Gotta love my 86

[Magna86]

I have a 86 VF700C just started acting up yesterday on a ride. I noticed when I went to turn on my right turn signal on that it didn't work but would flash the other lights on the bike (OD and the gauges) but at the same time it would make the engine surge/cutout? I stopped and played with the switch because it was working when i started my ride. When the key was on (not running) the turn signal would work but then start doing the other thing. Also no problems with the left signal at all? I haven't checked the bulbs yet. Any ideas? Also i noticed when I was having alittle fun in first and second by riding out the gears when I hit the 5-6k range in either gear the bike started to surge? But the bike seems to be running fine otherwise. I didn't try it in the other gears because I didn't want to be going too fast and have a oooooo S***. The bike has new carbs,fuel filter,lines and a clean tank.

[Magnum Magna]

It could be verity of issues causing the problems so I would eliminate one possibility of loose battery terminalis to start with.

[TLRam1]

Clean your turn signal switch, might be able to spray some dielectric spray inside and work it some. Loose grounds for sure, I've had the same issue with a loose battery cable.

[Magna86]

Checked the grounds and bulbs. Switch seems to be working properly. Any other guesses?

[Magnum Magna]

When you say you check the grounds did you remove the seat and checked both battery terminals with a wrench? 

[Magna86]

Yes I did. I'm gonna get some electric motor/switch cleaner tonight to see if it helps tom. Could it be a bad turn signal relay? I removed the front lens cover and actuated the switch. When I had the right side on I could see the turn element in the bulb trying to power up but it wasn't enough power to fully do so because the power is going else where. Other thought maybe a bad turn signal switch.

[trapper]

I had the same thing happen with my 84 VF700C and have seen it with other bikes.  In my case, it proved to be dirty contacts in the turn signal switch.  THe switch is not sealed and is subject to dirt, rain, corrosion and other stuff.  In this situation, I recommend removig the screws holding the switch assembly to the handle bar and opening it at least enough to spray contact cleaner in the switch and on the contacts.  You can use WD-40 for this but be sure to thoroughly blow off with compressed air to remove the residue.  Leaving switch wet with WD-40 may eventually cause as many problems as it solves.  Hope this helps...

[Magna86]

Finally got to it again yesterday. I took the switch apart and cleaned it with pb blaster, then electric contact cleaner and applied dielectric grease. I also checked the connections on the rear signals. After all that they started to operated correctly no problem. I road the bike last night and had no issues. But today on the way to work the right turn signal started doing the same problem again? Any other clues now? I'm gonna take it apart again and start playing with it again. This is really annoying.

[Magna86]

Figured it out. It was my back right turn signal. I turned on the signal and started moving things to try and see if there was aloose connection. I turned my housingup about 1/16 of a inch and the signal started working again. So when the signal would move because of vibration it would lose its ground. Weird but definately making sure it is really tight now. (I have aftermarket rear turn signals)

[Magnum Magna]

It is always good to hear of fixes.  I am glade you found it, intermittent problems are a real pain.