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I would pull the vst and physically clean it. You will probably find rust scale on the HP pump inside the VST.
Jamie - If you have the time and inclination, it would be helpful for all of us if you posted pictures and description of the process of removing and cleaning the VST.
Chris - isn't there a needle valve in the VST that needs to be cleaned and checked? Seems like I saw a discussion on that awhile back.
Yes there is a needle valve and a float just like in a carb. It's very simple to take apart and clean. After you clean the needle valve and the seat, you want to make sure the needle valve moves freely in the seat. The seat is not replaceable and the needle valve is little north of $20. No need to replace it if the rubber on the tip is not marked up.
As for marking the lines. Draw a diagram of the lines then use a white paint pen to mark the lines with dots and put the info on the diagram. Most lines will fall back in the position where they were when you remove the vst. You will not have any problems doing this. So don't worry.
Jamie - at this point you could probably hang out your own sign! Your posts have been invaluable. Thanks.
Every time I pull 100-hour maintenance, I drain the VST via the set screw and tube. When I take it to dealer for 400-hour maintenance and check-up, I have them pull the VST, clean it, and replace the HP filter. I use a dealer for the 400-hour maintenance for several reasons - Motor is still under extended warranty; I get an HDS readout; they have the equipment to check belt tension; they have the equipment to check valve clearances and make adjustments if necessary; and they do a thorough overall check-up of the engine. My BF 225 is approaching 1200 hours and still runs as well as it did new.
Thanks for that chawk_man. So based on your recommendations I called my local Honda shop today to ask about cleaning the VST, checking belt tension, and checking valve clearances. "No need to do any of those things until you have at least 1,500 hours on your engine", was the reply.
I had money in hand. Take my money, I said. We don't want your money was the response.
I guess I could insist that they do these things. But I'm left wondering---overkill at 500 hours or good preventative maintenance?