wont start vf750f

wow, I have never had a worse time starting anything. This winter I installed a new clutch amoung other things (not really related to starting). So now I am trying to start the bike and it wont start. Earlier I had tried a little starting fluid, but that ended up catching fire a little bit. I had to throw some water on it which then ended up hydrolocking the bike. It wasn't a lot of water and I was able to get it out. I then dried up the cyl. plugs, etc. Everything is dry. I then emptied the carbs (water and gas mixed, gross). I emptied the fuel tank. So I am starting with a dry bike, good gas, etc. The bike just continues to turn over w/o actualy starting. It will just turn and turn. It actualy sounds like the timing could be off? It will turn and then "drop" (stop turning) until I let off the starter button, then press it again. The clymer doesnt show how to check timing on these bikes. I am getting spark (although not sure how strong) and the fuel is getting to the carbs. But still nothing. Any advice would be greatly appreciated,thanks.

 

If you don't pre-fill the carbs, it will drain a battery trying to fill the float bowls.

You're probably hydrolocking the bike with the unburnt gas in the combustion chamber. Pull the plugs, put a rag over the hole, turn the kill switch off and crank the bike for 1-2 seconds. This will clear the cylinder of gas.

If the gas leaked past the piston rings, the crankcase oil will smell like gas. If it does, replace the oil. Gasoline makes for pour lubrication.

Disconnect the fuel pump and use some wire to power the fuel pump from the battery. Keep the connections until the pump slows way down.

Reconnect the pump, install the plugs after drying and cleaning and try starting again.

*** Rereading your post clues me in to what might be wrong. When you replace the clutch you may have to remove and install the starter gear. If it is not lined up correctly, your timing will be off.

Pull the bike onto a 2x4 and set on it's sidestand so you don't have to drain the oil, remove the cover, and check the starter gear for alignment per the manual. Something like 2 dots have to line up....I can't remember.

 

I did everything from the beginning of your post. It was hydrolocking (dont laugh) because I had a little starter fluid fire on the top end and used water to put it out (d'oh). But it's all dry now. BUT. I did take the started gear off and I dont remember it having a keyway or anything. I am pretty sure I just put it on there. I think you maybe right sir!!! I will check it out tonight. Although the Clymer doesnt say anything about how to put it on correctly. In fact, it doesnt even mention that the timing will be off if its not correct. I was looking at some pics and you are right, it did have holes on it. Man, I hope you are right, because if thats not it, I give up. It certainly sounds like it. Thanks for the advice. Ill let you know if that worked.

BTW, you dont know how that should line up, do you? Like I said, the Clymer just says "Honda didnt provide timing specs...etc"

 

Here is a video on starter clutch repair for a V65 Magna. The procedure for should be almost identical for your bike. The "dot's lining up" starts at 3:50 into the video.

1984 Honda v65 Magna Starter Clutch Repair

 

wow, thanks so much. That was definitely it. I didnt even see those notch marks. The bike does now start, but it runs like crap. It runs like the timing is still off a tooth (but the notches are lined up perfectly). Maybe its the dead battery, old plugs, carb junk. I'll charge up a new battery, replace the plugs and see if that helps. Thanks again.