Brilliant examination and breakdown of how to properly diagnose issues. Most importantly use all resources available, not all moto forums are filled with eggheads! Thank you being so open about your process.
I love the way you explain things and do the job how it is supposed to. Clean an every detail comes by. I got ill and bed bounded after covid vaccine in 2021 and have been watching a bunch of your vids. Started to be a little better last year and started rebuilding 4-stroke bikes. Love the moment when all is been put together and she fires up in a few kicks! Done 6 bikes now and all got fresh again. Thanx for your video's and keep it up. Helps me a lot!
I really like that you share the struggle, it’s not all unicorns and rainbows boys and girls but with persistence you got it done! Thanks can’t wait for the next one.
Thank you for your comment. I grew up on 2 stroke bikes and I will get one now and again but always go back to my 450. Maintenance is key with any machine.
Glad I'm getting a heads up on the issues I may get into on the 2012 KX250F I'm about to start putting back together with these videos. Really hoping I got the shimming nailed but I guess I'll find out on start up. Thanks for the video
Better man than me because i would have gave up and sold that problem onto the next man ha. Glad you got to the bottom of it tho. Looking forward to the next vid.
It sounds like the new shims have solved your problem, but if you find that the idle issue comes back to haunt you, you should take a close look at the camshafts and see if the cam gear has slipped by about a tooth on either cam or both (probably intake). I had this exact problem with my 2021 KX250F. In fact, I just posted a video about it on my channel. It may be a bit difficult to tell by looking at it. You may need to find a new cam so you can see them side by side, or try to find a picture of the orientation of the lobes at TCD on the bike. In your video, we get a pretty good view at the 51 minute mark. On my 2021 KX250F, in which I just installed new cams and chain, my intake came is lower than your intake cam by about a cam gear tooth. The bottom edge of the hole in the lobe on the intake cam is aligned with the case and the exhaust cam angles out at about 1:30 oclock. The cams are not symmetrical (but maybe they were in 2011?). Now, with that being said, the 2021 KX250F is an all new bike compared to the 2011 so I don't know if your cams are supposed to have the same orientation. But, I would definitely look into this before you try to chase the problem any further. Slipped cam gear. It's more common than you know on these Kawasaki's. The gear is just press fit onto the shaft. They slip. Some people weld their new shafts so it doesn't happen. ua-cam.com/video/ufmQOSuTLh0/v-deo.html
Oh yes, I am all to familiar with this and is why I go into depth on part one of this bike. I'm not sure when they changed it but the cams are 100% symmetrical on these engines and something I look for. In fact, gear spin is extremely common on the Honda CRF150R. Every one I've done was purchased with a spun gear that had broken the camshaft holder and lifter. I appreciate your feedback.
Very interesting! and your analyse is very impressive ! the most important is the perseverance; i know that very well and when you have the good result it is the graal 👋👍 and you're ready for another episode😂 Thanks for your sharing😃
Having the same exaxct issue with my 2015 kx250f. Hanging idle after revved up. Speratic idle at times. I did just shim my valves but might bump down one more size as ypu mentioned to get closer to the "loose" spec. Butttt i did find a air leak at the injector on the intake air boot (airbox side of throttle body). Not sure if a leak before the throttle body will make a difference but we will see. Ill update in a few days when parts come in! As always thanks for the videos and awesome content!
An air leak at the injector may cause an idle issue, but an air leak at the airbox boot should not. Anything after the throttle plate will cause idle issues. Thank you for your kind words.
Thank you Henry. I appreciate your support. If installing new rings, and the cylinder is within spec, you should absolutely hone your nikasil cylinder. I use a 320 grit ball hone. Please reference part one of this Kawasaki build around the 39 minute mark.
I work on a lot of snowmobiles and there a lot like those bikes , newer EFI or FI can be a challenge to figure out, in some cases you have to take them to the dealership to have them reflashed
Definitely assisting with the 2011 250F i just purchased. I cant seem to figure out why it wont start unless its jump started. Have a stator on order due to not having 12v to the fuel pump when kicking.
