Two Stroke Motocross

Two Stroke Motocross Forum => Technical => Topic started by: Swimr2DaResQ on October 29, 2010, 05:53:24 PM

Title: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: Swimr2DaResQ on October 29, 2010, 05:53:24 PM
My KX finally died, I am looking into doing a full rebuild of the motor!
Wiseco will probably be my first choice for the piston and rings, a Hot Rod crank, and possibly some Micro Blue bearings if they make them for my bike! I am going to get it ported and polished and if the funds allow get my suspension Tuned and rebuilt!
If anyone has any suggestions on better parts or services, I would appreciate it!   8)
Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: Swimr2DaResQ on October 29, 2010, 06:16:03 PM
Has anybody used or have any info on Namura Technologies pistons and gaskets?
Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: Charles Owens on October 29, 2010, 07:33:26 PM
I would stay away from the Namura. Go with a good quality piston.
OEM or Athena if you want to go cast, Wiseco for a forged.
Good luck on the build, post some pics!
Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: Swimr2DaResQ on October 30, 2010, 12:13:02 AM
Are they a new company? Never even heard of them til a few days ago!
Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: MyckMcClung on January 08, 2011, 06:25:34 AM
They're really huge in Europe,
I'd save the money from all that porting and polishing crap, invest in a Vforce2, or 3, repack your silencer, and get an expansion chamber that suits the need of your riding style.FMF make four different pipes for your bike that range from lowend  enhancements to high end enhancements, the Fatty is the overall performance enhancer, Then put all that money you're gonna waste on that motor work into your suspension. A worn out motor doesn't make as much power as a fresh one, just rebuilding the lower and upper ends will bring that bike back to life and will be alot more powerfull than you are thinking it will be.
Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: scotty dog on January 11, 2011, 11:46:43 AM
MyckMcClung is on the money, dont waste money with portin n poliishin, get ya suspension done first, and ive heard from more than one person on here to stay away from the Hot Rod cranks....
Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: snook620 on January 11, 2011, 08:35:33 PM
My project yz125 motor is sitting on my work bench right now with a locked up Hot Rod crank. Although I cant say for sure what the previous owner did to destroy it.
Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: juliend on January 12, 2011, 04:29:16 PM
I would stay away from the Namura. Go with a good quality piston.
OEM or Athena if you want to go cast, Wiseco for a forged.
Good luck on the build, post some pics!

Interesting. Can you elaborate? I've always been pretty impressed with Namura pistons. I know they aren't very big over here in the US, but I've installed a few, and they seem very high quality.

If you're beefing it up a bit, I would def go with a forged piston. You can't go wrong with Wiseco, for sure. Who's doing the work to the cylinder?
Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: snook620 on January 12, 2011, 07:57:36 PM
I've considered buying a Namura piston because of the cheap price but always ended up with a wiseco. I've never had a problem with a wiseco
Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: Coop on January 13, 2011, 05:02:54 AM
I have heard Namura are pretty popular in Europe, but never spoke to anyone one on one to verify this. It's just something I read and you know what they say about that... :)
Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: dogger315 on January 13, 2011, 08:46:48 AM
The 2001 KX250 responds very well to porting, cylinder head modification and
a Wiseco super light flat top piston (#704PS).  This piston was developed and
used by Team Kawasaki and allows the bike to rev faster.  The stock ports are
small and the port timing causes the engine to fall flat early.  The head work is
required for the flat top piston.  These mods really wakes up the engine across
the power band.  The bike already has a nice Keihin PWK Air Striker carburetor. 
Bolt on a Rad Valve and Pro Circuit pipe and silencer to complete a very stout
package. 

dogger

Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: 2T Institute on January 13, 2011, 01:47:00 PM
Pipe is the cause of signing off early not the port.Polishing ports went out in the 70's. Flat top piston is a good idea.
Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: dogger315 on January 13, 2011, 03:21:37 PM
Quote
Pipe is the cause of signing off early not the port
No, the exhaust ports and the intake boost ports were reduced
in size from the 2000 KX250 causing the motor to fall flat in
comparison.
Quote
Polishing ports went out in the 70's
Nobody but you is talking about "polishing" ports.  The exhaust, sub
exhaust and transfer ports all need to be enlarged and/or reshaped
to wake this engine up.

