Author Topic: Best way to go replacing a '01 bottom end  (Read 18794 times)

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Offline needsatopend

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Best way to go replacing a '01 bottom end
« on: August 05, 2015, 05:11:56 PM »
I just picked up an '01 KX250 L3 that wasn't running. Previous owner said it just needs a top end, but I got the top end off today and found a considerable amount of up-and-down play in the lower con rod bearing. Also seized up pretty bad, so yep it's toast. It also smashed some bottom off the piston when it slammed down after the bearing went, I think.

So what is the method to take in KX-riders experience? Should I have the crank rebuilt and a new con rod installed. OR just go with a whole new bottom end kit like the one offered by Hotrods or Wiseco?

Thanks


Offline sandblaster

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Re: Best way to go replacing a '01 bottom end
« Reply #1 on: August 05, 2015, 06:41:36 PM »
I send all mine off to be rebuilt and I use a Wossner rod kit whenever possible.
And I know they make one for your bike as I checked for someone else earlier today  8-)
The four stroke engine: That's one stroke for producing power and three for wearing the engine out.

Offline Actionman

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Re: Best way to go replacing a '01 bottom end
« Reply #2 on: August 05, 2015, 07:16:38 PM »
I put a hotrods crank in my 2000. It looked like a good quality crank to me. Id wager that as long as u use proper install tools and procedures itd be fine. I think a lot of people run into trouble from inproper install more than anything. Ive revved the mortal dogs**t out of mine and its doing fine

Offline umberto

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Re: Best way to go replacing a '01 bottom end
« Reply #3 on: August 06, 2015, 03:29:09 AM »
I send all mine off to be rebuilt and I use a Wossner rod kit whenever possible.
And I know they make one for your bike as I checked for someone else earlier today  8-)
How does the price compare to buying a pre-assembled crank?  Do you send yours to Pinsonnault to get rebuilt?
« Last Edit: August 06, 2015, 03:45:39 AM by umberto »
Perhaps I have a dirt bike addiction?

03 KX 250/88 KX 525/2017 KX250F - Goliath
17 KX250F/04 KX250
04 KX 250 - Lunchbox's Bike
05 KX 125/144

Offline sandblaster

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Re: Best way to go replacing a '01 bottom end
« Reply #4 on: August 06, 2015, 03:56:22 AM »
All my personal stuff goes to Todd but I always get mine balanced so I'll have to get the cost without balancing.
These are retail prices.
If you score a discount on eBay or have a buddy who set's you up, so much the better.
But for the sake of the average guy comparison we will use Retail.

92-01 kx250

Hot Rods 289.95 includes main bearings and seals (Retail)

Wossner rod kit 109.95 (Retail)
Pro X bearing and seal kit 49.95 (Comes with factory Koyo bearings and OEM seals)
18.00 for USPS Priority shipping and about 400 in insurance. (This gets the crank to Todd)
80.00 for the rebuild and approx 20.00 for return shipping in the USA.
Total $277.90
« Last Edit: August 06, 2015, 01:25:20 PM by sandblaster »
The four stroke engine: That's one stroke for producing power and three for wearing the engine out.

Offline umberto

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Re: Best way to go replacing a '01 bottom end
« Reply #5 on: August 06, 2015, 05:22:02 AM »
USPS shipping?  Ouch... :wink:

I own a The UPS Store franchise.
« Last Edit: August 06, 2015, 05:46:29 AM by umberto »
Perhaps I have a dirt bike addiction?

03 KX 250/88 KX 525/2017 KX250F - Goliath
17 KX250F/04 KX250
04 KX 250 - Lunchbox's Bike
05 KX 125/144

Offline sandblaster

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Re: Best way to go replacing a '01 bottom end
« Reply #6 on: August 06, 2015, 05:55:31 AM »
I wondered if you would catch that  :lol:
The four stroke engine: That's one stroke for producing power and three for wearing the engine out.

Offline umberto

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Re: Best way to go replacing a '01 bottom end
« Reply #7 on: August 06, 2015, 05:56:31 AM »
Well played sir.   :-D
Perhaps I have a dirt bike addiction?

