Sylvie Willis
The Honda Shadow VT500C is a motorcycle that was manufactured in the 1980s. While the VT500C does not have a fuel pump, it does have a petcock, which is a valve that controls the flow of fuel. Over time, the fuel line that runs from the petcock to the carbs can become dry-rotted and need to be replaced. This can cause issues with the motorcycle's performance, such as a 'surging' sensation when riding, which indicates that the engine is not getting enough fuel flow. To replace the fuel line, VT500C owners can purchase fuel lines from auto parts shops or small engine shops, ensuring that they get the correct size to fit their motorcycle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel line replacement | 7.3mm ID tube 8.5cm in length |
| Fuel line size options | 1/4" (6.4mm) or 5/16" (7.9mm) |
| Fuel line material | Rubber |
| Fuel line colour | Clear or black |
| Fuel type | Gas |
| Fuel system | Carburettors |
| Fuel pump | Not present in VT 500 |
| Hose size between cylinder head and petcock | 1/8" or 3/16" |
| Removing fuel tank | Remove seat, bolt, line on petcock, line from cylinder to petcock, then pull tank backwards |
| Petcock | Vacuum-operated |
| Surging sensation | Bike not getting enough fuel flow, clogged fuel filter or bad fuel pump |
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What You'll Learn
Fuel line replacement
The fuel line in a VT500C motorcycle can be replaced by following these steps:
Firstly, it is important to note that the fuel line replacement process may vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle. For this specific model, the fuel line runs from the petcock to the carbs, and it is recommended to use a 7.3mm ID tube 8.5cm in length as a replacement. The standard fuel line size for this model is 1/4" (6.4mm), but a 5/16" (7.9mm) size can also be used if a tighter fit is preferred.
Before beginning the replacement, ensure that you have the necessary tools and safety equipment, such as a fuel hose quick disconnect tool, a drip pan, and lint-free cloths. It is also important to work in a well-ventilated area and keep all sources of ignition away to prevent accidental fires.
Now, let's get into the step-by-step process:
- Place a small drip pan under the fuel hose to catch any fuel that may spill during the replacement process.
- Remove the fuel tank and disconnect the fuel hose from the fuel pump, carburetor, or attaching fuel line, using the quick disconnect tool.
- Clean the surface where the fuel hose attaches with a lint-free cloth.
- If your vehicle is older and has a fuel hose under it, go under the vehicle and remove the fuel line. Be careful as these lines may be held by rubber grommets and can break easily.
- Get a new fuel hose and place new hose clamps around it. Ensure that the clamps are properly tightened.
- Install the new fuel hose onto the fuel pump, fuel line, or carburetor, and tighten the hose clamps securely.
- Refit the fuel tank and any other components that were removed during the process.
Once the replacement is complete, it is important to test the vehicle to ensure the new fuel hose is functioning properly:
- Drive the vehicle around the block, going over different bumps to allow the fuel to slosh inside the fuel lines.
- Monitor the dashboard for the fuel level and any engine lights. If the engine light comes on, further diagnosis or a mechanic's inspection may be required.
It is worth noting that some users have recommended using a fuel injection hose and fuel injection clamps instead of the standard fuel line for better performance and to prevent kinking at bends/curves. Additionally, regular black fuel lines are inexpensive and readily available at auto parts shops.
For future reference, it may be a good idea to store an 18" section of fuel line with your bike for quick repairs on the road.
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Petcock leaks
There are several potential causes of petcock leaks, including a faulty or clogged valve, damaged or corroded components, or a blocked fuel tank venting system. To troubleshoot a petcock leak, it is recommended to check for any visible signs of damage or corrosion on the valve and its components, as well as to ensure that the fuel cap is venting properly.
One possible solution to a petcock leak is to replace the valve with a brass ball valve or a manual valve. This can help to prevent the leak and provide the option to turn off the fuel flow when the engine is off. However, it is important to note that modifying the fuel system can be complex, and it is always recommended to consult a qualified mechanic or a professional Honda service centre for advice and guidance.
Additionally, it is worth considering the fuel line that runs from the petcock to the carbs. Over time, this line can dry-rot and may need to be replaced. When choosing a replacement fuel line, it is important to select the correct size to ensure a tight fit and prevent leaks. The standard size for the VT500C fuel line is 7.3mm ID tube, but some owners have also used 1/4" (6.4mm) or 5/16" (7.9mm) lines with varying levels of success. It is also recommended to use a fuel injection hose, as it has less tendency to kink at bends and curves.
