Hello everyone so I'm purchasing a 1987 honda CBR 600 f1 the owner told me it has to problems 1st it has a small fuel leak when you don't have the position of the tank to off he said I need a new "petcock" (fuel valve) and 2nd is that it over heats on long rides maybe 45mins- 1hr which isn't a big deal but I want fixed (my ride will be 10 mins max then will sit then 10 mins again and will sit) he said I need to replace the "cooling system" (water pump) does this sound accurate? New to bikes in general so I have no clue cars is a different story haha anyways the bike has 38k miles on it and everything else on the bike is clean and the bike runs fine. Thanks any help is appreciated thanks everyone!

- Eddy, Prospect

 

Grab a copy of the F1 workshop manual on the main page. It'll give you hints on what to look for with overheating. I'd check out the thermostat switch for the fan, to make sure it's running before spending money on expensive stuff.

If you can't find the manual, just say so here and one of the guys will find it for you or I will..............

 

There are petcock rebuild kits out there for the F1. Also, you can just get a "new" petcock off ebay. cbr600 87 petcock | eBay for example.

As for the overheating, it could be a bunch of things. However, I do not think its the waterpump. Listen to the waterpump (Its located on the left side of the bike, near the bottom of the engine, you will see 2 water pipes attached to it iirc), if it makes a racket, its done, but if its silent, your probably fine. Also, if the water pump had failed, you'd overheat within 5 minutes. My guess is a clogged rad. You can try some of the commercial rad flushing products, or some people have used coca cola or vinegar with varied success.

Service manual: Motorcycle Honda CBR600F1 Repair Manual Download

Hanes manual: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2n-...edit?hl=en_US#

 

Ok cool thanks a lot I want to get a CBR As a first bike because they hand very well and are easy to start off with but the bike is only going to cost me 700 dollars do you think it would be worth it to purchase this bike with the 2 problems the owner is telling me? How expensive and difficult are thes things to fix in your opinion

 

Without seeing the bike, its hard to tell. Whats the condition like? Is it complete? How are the tires? Brakes? Chain? Sprockets? Has it been in an accident.

Petcock is cheap, probably $20. Cooling system... its hard to say without knowing what the problem is. If its a flush, its a hundred bucks probably. If its more involved, its more money. Does the fan kick on? If not, you can test the fan to see if it is working, then check the switch. There is a $5 fix for a broken thermoswitch which involves installing an override manual switch, so you can turn the fan on manually.

Is s/he asking $700? First lesson in buying used is thats what the seller WANTS, not what they necessarily thinks they can get. I'd try for $500 and stick to it - with the problems it has, it may cost you 200-300 to fix, right?

 

I would not use commercial radiator flush on a cooling system of this age. They tend to cause leaks on older systems. Consider taking the radiator off and bring to a good radiator repair shop. They can clean it and fix any leaks usually fairly cheap and you will have a like new radiator.

My bet is fan is not turning on or the cooling system is dirty if it runs for up to an hour. You should verify this tho...have heard that story before and found blown head gasket instead.

Any bike should be checked over good before you buy. Bad tires will cost you a couple hundred to replace. Brake pads, chain, sprockets, battery...all cost money and will add up.

As other's have said the price depends on condition.