exhaust spring tabs on cylinder head

[saki5ridr]

Have an 02 kx500 rode yesterday after fixing multiple problems over the last month and realized i was missing 2 exhaust springs problem. Is that they vibrated right through the upper tab that is part of the cylinder  head... the pipe is secure and Doesn't. Move around all. additional mounts are secure Has anyone experienced such? do I have to take head off and weld? How do I fix this? your feedback is greatly. appreciate. Thanks!

[Foxx4Beaver]

my 250 was like that when I got it, from the previous owner running the wrong year exhaust on it, and it was only held on by the springs!
Luckily, the cylinder was already off, so I just gave it to my buddy and he welded up new eye-lets for the springs to hook into at work....so yes, it's an easy fix.

[saki5ridr]

The pipe is the right application for the year is the only way to fix it to take the cylinder head off?my pipe fits pretty far up into the head and appears to be sealed well even though it has two missing springs is this something that has to be fixed immediately or can it wait is it ok to ride it as it is I'm sure the third and last spring is not far behind the others and will break soon as the others did??

[Foxx4Beaver]

you can ride it how it is, providing the other mounts are all bolted in place...but I would think about having it fixed sooner, rather than later.
I'm sure it can/could be welded while on the bike....but it would be much easier off the bike/motor, then you have clear access to it right on a bench.

[saki5ridr]

Thanks....really hate to take the head off and disturb it is running so well lol...bike throws me all kinds of curveball problems can hardly wait to see whats next haha thanks again

[Foxx4Beaver]

another option is to just pull the whole motor out of the frame and put it on the bench...then you don't have to pull the motor apart, just repair it while it's still together.
either way you decide to choose it's generally an easy fix, keep us posted how it turns out.

[saki5ridr]

Thanks

[Twosmokerfan]

Same thing with mine. They were almost worn through. When I had the cylinder fixed during a rebuild, I had them weld repaired. I then drilled the holes just a little larger and inserted a roll pin in each hole, and cut them to size. Mine now effectively has a steel liner in each hole where the spring goes. It will never wear out.

TSF

[saki5ridr]

That sounds like a good solution I appreciate the feedback do you have kx500 ?

[Brute]

Why pull the motor? Drain the gas and stand the bike up with a hoist around the triple clamps. Weld. File. Drill.

[Foxx4Beaver]

Why pull the motor? Drain the gas and stand the bike up with a hoist around the triple clamps. Weld. File. Drill.

just extra options Brute...just extra options....gotta remember, not everyone's as mechanically inclined as some of us.
If it were me, or some of the others on here, it would be done whilst right in the cradle.

[Brute]

Same thing with mine. They were almost worn through. When I had the cylinder fixed during a rebuild, I had them weld repaired. I then drilled the holes just a little larger and inserted a roll pin in each hole, and cut them to size. Mine now effectively has a steel liner in each hole where the spring goes. It will never wear out.

TSF

Sounds like a good idea but it is going to wear someplace. 'Course it would be easier to change springs than weld the cyl. Interesting idea.
That is true Fox. There has to be a shop with a hoist or a way to lift it into position to weld it without all the drama. Then again, good time to check everything else out.

[saki5ridr]

2smokefan...cut roll pins and welded up those tabs done in cradle with limitd  Work space, & glad thts ovr  thanks!

[sandblaster]

I gotta hoist mine just to burp it...