QuestionBill,
I'm having a reoccurring problem with my 1986 V45 Magna. The bike starts good, idles good until I start to hit the streets. I'll be cruising when the bike starts to boog down. I have keep the throttle open quite a bit to keep it from dieing. Then after a while it dies and will not start. After the cools down for awhile it dose start but it takes quite a bit of cranking to get it started. One time when the bike died me upon investigation I found that the fuel filter bulb was empty. I've checked all the fuel lines and wiring. Could it be the fuel pump or fuel pump rely? Would you happen to know the culprit to this problem?
Thanks,
Darrick
AnswerDarrick, It sounds fuel flow related. Could be from the relay or the fuel pump. The pump doesn't normally run for more than about 15 seconds after the switch is turned on, I think. Remove the fuel line to the carbs and put it into a small container. Turn the key on and check for the time/amount of fuel delivered. You can make up a jumper wire and try to run the fuel pump from the battery directly. It should run as long as the voltage is applied. The fuel relay will cut it off early.
The fuel pump relays were used on earlier 83-84 models, but from what I see on the 1986 VF700C illustrations, it was eliminated... or the control was done elsewhere.
It is somewhat normal to see the fuel filter with an air pocket in it, but not empty. If the gas cap venting system is plugged up, you can get a vapor lock condition where fuel doesn't flow... kind of rare but possible.
http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/honda-motorcycle-vf700c-magna-1986/... for parts illustrations, availability and pricing.
Also use www.cmsnl.com for illustrations with current Honda part numbers.
A good wiring diagram from a shop manual would be handy, as well as the diagram for the fuel lines and venting systems. A blocked petcock is also a likely candidate for problems, if it hasn't been changed/cleaned for the past 22 years.
Bill Silver
