Cylinder head fitment

[sawfly]

Just picked up a KX500(1989) and the engine mount on the head is broken off. I've been told that '83-'04 are the same but during research I found the part numbers are different.
Will the other years fit or do i need to look for one '89-'04?
Can i weld it back together and re-drill/tap with no significant issues besides warping?

This is my first KX500 so any help is appreciated.

[Foxx4Beaver]

I've seen heads welded before, and you could have yours welded and it would probably be ok...
I myself, would find another head, and save the other one as a spare...only because, that's just me.
if you decide to get another head, you'll need an '89-'04.

[Larry Wiechman]

Can you post a photo of the broken part?

[sawfly]

[dave916]

Thats a 86-88 head
You need to know the exact year as there are difference on those years {pictures}

[Larry Wiechman]

 That's an easy repair; you're lucky it didn't break into the water jacket.
 If you want to go with a weld repair, let me know.

[Foxx4Beaver]

looks like it was broken for a short time...contact points look a bit shiney...good vibrations there.

[Foxx4Beaver]

once you get it fixed, I myself would go pay a visit to whoever you bought that from....and shred his front lawn with 2nd gear holeshots...for lying about the year.
but again, that's just me....I don't encourage you, or anyone else to do that.

 

[sawfly]

Did some more looking around and verified both the VIN and engine ID #'s to make sure it was all the same. it's an '86.
Is there anything i should pay special attention to on this bike while I'm working on it?
I'm actually kind of glad it's not an '89. besides, it's a complete running bike(that i got for a steal) and it's all in pretty good shape(minus the head and rear fenders)