The '01 KX250 engine had a mid only powerband.  It was less than
impressive and in need of serious work to bring it up to the level of
the Honda and Yamaha of that year.  Bolting on an aftermarket
pipe and reed alone isn't going to do it.

dogger

Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: MyckMcClung on January 15, 2011, 11:32:32 PM
on the Hot Rod tip..... I've used them in the last two crank rebuilds i've done, the first was five years ago, over 100 hours, 3rd piston, not even a notion of any wear.
Just installed the second, I'll let you know how that goes.
I've found that most guys that bash aftermarket parts cause it failed on them, usually have a half waffle grip on the left bar, that is an inch from the end and the waffle is in their palm. ;)
Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: TotalNZ on January 16, 2011, 09:02:38 PM
on the Hot Rod tip..... I've used them in the last two crank rebuilds i've done, the first was five years ago, over 100 hours, 3rd piston, not even a notion of any wear.
Just installed the second, I'll let you know how that goes.
I've found that most guys that bash aftermarket parts cause it failed on them, usually have a half waffle grip on the left bar, that is an inch from the end and the waffle is in their palm. ;)
LOL, gold
Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: Swimr2DaResQ on January 16, 2011, 11:22:07 PM
Thanks for all the great info.
When I pulled the spark plug after it died there was melted aluminum on the plug and it was very hard and sluggish trying to kick it over, so I think it might have broken a ring and also scared up the cylinder wall. I am disassembling the motor this weekend and will know for sure if it will need to be re-plated.
Currently running the V-Force 3 reed valve, with a FMF SST pipe and silencer. I am going to go with the Fatty Pipe and shorty silencer after the rebuild.
I was also looking to get new wheels, and wondering if the 03-07 kx wheels would fit and if the hubs and axles are the same size?
Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: TotalNZ on January 16, 2011, 11:32:20 PM
hmmm sounds like you should check your jetting and check for airleaks in your manifold, don't wanna melt your new piston too.
Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: Swimr2DaResQ on January 17, 2011, 12:03:50 PM
I think that one of my crank seals was leaking, causing it to run very lean. I will be replacing all seals and gaskets and unfortunately I have to split the cases to change the crank seals, but I planned on splitting them any way to check everything out and replace the crank bearings at least. I also just read that Kawasaki say's to change the crank seals every two years or as needed, I'm pretty sure they haven't been changed in a few more years than that!
I have put over 100 hrs on this bike since I bought it in Sep of '08, I don't know how many hours it had on it when I got it, so I guess it was time for a rebuild. I was down in OR at the dunes when it died, we were at sea level to 150',  I had the jetting dialed in for about 1000', not sure if that had a lot to do with it.

Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: MyckMcClung on January 17, 2011, 04:01:10 PM
the wheels won't fit,
while you have the cases apart go ahead and replace the crank and output shaft bearings/ seals too. definitely replace the waterpump seal,  altitude won't really matter that much under 2000 feet, it was time for your motor to go long before it went.
Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: Swimr2DaResQ on January 17, 2011, 04:22:29 PM
The 2001 KX250 responds very well to porting, cylinder head modification and
a Wiseco super light flat top piston (#704PS).  This piston was developed and
used by Team Kawasaki and allows the bike to rev faster.  The stock ports are
small and the port timing causes the engine to fall flat early.  The head work is
required for the flat top piston.  These mods really wakes up the engine across
the power band.  The bike already has a nice Keihin PWK Air Striker carburetor. 
Bolt on a Rad Valve and Pro Circuit pipe and silencer to complete a very stout
package. 

dogger




Thanks Dogger, I have been looking for the wiseco flat top piston and cannot find it online, do you know where I can order it from and what type of head work or mods need to be done to utilize that type of piston.
I was also wondering if the "Racer's choice" GP style piston is similar?

