VFR 400 NC24 Steaming from exhaust please HELP!

[Vfr400/tbird]

Yeah just double checked and its definetly only 2 pipes! http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-vfr400rh-198 ... ml#results

[dwayman]

Will double check the vacum pipe and make sure it doesn't leak.

Thanks for the support chaps, its gutting buying a bike that works when you view it and it breaks down on you when you get it home!

Will try get a pic on next day or two nice clean bike apart from the running issues, in proper honda red, white and blue and a complete HRC Honda Racing Yoshimura exhaust system on her! Cant wait to get her on some twisties!

[CMSMJ1]

Make sure the smaller hose on the tap is on the outer spigot - not the middle one.

[Neosophist]

I had an NC24 break down when I picked it up, only got 2 miles.

The vaccum pipe goes to teh left hand rear cylinder by the frame (the spigot is partially obsucred by the frame)

make sure tehres no splits or cracks.. they go hard with age and if the pipe fails you won't get any fuel)

Full choke / no throttle.

Reg/Rec's also play havoc and can cause all manor of problems.

Start by fully charging the battery.

When you get it running test the battery voltage witha multiltmeter to make sure your electrics are working

[Vfr400/tbird]

Yeah sorry it is the left rear cylinder :)

[dwayman]

Cheers lads, day off tomo so going to have some tinker time with the ol girl. Will work through the basics, check for strong spark, vacum pipes.

Any ideas what could cause such a large amount of thick white steam / smoke to come out the exhaust when put under load though (7000 rpm) then just wants to cut out? There's no distinct smell to it which makes me say steam... im guessing this steam issue is whats causing the starting difficulty?!?!

[Neosophist]

It could just be condensation from it not being run for a while.

A cold bike won't rev very well either. These bikes will 'steam' for quite a while as the exhaust is a good place to trap much condensation, many people have been worried about 'steam' only for it to be nothing.

Headgaskets are really strong so unless you are really unlucky it's not likely.

Get it running first and let it warm up until the fan's been on twice and see if it still steams

[dwayman]

Right! UPDATE!

OK, so today is day off. Went to garage, tried to start her. Nothing. FULL choke, no throttle.

Charge battery.

Take tank off, checked all hoses, connections etc. Everything looking fine. Took plugs out and checked/cleaned them. They had a good spark (gave me a belt too, must have not been paying attention!!!!) Checked to make sure choke works, and it does. All basics are fine.

Coolant and oil levels are fine.

So i thought, just try her again after a quick fiddle with everything...

And after 6-8 attempts turning over with full choke she ticked over, so i let her run for a while.

Blipped the throttle and she coughed and spluttered around the 9 grand mark, but feeling confident i took her for a ride round the block (i have always felt it was fueling issue) so i ringed her neck to try clear her throat and 500 yards later, she's running like a good-un.

I have no idea what was wrong with it and why it wouldn't start and soooo much steam was pouring from the exhaust. I didn't really do much, so I have fixed it without realising what i have done or there was a fueling problem. No idea. But she is back running. And i'm happy!

Thanks for the input chaps, i started with all suggested. Hope i wasn't wasting your time!

Check out the pics i you like!

http://s1171.photobucket.com/albums/r551/dwayman66/

[iDemonix]

Right! UPDATE!
Blipped the throttle and she coughed and spluttered around the 9 grand mark
http://s1171.photobucket.com/albums/r551/dwayman66/

Blip? 9k? Ha!

Make sure the bike is warmed before you give it some high revs or before you give it the beans. Your carbs might just need a good clean out, as discussed in another thread it's possible to ship it to a ultrasonic cleaning company and they'll give 'em a good clean! New jets and gaskets all round etc, she'll be a good 'un.

My rule of thumb is I warm her up for 10 minutes first, if I'm in a rush, I ride straight off but I don't take it above 5-6k until it's up to temperature.

[dwayman]

HAHA, yea sorry to panic you iDemonix, I did wait for her to warm up and tick over for a while before giving her the beans!