Old bike old problems

Breezy · September 19, 2016, 11:01:55 AM

Okay hear I am, brand new to the web site and looking forward to reading and getting some help with my new but old 1982 V45 mag. I have not ridden in 20 years as I was held captive by the US Army but now I am released I want to start riding again. I bought the 82 for a started but road one a few times years ago and liked it. As always a bike this old has some problems and I will need some input in helping me take the right road.
The bike is in very good condition but seems as it was neglected in the small areas as in keeping clean, wires, brakes and such.
With that said, yes had the bike for 4 days now and already started that journey to get it safely ready for the road and some fun.
So if I my start with two questions on some small problems that I cant seem to trace down.
1. I wanted to check the cooling fan to make sure that it functions so I did what the Honda repair manual said - remove the wire connection from the temp sender and put a jumper across both wires and then TURN on the key. When I do this with the key on the fan starts for about 1 second and stops. So the fan works but just does not stay on. If I turn on the key and start the bike it will continue to run the fan. question is this a normal thing or is the book wrong?
2. The tachometer when running will show just around 1300 RPM but when applying throttle the needle only goes as far as the 1300 or so mark and no further. Were or what should I check on this problem.
I have a few other problems but I will wait until I fix these.
Any help is more than welcome. I cant wait to start riding again, but will.

Thanks

TLRam1 · September 19, 2016, 08:49:41 PM

I don't know anything about these, my guess is.

1. If the fan runs with the bike running that is what you would want, could be a safety feature to prevent your battery from being drained.

2. Maybe the meter itself, connection issue.

Breezy · September 19, 2016, 10:23:15 PM

Hi thanks for the response. I guess both are now fixed. I stopped in at out local bike salvage yard and found a couple of V45s one had a decent Tac so I bought that for $10 and installed about an hour ago and wham it alive. Not bad for $10.
I ran the bike till the temp needle hit the center mark on the gauge and just as I was going to shut down the fan came on, so I guess most of my worries were for not.
Now I need to find out why the tail running light is not working along with the instrument lights. Done all the standard wire checking and ground cleaning and fuse check, but not sure if this box under the seat that says taillight/stop is the problem. Have a headlight and a brake light that are working fine alone with turn signals.
Thanks much

Jerry G Turner · September 20, 2016, 07:18:54 AM

Just so you are aware the rear blinkers do not act as rear tail lights they are just blinkers. Check the blubs in your instrument panel they do burn out.

Breezy · September 20, 2016, 09:27:47 AM

When I had the tachometer and speedometer off I also had the cover off the instrument set. Not one bulb is dead nor any signs of corrosion. Checked the wires for all instruments and found no problems. As for the turn signals (two in front and two in the back) they work fine as does the brake light, just no running light or dash lights. I now have cased the brown hot wire from the bulb for the running light side all the way to the front of the bike without any bad findings. Cleaned all the grounds I could find. Still know running lights nor instruments.

TLRam1 · September 21, 2016, 01:20:45 AM

Keep at it, find your power wire at he clusters and go back to see why the power is not getting to them.

Breezy · September 21, 2016, 10:03:50 AM

Okay did as you said and followed it back from front to the tail/stop box then to the next three wire plugs-in's (disconnects) and while looking I notice that the Green and Yellow wire was connected to the straight green wire and vise verse, so the PO had installed the wires to the wrong ones. Now I have a running light when the ignition switch is turned on along with instrument lights and plate light and L/R front amber lights. Big thanks.
I noticed that when the ignition key is turned on the tail light sometimes does not come on but if I jiggle the key it will come one so I think a new ignition set may be needed.
Next a new speedometer cable, clutch micro switch, flush the clutch and brake system, new grips, change the final drive gear oil, new rear tire. Just did a oil and filter change and new spark plugs and runs much better. One of the plugs was a different number than the others so the high speed miss has gone.
Question, with the bike up on its stand and the bike running while in neutral, the rear wheel turns slowly is this a possible problem with the clutch or some kind of adjustment needed or just normal. It's been awhile since I worked on a bike and don't remember if this is normal or not.
Again big thanks, I'm getting closer to ridding again.

TLRam1 · September 22, 2016, 12:07:48 AM

I don't think the wheel turning is unusual in your bikes condition, on one in tip top shape it may not.

If you can get some liquid lubricant sprayed well into the ignition switch (mainly in the contact area) and turn it several times in all positions, that may allow the contacts a more solid connection and take care of your lights flickering.

ttooee · September 22, 2016, 11:25:12 AM

Regarding wheel turning while in neutral, if you can stop the wheel from turning with your hand then it ok. If you can't then try to adjust the clutch free play. If you can't adjust it out then there is something wrong.

Breezy · September 22, 2016, 11:48:27 AM

Okay we will try it latter today - we are draining the oil out of the final drive right now.
Thanks

Breezy · September 22, 2016, 02:52:07 PM

Final drive oiled and ready. Engine oil changed also.
Gave it a start while on the stand and the rear wheel turns at idle freely but can be stopped by my friend using a gloved hands and stopping at the tire. We ran the RPM up a bit and he could feel the pressure on the wheel as if the wheel wanted to go faster but still could hold it in place with little effort.
Thanks

ttooee · September 22, 2016, 03:52:02 PM

First I like to correct myself, adjusting your clutch will have no impact in neutral.
I think your bike is ok. There is some build up or rust between the gears and synchronizer gears. It should get better with regular uses, a few thousand miles and oil change.

Breezy · September 22, 2016, 09:27:33 PM

Yes from what I am reading hear it sounds normal oh yes cant wait to start riding soon. Just have to make sure all is safe. Shot a few drops of greaseless oil into the ignition to see if that helps with the connector for the tail lights. I heard some stories that this is a standard on Honda's and some folks have had the ignition system shut down while riding.