 
to MyckMcClung,
Thanks on the wheels, my rear hub is cracked and my rims are in pretty bad shape too. I found a nice used set of wheels on ebay, but they were for the 03-07 series.  I guess I'll have to piece together the new wheels.
Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: MyckMcClung on January 17, 2011, 05:36:35 PM
keep looking on ebay, the 1999-2002 wheels from the kx125 and 250 will all fit your 2001.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Rear-Wheel-Rim-Disc-Rotor-2000-00-Kawasaki-KX-125-KX125-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3cb4138112QQitemZ260719214866QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Rear-Wheel-Rim-Disc-Rotor-2000-00-Kawasaki-KX-125-KX125-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3cb4138112QQitemZ260719214866QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1999-kawasaki-KX-250-KX250-front-wheel-rim-2000-01-02-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem45f80cf87bQQitemZ300514343035QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1999-kawasaki-KX-250-KX250-front-wheel-rim-2000-01-02-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem45f80cf87bQQitemZ300514343035QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2000-KX-500-KX500-Front-Wheel-Tire-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem230d546824QQitemZ150547490852QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2000-KX-500-KX500-Front-Wheel-Tire-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem230d546824QQitemZ150547490852QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KX125-KAWASAKI-2000-KX-125-00-FRONT-WHEEL-HUB-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5630d1a60fQQitemZ370186233359QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KX125-KAWASAKI-2000-KX-125-00-FRONT-WHEEL-HUB-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5630d1a60fQQitemZ370186233359QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Rear-Wheel-Bearing-Kit-KAWASAKI-KX250-1997-2002-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem1c092fb530QQitemZ120413205808QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Rear-Wheel-Bearing-Kit-KAWASAKI-KX250-1997-2002-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem1c092fb530QQitemZ120413205808QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories)

http://stores.ebay.com/atvdirtbikebearingsandseals (http://stores.ebay.com/atvdirtbikebearingsandseals)
Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: Swimr2DaResQ on February 04, 2011, 07:23:03 PM
Can anyone recommend a good shop to replate my cylinder? The cylinder wall is pretty scarred up, the dome and the piston had alot of pitting!
Thanks
Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: MyckMcClung on February 05, 2011, 07:31:06 AM
http://kustom-kraft.com/ (http://kustom-kraft.com/)
Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: MyckMcClung on February 05, 2011, 07:35:23 AM
here's the replating page comes with a piston kit too for the price, comparable to the  cost of just sleeving it.

http://kustom-kraft.com/NEWNIKASIL.html (http://kustom-kraft.com/NEWNIKASIL.html)
Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: Coop on February 05, 2011, 07:36:02 AM
A lot of people either recommend KK or Millennium for plating.
Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: SachsGS on February 05, 2011, 09:00:25 AM
Is the crank o.k. on that KX?When I hear "sluggish to kick over" and "scoring in the cylinder" it almost sounds like your crank has failed. :-X
Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: Swimr2DaResQ on February 05, 2011, 10:10:41 AM
The lower end rod bearing failed and sent metal flakes and chunks into the cylinder. The crank will be replaced, probably hot rods or wiseco, stock is quite a bit more expensive! The local dealer uses Millenium Technologies for cylinder replating, I will probably go with millenium, but Kustom Kraft Looks to be a better deal as it comes with a piston!
Title: Re: 2001 KX250 Engine Rebuild
Post by: factoryX on February 06, 2011, 01:16:22 AM
on the Hot Rod tip..... I've used them in the last two crank rebuilds i've done, the first was five years ago, over 100 hours, 3rd piston, not even a notion of any wear.
Just installed the second, I'll let you know how that goes.
I've found that most guys that bash aftermarket parts cause it failed on them, usually have a half waffle grip on the left bar, that is an inch from the end and the waffle is in their palm. ;)
LMFAO: "The blue rod of death."