Jim's $400.00 1986 VF500F

Discussion in '1st & 2nd Generation 1983-1989' started by Jim McCulloch, Jun 25, 2019.

  1. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    That is fantastic, Jim! Can't wait until you post up, say it's done, and that it's running sweet.
     
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  2. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Back on track again.......The all important timing marks!

    IMG_9925.JPG

    Buttoned up and ready for the final push!

    IMG_9928.JPG
     
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  3. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    . Sitting on the fence watching....
     
  4. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    Fingers crossed
     
  5. straycat

    straycat Member

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    Go Jim Go! you are tenacity personified ! fingers are crossed for you
     
  6. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Thanks y'all! I wish work did not get in the way so much so I can knock this out.

    Also looking for a trusted artisan that can duplicate the original paint on the fuel tank. Any recommendations in the States?
     
  7. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    I have one!
     
  8. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    IT LIVES! Finally got around to hitting the start button and no BENT VALVES LOL! Anyway it runs and no head gasket leak this time. Time will tell if the Vesrah head gaskets did the trick. Ran for about 10 minutes and no issues except killing a bunch of mosquitos from all the smoke.

    Time to see if the RED KOTE job on the fuel tank worked or not. It has been curing for 7 weeks now.

    IMG_9933.JPG
     
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  9. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    NEVER SAY DIE!
     
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  10. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    Sweet! Good job.
     
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  11. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Ran it again for about 30 minutes and no smoke finally. It starts up great, just like it did before the last debacle.

    The best part is the Vesrah head gaskets certainly look promising at this point. No coolant leak. Thanks again to MATT for the gaskets.

    I am pretty sure the Cruzin Image Head gaskets leaked almost immediately after starting the engine after the last tear down..

    IMG_9935.JPG IMG_9936.JPG
     
  12. sixdog

    sixdog Member

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    Outstanding!!!!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
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  13. Colddevil

    Colddevil Member

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    Sounds like you'll have to find something else to kill mosquitoes with now! Thanks for keeping us updated on your progress and what's working and what hasn't. It's exciting to read about your project coming along.
     
  14. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Thank you Sir! I could not have gotten this far without your assistance. Hopefully all my mistakes will help someone someday!
     
  15. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    I wouldn't call them mistakes. They are merely misfortunes encountered when taking on an epic challenge. Nothing good comes without effort.
     
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  16. scottbott

    scottbott Member

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    just read this thread from start to finish, you are a patient man, well done and a great read
     
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  17. straycat

    straycat Member

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    Congrats Jim, well done !!
     
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  18. Colddevil

    Colddevil Member

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    Nah, I just shipped you some spare parts I had sitting around on the company dime. You're the one that actually knows what to do with them. :Rofl:

    Hope you, the $400 500, and everyone else near that hurricane stays safe these next few days.
     
  19. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Thanks again Matt! Right now it looks like the Hurricane is going to cause little or no damage on the west side of Houston where I am. I appreciate the concern!
     
  20. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    UPDATE....The RED KOTE did not exactly seal all the leaks. Not the fault of the coating, I think this tank is just a lost cause.

    It still had several VERY small pinholes that the coating just could not reach. SO I went to plan "B" the trusty JB Weld! Screw it, I am ready to ride!

    The tank:

    IMG_9937.JPG

    The "Repair": It actually has been holding for several hours. I will see tomorrow what it looks like. Hope to be riding this time tomorrow!

    IMG_9940.JPG
     
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