Hello from Tennessee I just watched the video I'm new to the channel so I had to go back and watch part 1 first but anyway you did a great job keep up the good work
Hello! I was wondering where you get the service information on these bikes. I bought a basket case 2014 kx250f and would like a manual that shows torque specifications and service limits on wear items. Thank you!
These bikes are also known to have alot of issues out of the tps sensor (throttle position sensor) if it is off any when installed back after a rebuild it will idle wrong and act up be laggy with its throttle response and it can be off by millimeters when bottled back in you need to mark the sensor and bolts to make sure it's lined up on the kx250f fi bikes a dealer has the tool that hooks up and monitors the signal coming from tps and its voltage and can adjust it on the fly to get it working properly
Absolutely. Part one of this bike build I get into how to test the TPS sensor input and output voltages. Thanks so much for your comment and for watching.
Hey Roost Could You possibly let me know what lash clearances you had once done adjusting?? This is my exact identical problem and this is the Answer I need… I’ve went from injectors to TPS To air temp sensor, diagnostics test fuel pressure test All with your help too, but I’ve waited for this update to get the specifics from the pro himself!!! Good journey through this issue of mine as well Roost!!!
I would suggest that you shim them at the top of the spec. Get as close to 0.22mm on the exhaust and 0.15mm for the intake even if you have to get a bit over. Also suggest a leak down test to be sure that your valves are sealing properly. Let me know how it goes.
So at part 1 of this series of videos, you found some metal down in the screen and some fine metal in the filter, but you didn't dig into the bottom end at all, so is your plan to just kind of cross your fingers and do a few early oil changes?
This was a while ago so I don’t remember the specifics. There was a small piece of metal on the screen and a chain guide out of place. This failure wouldn’t have caused any metal in the engine so it was probably from the previous rebuild and the screen and filter did what they were supposed to. Had either been excessively contaminated, I would have certainly inspected the bottom end more thoroughly. Thank you for your comment.
I have a 2013 kx250f. I actually just bought it for my 17 year old son. It runs excellent but makes a fairly loud ticking sound is that normal for these? TIA. Great content!
They can be a bit noisy but if it’s really loud I would want to determine where it is coming from. Use a screwdriver against your ear and place it around the engine to narrow down the location.
Hi mate, that sudden drop on the idle is usually down to the copper crush washer on the exhaust. I had the exact issue, did you replace this when you did the top end rebuild? They seem to be very brittle so if you’ve had the pipe off since replace that and it should not have that sudden drop
I was planning on buying a used 2009 KXF 250. After watching your video, both sound almost the same. The ticking noise was giving me a warning that something is not good in the engine, but after watching the video, I think the engine is fine. I have posted a video of the bike, so if you could go and check it out and tell me if you hear any sound that should not be there, that would be awesome. Thanks in advance if you do check it out.
@@restoroosterohv ye the bike is like 1700 USD so I was planning if I buy it just take it to someone that knows more and change what needs to be changed. Its like if I buy a bike that is 2400 USD I maybe get the same bike with same issues and pay more for it. So I would rather buy it for 1700 USD put 700 USD back into it and have a perfect running bike. Did you watch the video btw? You don't have!!! But if you did what you think about the engine? does it sound fine or does it sound junk?
hey mate you great im a mechanic brought a wr 250 f 2008 starts then locks up turn the crank starts again timming chain tight not loose timming marks good head new bore new james australia what do you think cheers mate possible tensioner issue it work like it should cheers
Can somebody please reply if they know if a 2011right side engine case fits a 2010left side engine casing like do they fit can’t find a left casing for the 11 year
Riding hard they may get pretty hot and a glowing header could possibly be visible but if it is always getting cherry red, your bike may be jetted too lean.
It’s usually due to being overfilled. Next time you change the oil, don’t go by the sight glass. Put the proper amount of oil required via the manual and see if that fixes the problem.
