MarkD

Good news. I drained 3 quarts of oil BACK out of the engine. Left the other three in there. It's right in the window. Near the top when the bike is upright. I started her up. Ran a couple minutes. Shut down. Added a little bit more to top off. And left it overnight. This morning it started right up, ran nice and smooth. Thanks all! And, hopefully this means the Stator and Regulator/Rectifier are now working. Lesson Learned: Haynes is helpful, but it is NOT all the story. There were multiple steps not explained in there. Like that fact that you have to remove the Clutch Pedal assembly to get to the Alternator cover to remove it. But that wasn't too hard.

Thanks for the feedback. I have an old Haynes manual which is what threw me off. Chapter 1 Section 12 is about changing the Final Drive Oil and Section 13 is about changing the Engine Oil. I printed the pages for Seciton 13 and it has some of Section 12 on it. I followed the directions under Oil Change but didn't see that it was for the Final Drive Oil. No wonder the pictures didn't look right on that page, but made more sense on the next page! Fortunately, I sensed something was wrong and did NOT start the engine. I am going to drain it down to the window. Amazingly, Haynes never mentions the window in Section 13. I can only assume that they must have mentioned it earlier in the chapter. I'm going to print and read that whole chapter to get better acquainted with the basics of my bike. I'll tell you how it goes. Thanks again!!

OK, so my battery wasn't charging and my mechanic tested my 1987 Virago 535 and suggested the stator and regulator/rectifier needed to be replaced. I got the manual and aftermarket parts online and decided to try it myself. I drained the oil, about 3 quarts worth and I let it drip dry. I pulled out the oil filter and replaced it, replaced the rubber seal and reseated the cover. Put the drain plug back in. Then I pulled the alternator cover off, removed the excess remnants of the previous gasket, replaced the stator and put everything back in place. Replaced the alternator cover, which was hard, but once I finally got it, I felt pretty sure that everything was in place and well sealed. I measured the torque on EVERY single nut and bolt. I was slow and methodical. I was quite proud when I finished. I filled it up with 3 Quarts of 10w40, but it didn't appear to be full. So I added another quart. Still not full. Then I added 2 more. Still not full! I put in a total of 6 quarts and as far as I can tell, the engine is not full. The capacity is supposed to be 3 quarts according to the spec. There is no oil on the ground. I am VERY confused and afraid there are 3 quarts of oil in a bad place. What am I doing wrong? By the way, I am putting the oil directly into the alternator case through what I believe is the oil opening. I'm 90% sure I'm putting it in the right place. Would love your help. Thanks. Mark

I would love advice on Painting my bike. All the colored parts that is: Gas Tank, the fake gas tank, front and back fenders. Also, any leads on where to find manual for 87 Virago 535? Thanks much!!!

I mean that I give it a push, then pop into second with a little gas to start it up. Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to look around for a battery. thanks for the heads up on the online place too. Mark

I just picked up a 1987 Yamaha Virago 535 10 days ago. I unknowingly left the key in P instead of Off for a day and completely killed the battery. Have been compression starting it mostly since then. I bought a trickle charger and it has started once or twice but mostly needs to be compression started. So, I'm thinking I need a new battery. Best source??? I asked a local bike mechanic and was quoted $120USD. Is that a lot? Is it because he's selling only top quality batteries, or is he just marking it up too much? I'm OK paying more for a better battery that will last longer, but I don't want to pay more just for fun. I would love to get recommendations on the best source of the following: - Parts like batteries, turn signals, shocks. - Advice on projects like painting the bike properly. I'd like to paint the colored parts that are currently burgandy, yellow. - Source for good quality leather bike jacket. I like the classic speed racer look. Not cruiser with tassles, not sport bike with lightning bolts, just black leather with a bright stripe. - Where do I get a complete owner's manual and a shop manual Thanks in advance for your help.