Finally decided to post & get some advice.

Discussion in 'Introductions' started by snow_photo, Aug 31, 2013.

  1. snow_photo

    snow_photo New Member

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    Hi All.
    I've been on and off these forums figuring out fixes for my 86 VFR700 for a few years. Recently I've run into some potentially catastrophic issues though. My 8 FVR700 developed a 'knock'. Was pretty noticeable during pull off & low rev's, but once I got it past about 4000 it was almost non existent. I took it into mu Honda dealership and after some listening the workshop manager told me that it was in the bottom end and would be a major overhaul to determine exactly what was wrong. But most likely a bearing that's on it's way out. It would take about $2500 mainly in labor for them to try fix. My best bet was to nurse it home and figure out something later.
    Well it's later and time for me to get my hands dirty. I've never pulled or opened a motor, but I've pulled carbs, fixed fuel pumps, rewired my bike etc. I figure that I can only learn something by going all in.
    I'd appreciate any advice though.
    In my very limited diagnostic experience and not having the engine open, I would imagine that it's a crank case bearing or cam shaft bearing. Anybody else want to venture an opinion?
    Thanks...
     
  2. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    That's a hell of a job to tackle with the limited experience you say you have. But then maybe you will find you are a natural at this. First thing you need is a very good service and repair manual for that bike. There are people here who are as close to masters as you can get with these things. Hopefully they will chime in and lend some advise as and when needed.

    Good luck.
     
  3. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    That's one rather sad initial post on the forum, anyway welcome to the MadHouse:welcome:!


    As Randy said there are people on here who may be able to offer advice on this, but looking at the labour cost quoted for a repair, that sounds a lot of money. So I would wonder if you would be better off buying a used running engine from a dismantler?

    Chances are there will be at least one specialist vehicle dismantling firm somewhere either in your State or a nearby one, who is either handling an insurance write-off 700 VFR, or knows someone who is. As long as they can locate an engine which did not sustain accident damage then swapping out the engine could greatly reduce the work required to get your bike running well again. Your local dealer should know where they send their write-off vehicles, and your insurance company may also be able to give you some contacts.

    Whilst there is a 700 engine currently listed on eBay.com, I would probably look elsewhere, as they can't warrant the engine was running fine before hand - the last thing you want is another duff engine!

    Anyway good luck sorting the bike. It will be good to see some photos taken before you start to pull her apart.




    SkiMad
     
  4. snow_photo

    snow_photo New Member

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    Thanks for the advice guys. I've always had the Haynes Manual and have found it invaluable. They have an entire section about pulling the engine etc.
    I've also considered the engine swap option, especially when you take into cost the replacement gaskets, and other parts that will need refurbishing and replacing. I was hoping to finds somebody with a lead to an engine here in TX, but seems most are in Ohio, and further east coast.
    I'll check with my Honda dealerships and see if they have any leads. Seems a lot easier than dissecting the entire engine trying to find out what's wrong, especially if I am not 100% sure what I am looking for... :crazy:
     
  5. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Being in the Dallas area, I am sure there are a few Honda dealerships not that far from you. Since having them check the problem out in the same manner as the first dealership likely comes without a charge, why not get two or three opinions. That may give you a better or more confident plan of action for you to take. All it is, is a little of your time.
     
  6. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    Are engine main and rod crank bearings available new ?? If you can't find some, not much point in opening it up as a proper rebuild is impossible. Rod big end bearing is most likely suspect. You'd get useful info from an oil pressure reading from a dial-type gauge inserted where the electrical pressure sensor is.

    Yet another case where OP needs to clearly state the mileage for best feedback replies.. :nelson:

    Local hint: I bought a nice VFR 700 engine from Sam's Cycle parts in Dallas years ago.
     
  7. GreyVF750F

    GreyVF750F Member

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    REALLY? I have found them and Clymer to be wrong about some of the detailed specs needed or telling you to go seek a dealer or qualified mechanic.? You need a Factory Service Manual if your going to rebuild the motor. Though I doubt you will.

    As Squirrelman asked, where are you going to get bearings? Depending if it is the big end your crank will need to be mic'd and possibly turned. Where are you going to get bearings? Then you need to at least hone the cylinders and put new rings on. Where are you going to find rings? You also need head gaskets and such. Where are you going to find the proper head gaskets? Do you have the proper mic's and knowledge to keeps parts with in a .001" tolerance or less?

