Hopefully somewhere along the way you will be able to identify where the noise is coming from and determine whether its going to be a big ticket repair.

    Good Luck!



    SkiMad
     
  3. Bradbose90

    Bradbose90 New Member

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    Well what I've discovered, if I fill the clutch and bleed all air out of the line, the knocking stops. I have spots around the clutch reservoir were fluid has leaked down onto the bike, taking some paint off...but it could have been from filling it...because there are also puddles on the floor. But I am still working on finding the leak. But basically, the knocking stops when I bleed the line and fill the fluid (it just won't stay full) and it also stops when I squeeze my clutch. When I'm in gear or even when I rev it up the knocking seems to disappear.
     
  4. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    Ok so there is no noise at all when the clutch lever is pulled in provided the fluid reservoir is full. The noise only occurs when the clutch is let out and the bike is in neutral? or does it also occur when the clutch is released between gears?

    It rather sounds like you are going to have to open up the clutch and will find something has come loose or is broken inside.

    It looks like you now need to track down the service manual or at least the Haynes equivalent. Meantime this diagram will give you an idea of how it should all fit together, but as you will see these things are complicated and can be a right pain, especially to fault-find.
    Honda Vfr750r Rc30 Usa Clutch - schematic partsfiche

    However before ripping into the clutch - because you also say the fluid level is still dropping, then it makes sense to resolve one issue at a time. Obviously that fluid is going somewhere - find that somewhere.

    Check out this schematic of the upper section of the clutch fluid system - Honda Vfr750r Rc30 Usa Clutch Master Cylinder - schematic partsfiche

    I suspect you may have a leak at the slave cylinder, which is covered on this schematic. Honda Vfr750r Rc30 Usa Left Crankcase Cover - schematic partsfiche

    Remember if the bike has been crashed a few times - it may have more than one issue.

    As you can't currently determine whether its a new fluid leak, or just previous overspills, we need to eliminate that uncertainty. So get some kitchen roll and starting from the reservoir, wipe progressively down the whole length of the clutch fluid lines, taking care to thoroughly dry around the reservoir and levers. Then position/locate sheets of clean dry kitchen roll at all the major joins along the system. Wait until morning and check to see if the fluid level has fallen and if the sheets remain dry. Hopefully this will allow you to locate the leak(s), and can then determine what needs to be done to fix it.

    Good luck - PS were still waiting to see those pictures! (Click the icon two to the right of the envelope and follow the prompts).



    SkiMad
     
  5. vfrcapn

    vfrcapn Member

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    Do you know how many miles on the motor? How long it sat? Have you changed the oil? The knocking could be several things, including a main bearing going out. The clutch could be leaking from the reservoir cap, the banjo connection or the hose itself. Unless the piston is leaking? After sitting all winter you may have carb issues, some clogged, causing uneven firing/fuel flow in the cylinders and maybe some knocking. It sounds like it needs a top to bottom check over/clean up.

    As always a few pictures help!
     
  6. Bradbose90

    Bradbose90 New Member

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    Ok! I'll do some cleaning and hunt down that leak! I posted one to my profile. I really one have the one picture of the bike all put together. Right now the fairing is off for easier repairs. But I will get some pictures up! Thanks for the help! You guys rock!
     
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