Author Topic: K5 To sleeve or not to sleeve? (Read 10633 times)

2001KX5 · « **on:** January 29, 2006, 10:11:17 AM »

hi guys.

just picked up an 01k5 and haven't had a chance to tear it down yet, but there are supposed to cracks in the exhaust ports. Reading one of the top end tech posts on here I take it that this is some what common.

In any event, should I send the cylinder away and get the cracks welded and the cylinder replated, or should I just say shag it and get a sleeve installed?

I know the plating is the way to go for heat transfer and its supposed to last longer than a sleeve. But I'm afraid if this cracking happened once then perhaps it will happen again? At least with a sleeve it will not crack and will also serve to strengthen the cylinder. I only ride recreationally and will never likely push this bike to its limits.

My last KX250 was sleeved and I diden't have a hitch with it.

What do you guys think?

Timbowe · « **Reply #1 on:** January 29, 2006, 10:41:10 AM »

Plating is the go. The cracks can be attended to at the same time. Then its right for the next 10 years. Also its probably cheaper.

2001KX5 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 29, 2006, 01:42:28 PM »

Does any one know how extensive cracking has to be before they can't repair it?

Can cracking in these areas be repaired and the cylinder replated with out the cracking coming back?

John · « **Reply #3 on:** January 29, 2006, 09:23:41 PM »

Yes,

That's my cylinder in that picture and there were cracks everywhere. I had it welded and replated. A professional shop can repair almost anything you throw at them. The shop I use have fixed prices for this.

The total cost is something in the regions of ?100 (~$150) depending on the shop. ?20 for welding, ?80 for plating. You will spend the same money again on a new piston, add some extra for gaskets and stuff and you are looking at ~ ?300 (~$450) for a complete rebuild.

The cylinder (design) tends to crack quite easily (where marked above). Fortunately, the repairs are not that expensive.

If you do not put a lot of stress on the machine, this repair should last longer than the oil reserves of the world...

I don?t know how much a sleeve would cost you, but consider that plating is far superior technology.

//John

2001KX5 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 30, 2006, 02:26:21 PM »

Ok here are some pics of the cracking:

This is no crack

YUNGGUNNAZ · « **Reply #5 on:** January 31, 2006, 01:11:31 AM »

those are pretty bad cracks extending way into exhaust ports under powervalve flap.this area gets extremely hot and crack may have spread elsewhere.if it was me,i would look for another cylinder.this motor took a terrible shock.check powervalve drums also.

Johnniespeed · « **Reply #6 on:** January 31, 2006, 08:36:17 AM »

How much does a new cylinder cost ? Are they available ?

2001KX5 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 31, 2006, 09:29:30 AM »

The power valve drums are in great shape and over all so is the cylinder. Its just those horizontal cracks. Most cylinder cracking is supposed to be repariable. I'm going to send it to eric gorr, but have to confirm with him if these cracks can be welded up with some longenvity. If any one has experience with a welded cracked cylinder please school me.

Oh yeah a cylinder would cost $800 canadian plus 15% tax. Then I still have to get gaskets and piston.

KXcam22 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 31, 2006, 10:15:44 AM »

2001KX5,
I would send those photos to eric gore first. He might be able to give you an idea on repairablility before you ship the cylinder down there. Otherwise a used cylinder might be a better deal. Nice bike though. Somehow it's had a huge shock to the top end. Suggest giving the rod a look too. Read the rod clearance specs carefully because they actually have a teeny bit of up & down play that you can feel which is normal (fooled me into starting a rebuild). Cam.

2001KX5 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 31, 2006, 10:43:22 AM »

Oh don't worry I'm tearing this bike completly apart and checking ever nut and bolt. I would not spend so much on a top end to just have to to replace it due to a shot bottom end.

YUNGGUNNAZ · « **Reply #10 on:** January 31, 2006, 01:19:48 PM »

sometime these shops have spare cylinders on hand.they often buy cores to have a cylinder ready for quick turn around during race season.check Lukes racing,superior sleeve and lakeshore industries.

2001KX5 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 31, 2006, 11:44:00 PM »

Couple of more pics closer up:

I'm really hoping they can be repaired because I want a ported and overbored top end rather then just buying a new stock cylinder which I may still have to do.

YUNGGUNNAZ · « **Reply #12 on:** February 01, 2006, 01:23:59 AM »

2001kx5,theres a cylinder on ebay i was watching to get for a big bore and some r&d port work i was going to do but you need it worse than i.its .080 over and i would have it plated to either that or back to .060(they can go back that far only i'm told).let me know if you are going to bid on this.

2001KX5 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 01, 2006, 01:27:45 AM »

can you send me the link pls. I really appreciate that man. as long as its not sleeved.

YUNGGUNNAZ · « **Reply #14 on:** February 01, 2006, 02:34:05 AM »

ok.lets try this http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item
this does have a sleeve to be bored out max.i run a sleeve out to .080 and runs like h---.but all ports are matched up right with sleeve and then was plated.most problems with sleeve is the installation and care in correct matching.