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Fuel tank venting
To ensure proper fuel tank venting, it is important to check for any blockages in the venting system. This can be done by loosening the gas cap and going for a test ride to see if the issue persists. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to blow air through the tank vent tube to ensure it is not clogged. If the vent tube is clogged, it may be possible to clear the blockage using a small electrical wire or a tool like an electrical wire fish tape with a sharp end.
In some cases, the tank vent tube may be integral to the tank and welded at the bottom, making it difficult to access and clear any blockages. In such cases, it may be necessary to consider alternative solutions, such as drilling a hole in the gas cap seal to allow for proper ventilation. This solution has been suggested by other VT500C owners who have shared their experiences on online forums. However, it is important to approach any modifications with caution and to seek advice from experienced individuals or professionals.
Additionally, when draining the fuel tank of a VT500C, it is important to remember that simply opening the petcock valve may not be sufficient to drain all the fuel. To ensure complete drainage, it is recommended to remove the petcock completely. If there is no vent tube on the tank, opening the filler cap while draining can help release any vacuum and facilitate the drainage process.
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Faulty fuel pump
The VT500C does not have a fuel pump. However, if you are experiencing issues with fuel flow, it could be due to a faulty or clogged fuel filter, or a bad fuel pump. A surging sensation, for instance, could be the bike telling you it is not getting enough fuel flow.
If you have installed a fuel pump, a faulty fuel pump could be caused by a faulty fuel pump relay. The fuel pump relay is the electric component that controls the fuel pump. If the relay is faulty, it can cause the fuel pump to malfunction or fail.
To diagnose a faulty fuel pump, you can check for the following signs:
- Wet spark plugs: If the spark plugs are wet with fuel, it could indicate that the fuel pump is not delivering the correct amount of fuel, causing the engine to flood.
- Engine surging or slowing: This could be due to a clogged fuel filter or a faulty fuel pump, which affects the fuel flow to the engine.
- Engine not starting: A faulty fuel pump can cause the engine to not receive enough fuel to start.
If you suspect a faulty fuel pump, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic or a Honda specialist to diagnose and replace the fuel pump if necessary.
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Hose replacement
To replace the fuel hose on a VT500C, it is recommended to replace the fuel hoses with original manufacturer equipment (OEM). Aftermarket fuel hoses may not align, may have the wrong quick disconnect, or may be too long or short.
First, check for leaking fuel. Using a flashlight and a combustible gas detector, check for any leaking fuel in the engine compartment. Also, check for any fuel leaking on the supply, return, or vapor hoses.
Park your vehicle on a flat, hard surface. Make sure that the transmission is in park (for automatics) or in 1st gear (for manuals).
If your VT500C is an older model, it may have steel lines from the fuel tank to the carburetor or injectors of a fuel system. These are known as fuel lines and are extremely durable, but they are subject to bending and kinking, which causes a restriction. If your bike has a fuel injection system, it will have a supply line, return line, and a vapor line. These lines are plastic and crack over time as they wear out.
Remove the seat, then remove the bolt. Remove the line on the petcock that goes to the carbs, and remove the line from the cylinder to the petcock. Pull the tank backward to dislodge the rubber forward mounts. Tilt the tank forward and remove the petcock, then drain the tank.
Remove the hose clamps that hold on the fuel hose. Place a small drip pan under the fuel hose. Pull the hose off of the attaching fuel line, fuel pump, or carburetor. Clean the surface the fuel hose attaches to using a lint-free cloth.
If your VT500C has a fuel hose under the vehicle, you will need to remove the fuel hose from the supply side of the fuel pump, then go under the vehicle and remove the fuel steel line from the vehicle. This line may be held up by rubber grommets. Get a transmission jack or similar jack and place it under the fuel tank. Remove the fuel tank straps and the mounting bolts to the fuel filler neck. Lower the fuel tank far enough to remove the rubber fuel hose.
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Frequently asked questions
First, remove the seat, then take off the bolt holding the back of the tank down. Next, unhook the petcock and drain the fuel. You may also need to remove the line on the petcock that goes to the carbs and the line from the cylinder to the petcock. Finally, pull the tank backward to dislodge the rubber forward mounts, tilt the tank forward, and remove the petcock.
A faulty fuel line may cause a "surging" sensation, indicating that the bike is not getting enough fuel flow. This can be caused by a clogged fuel filter or a bad fuel pump.
The OEM replacement fuel line size for a VT500C is 7.3mm ID tube 8.5cm in length. However, some users have suggested using a 1/4" (6.4mm) or 5/16" (7.9mm) fuel line as an alternative.
You can use either a clear or black fuel line for your VT500C. Clear fuel lines are initially clear but may turn yellow and harden over time. Black fuel lines are inexpensive and widely available at hardware stores and small engine shops.