    There's noway for your dealer to rebuild it either. Unless they have their own big stash of parts. Your better off finding another motor. It would be faster and cheapest to do. Then once that is done then take the your motor apart and learn. That way when you realize it will not go back together properly because of nonexistent parts you won't be disappointed.
     
  8. fredsncoma

    fredsncoma New Member

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    These guys are all correct. Bearings are non existent, I went a]on a hunt about 3 years ago. Nothing. And my old engine is still in parts.
     
  9. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    I am sure you can get bearings specially made but I hate to think what you would pay for them. Definitely not something I would do unless my fondness to my bike is as strong as it is towards my sister-in-law. Wadaminit. I would be melting the bike down then!
     
  10. Big_Jim59

    Big_Jim59 Member

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    My advice is don't. As was stated before there are no parts for this motor. Apparently it was never designed to be rebuilt and, as is the case for many Honda products, they have forgotten they made it. As for Honda dealers, they are interested in selling new bikes, not keeping old ones on the road.

    An oil pressure check you tell you a lot about the health of the lower end. Loose bearing shells will cause a noticeable drop in oil psi especially at low RPM. I find it interesting that the "knocking" goes away that high RPMs. Could you have a loose timing chain? They knock around quite a bit.
     
  11. wagzhp

    wagzhp New Member

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    Aren't the '86 700 engine's cams gear driven?

    Get a replacement 700 or 750 engine for $500 or less to keep the bike going. Then tear the existing engine apart as a hobby/learning experience.
     
  12. Big_Jim59

    Big_Jim59 Member

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    I thought the 1th and 2nd Generation bikes were cam chain. I could be wrong.
     
  13. friedleyjr

    friedleyjr New Member

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  14. friedleyjr

    friedleyjr New Member

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  15. snow_photo

    snow_photo New Member

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    Thanks for the input guys. Quick correction, I had a Haynes manual for an older 79 CB650 I just converted into a cafe racer. For the wifferr I've got the Clymer workshop manual, which I find much better and more detailed than the Haynes.
    Anyway... From what I am getting here, and from earlier research it DOES seem like I'm in over my head.
    Considering not just the labor, technicallity and costs for parts, gaskets,other bits etc. Im getting the feeling that just hunting down another good engine is definitely the way to go.
    Now what about other years and models. Like '87 VFR750's. I've heard that they would fit as well.
    Hell I will have some spares lying around that can can save for later or part out here or eBay.
    So yeah, if anybody has any leads on an engine please shout out.
    Any other advice is appreciated.
    Thanks again for our advice guys.
     
  16. snow_photo

    snow_photo New Member

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    Little update here guys. I lucked out & found a 750 engine just about 30 minutes away at a salvage, the guys at the shop seemed super solid, after checking a 700 engine I was initially going the get, they nixed that due to bad compression and gave me the 750 engine for the same price.
    I've gotten the motor in and even got it started. Score one... Of course I was too excited and got ahead of myself, so I had to re-pull the carbs as the floats were sticking open and gas was pissing out the overflow.
    Sooooo, now the kick myself in the arse....
    Got everything opened up (what a green sticky mess), cleaned out & promptly on the last bowl lost the little clip that goes on the needle.... I'm pretty sure it on the driveway somewhere. The last needle was super stuck & the clip came off while I was trying to nudge it out. I must have chucked it out with the little cup of gasoline I was using to scrub out the gunk....
    F@$&k !!!!!
    I went on Bikebandit.com hoping to be able to buy ne, but all they have is a whole kit for $50.
    So anybody know where I can get a needle clip?????
     
  17. snow_photo

    snow_photo New Member

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    Halleluja, praise Jesus.....
    After about 10 minutes groveling on my knees, a little of that in prayer but mostly running my hands across my driveway. (Did I mention that it started pouring rain last night)... I found the little bugger.
    We are all set for launch Houston.
    Now the fun part of getting those carbs mounted back on the rubber boots again.

    photo.JPG photo 1.jpg photo 2.jpg photo 3.JPG photo 4.JPG photo 5.JPG
     
  18. diVeFR

    diVeFR New Member

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    :hss:

    How the hell did you find that needle in a haystack? You need to go play the lottery. Looks like you have your hands full. Keep the update and pics coming. Good luck.
     
  19. Big_Jim59

    Big_Jim59 Member

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    You are one lucky fellow. It must be a result of clean living. I second the sentiments of diVeFR and recommend you buy a lottery ticket or two.
     
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