03 KX 250/88 KX 525/2017 KX250F - Goliath
17 KX250F/04 KX250
04 KX 250 - Lunchbox's Bike
05 KX 125/144

Offline Foxx4Beaver

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Re: Best way to go replacing a '01 bottom end
« Reply #8 on: August 06, 2015, 07:04:48 AM »
OEM or Wossner...period...anything else wont last nearly as long.
Excuse me, ma'am...but you've got extremely nice legs!!!...what time do they open???                                                                                                               https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8tCgN3aryQ

Offline sandblaster

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Re: Best way to go replacing a '01 bottom end
« Reply #9 on: August 06, 2015, 01:36:38 PM »
First, I am not trashing a Hot Rods or Wiseco cranks.
I have customers who want them and I sell them.
Retail wise it's about the same...
Now, you might be able to get a deal on a Hot Rods or Wiseco but you might also be able to get a little break on a Wossner or OEM rod kit.
However, I don't care if it costs me more for a Wossner or OEM.
I need reliability and longevity.
Take a Hot Rods or Wiseco, put them into a set of V-blocks and measure the run out with a quality indicator.
Do the same with a Pinsonnault Racing rebuilt crank.
I know which will go in my own bike...
« Last Edit: August 06, 2015, 01:41:45 PM by sandblaster »
The four stroke engine: That's one stroke for producing power and three for wearing the engine out.

Offline Foxx4Beaver

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Re: Best way to go replacing a '01 bottom end
« Reply #10 on: August 06, 2015, 01:50:34 PM »
Hot Rods suck, I'm not afraid to say it....I know too many guys that get maybe 6 races out of one if they're lucky, in 80's and 250's...garbage.
My Kawie dealer wont even get them for customers if they ask anymore, because they last such a short time. Customers are trying to get their money back by saying they got defective parts...and trying to blame the dealers mechanics for installing them incorrectly and getting money back that way.
I haven't heard much positive on the Wiseco's either, but no where near as bad as Hot Rods.
Excuse me, ma'am...but you've got extremely nice legs!!!...what time do they open???                                                                                                               https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8tCgN3aryQ

Offline umberto

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Re: Best way to go replacing a '01 bottom end
« Reply #11 on: August 06, 2015, 01:54:53 PM »
All my personal stuff goes to Todd but I always get mine balanced so I'll have to get the cost without balancing.
These are retail prices.
If you score a discount on eBay or have a buddy who set's you up, so much the better.
But for the sake of the average guy comparison we will use Retail.

92-01 kx250

Hot Rods 289.95 includes main bearings and seals (Retail)

Wossner rod kit 109.95 (Retail)
Pro X bearing and seal kit 49.95 (Comes with factory Koyo bearings and OEM seals)
18.00 for USPS Priority shipping and about 400 in insurance. (This gets the crank to Todd)
80.00 for the rebuild and approx 20.00 for return shipping in the USA.
Total $277.90
Thank you for putting that together.  I think most people go with Hot Rods or Wiseco because they are convenient, and they are unaware of any other options.  It's nice to know that using quality parts doesn't necessarily cost more.

Is there an address for Pinsonnault under there section on this site, or do they have a website?
Perhaps I have a dirt bike addiction?

03 KX 250/88 KX 525/2017 KX250F - Goliath
17 KX250F/04 KX250
04 KX 250 - Lunchbox's Bike
05 KX 125/144

Offline sandblaster

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The four stroke engine: That's one stroke for producing power and three for wearing the engine out.

Offline needsatopend

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Re: Best way to go replacing a '01 bottom end
« Reply #13 on: August 07, 2015, 03:31:55 AM »
Thanks guys did I mention the entire KIPS were completely seized with spooge??

The flapper valve still sorta moved in and out but the pinion gears off the main governer rod had to be pulled with vice grips..





After going over with a pressure washer, I can actually reference the different parts mentioned in the manual..



Good thing I am already familiar Kawasaki powervalve system as I already ride a '90 KDX200 but the flapper valve mechanism is new for me

KIPS subvalves and flappers, rods and other bits all cleaned up...Gonna send the jug off to a parts cleaner because I won't be able to get in the holes to clean them properly..



« Last Edit: August 07, 2015, 03:34:19 AM by needsatopend »

Offline umberto

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Re: Best way to go replacing a '01 bottom end
« Reply #14 on: August 07, 2015, 04:32:45 AM »
Sounds like you are on top of rebuilding the KIPS, but this might be helpful.  I found this video on YouTube that details how to put the KIPS back together on a 2002 KX 250.  I think it would be a pretty good reference for your rebuild.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkPU6V-cIxE
Perhaps I have a dirt bike addiction?

03 KX 250/88 KX 525/2017 KX250F - Goliath
17 KX250F/04 KX250
04 KX 250 - Lunchbox's Bike
05 KX 125/144