VF500F engine build and Honda VF500F group on FaceBk

curious to know if people on here watch the activity over on FB(sorry for mentioning the devil)
I recognize a few people from here over there but seems a lot of you with experience are missing.
Lately there are a bunch of folks acquiring 500s that have sat or just changed hands and there is lots of discussion on cosmetic work, brake rebuilds, suspension, etc but little work on engine rebuilds.

I am in the process of resurrecting my engine which has been sitting for years with cam/follower failure and blown head gasket. I took the leap and sent my cams/followers to Megacycle and they should arrive today. I have a full set of Honda NOS gaskets( part A and B). Not sure what I will find when I look at main/rod bearings. It's ridiculously hot in the garage now in Texas so I work in baby steps.

I am watching Jim's work on the little 250 with interest. I'll post stuff on my rebuild if people want.

Rounded off one of the hex bolts on cylinder head. got out dremel cutoff then used a little heat from heat gun to remove rest of stud. fun stuff

 

Anybody that's looking for serious advice is going to (or should) go to a bike-specific forum and start a discussion thread. Facebook is pretty much useless for any meaningful discourse for anything besides people arguing over what oil or tires to use. I suppose it's good for showing off pictures of finished projects too. I like seeing finished projects.

That being said, I have nothing to offer on this one because engine internals are still magic to me. So I'll just watch and try to learn.

 

UPS got here early so it feels like Christmas in August. Here is what a cam and follower look like after weld/regrind.
Cases are ready to split, just need temp to drop a bit.

 

I joined that group not long after getting my 500 earlier this year.

And I saw your post yesterday - but didn't have any info to offer so didn't respond, except for a "like".

For me, FB is just another resource. Sometimes it's useful - sometimes not.

Heck.....even the FSM doesn't always provide the info you're looking for.

I have that.....plus the Clymer......plus the Haynes......plus the owner's manual......and there are times I have to look elsewhere to get an answer on something.

I'm still a newbie/shadetree mechanic at best still learning the ropes. Mostly 1st and 2nd Gen VF750 and VFR700 bikes. The '86 VF500 I got is in practically perfect condition so hopefully won't need to learn how to fix anything on that model for a while!

Good luck with your project, FT....look forward to your posts in this thread! ~Baz

PS - Very cool avatar!

 

The FB search engine is such a waste of time! Here you have the option,......no, the deep well of information from years, and years of conversations that can be searched, bookmarked, recommended to others, and referred back to when needed!

If your posting, I'll be wanting.

 

Oil pickup and pump coming out today. Next stop , case bolts.
So I have done plenty of single cylinder two stroke rebuilds for my race bikes, single cyl. honda 125 but haven't done a multi in quite a while.

Since I don't have any sophisticated cleaning equip(parts washer, etc). it's usually just Gunk, toothbrush, small pics or screwdrivers to get into the crevasses on the engineto remove crud. Anyone want to offer better tips on getting the cases REALLY clean. I had not planned to paint them unless someone can convince me it will be a good idea. vapor blasting experience/cost??