Topic: Honda Interceptor Cam troubles??

[LoopsAndLogic]

Hello,
 I've purchased a 84' Interceptor VF500 with 7k on the clock.

Purchased from the 3rd owner, and well, he had some engine trouble...... He thought he had a head gasket leak but what he
really had was a water pump mechanical seal that was allowing water into the oil.

So I have the privilege of replacing all the cams, heads, and seals.

Well, after 2 years, I've replaced and secured all NOS head gaskets. While I was using plastic gauge to set the cams, I noticed he mixed up the cam holders.

I can tell, because I can't even get accurate readings. Meaning, while all the cam holders are torqued halfway between the lowest and maxim lbs. per foot that the oem shop manual says. The readings on each cam bearing journal are Way OFF!

If I understand correctly, the wider the plastic gauge is mashed up against the holder, and compared against the size chart, the smaller the gap is between the holder and cam?

 So my question is, would it be okay if I were to place all the cam holders to the lowest torque setting to make certain that the cams wont seize??

 Would it cause excessive ticking from the topend or wear??

I am planning on looking for a replacement motor, but I thought I would give it my best! Hence, this is my first time setting 4 cams

Thanks for the help.

[crazypj]

As long as its torqued to spec you shouldn't have any problems (except you bought a V-4  )
 Its a ticky clicky motor anyway, I don't like them (any of the V-4's, although the 500 was best IMO))
 I'm probably not the best person to give advice
PJ

[LoopsAndLogic]

Well, would someone with the best advice please come forward

I know, its not a VFR but I am hoping it will run for at least a summer. I only paid $250

Anybody familiar with the 1st year Interceptors???

Any help is appreciated

[dusterdude]

contace heffay,i think he`s had one or two of them bikes

[LoopsAndLogic]

Contact Heffay? Will do and thanks for the help.

Any of you guys know where I could find a website like this, for the VF series, and not the VFR??

Thank you

[crazypj]

For $250 you got a bargain, hell I  think I could get to like one at that price
I am familiar with first year, thats why I don't like them much. (the 750 was a disaster)
PJ

[LoopsAndLogic]

Well, since you are familiar with this bike, do you think setting the cam holders to there lowest torque value is okay??

I know the 83' 750 was a disaster, but I thought they fixed the problem in the 84' - 86' models??

Thanks,

LL

[DarkRider]

Heh...I currently own a 1st gen VF750F...Great bikes when they are running well. try VFRworld. They have a section of the forum devoted to the first gen bikes (VF and VFR)

[LoopsAndLogic]

I did, but they don't respond nor is there response time like SOHC4.

Do you know of any other sites for the VF Interceptor?

Thank you

LL