@@restoroosterohv do you have any suggestions, i got a pretty new piston 20-30 hours ago they bike got 100 hours sins new i have checked all the electronics and i have changed the tps and set it to the correct specs
@ErikD07 refer to part one and part 2 of these videos. I run through just about all of those tests. Obviously check for any intake leaks before getting too deep.
Hello restorooster i got a 2014 kx450f and it got hard to start when cold and will only start with a 12v battery connected or bump starting. should i test the stator first? Any help is appreciated
Check your valve clearance before anything. If that is in spec, the next tests that I would personally do include leak down, compression and then fuel pressure. Then you get into electrical.
@@restoroosterohv sound advice thanks mate I'll check the top end and see if it's in spec then I'll move to comp and leak down. Appreciate the response your wisdom is gold
@@restoroosterohvone of the intake valves has no clearance what so ever. And the other 3 valves are just out of spec thanks again spot on advice.. I ordered a shim kit.
All fixed reshimmed and didn't fix the hard start when hot I end up finding a broken oring in the fuel pump assembly on the pressure out side replaced with a good oring and no more leaking fuel tank and bike starts and runs perfectly cold or hot..thanks for the input your vids helped me to diagnose everything keep up the good work mate.
Disconnect, your condenser plug, connect 12 V into the harness side, orange with yellow is positive and the black lead is negative. You will hear the pump run if it is good.
@@restoroosterohv you dont happen to know the piston to wall clearence for a vertex piston, ive binned the box and it just feels really loose in the cylinder
@dannycockburn7351 it’s not usually measured that way. Normally you would measure the cylinder for size, taper and out of round to be sure it is within spec. You would also measure the piston across the skirts at 15mm from the bottom. If they are good, you’re good.
This issue is far from normal my guy!!!! Trust Me Ive Dealt with it for almost 8 months now a complete headache. Not a easy fix/find especially when my valves and also his had already been adjusted
Nice work glad you kept at it. Many times threw out my years I’ve in countered problems like these . I worked on my share of boat motors to. Unbelievable what people do sometimes to cause those headaches like switching jets drilling jets and running wires where they shouldn’t lol good drive you have,kept grinding
A choke? On a fuel injected bike? LOL that isn't supposed to be a thing. There shouldn't be a choke on it. How or why is there a choke on a fuel injected bike? That makes zero sense.
Technically speaking, a choke is a butterfly that closes toward the back of a carburetor body effectively choking off the airflow to pull more fuel and increase the fuel to air ratio. Most modern bikes use a knob that opens an enrichment circuit and the outcome is effectively the same. Most people just refer to it as a choke nonetheless. On a FI bike, the “choke” knob just lets air bypass the slide and doubles as the idle adjustment.
By far the most consistent and helpful engine builder on the internet I definitely take notes ✍🏾
Thank you. I appreciate your kind words and support.
Brilliant examination and breakdown of how to properly diagnose issues. Most importantly use all resources available, not all moto forums are filled with eggheads! Thank you being so open about your process.
Thank you for your feedback and support.
I love the way you explain things and do the job how it is supposed to. Clean an every detail comes by. I got ill and bed bounded after covid vaccine in 2021 and have been watching a bunch of your vids. Started to be a little better last year and started rebuilding 4-stroke bikes. Love the moment when all is been put together and she fires up in a few kicks! Done 6 bikes now and all got fresh again. Thanx for your video's and keep it up. Helps me a lot!
Sorry to hear about your Covid woes. Glad you are better. Happy to hear that I could be of help to you. Thank you for your feedback and support.
@restoroosterohv thanx! Appreciate!
You are one of the best motorcycle mechanics I have seen
Thank you for the kind words. Appreciate your feedback and support
I really like that you share the struggle, it’s not all unicorns and rainbows boys and girls but with persistence you got it done! Thanks can’t wait for the next one.
Thank you for your feedback and support
Excellent work, very well detailed explanation, that’s why I favour 2 smokes.👏👍🇬🇧
Thank you for your comment. I grew up on 2 stroke bikes and I will get one now and again but always go back to my 450. Maintenance is key with any machine.
I understand those kind of issues. Always a relief when you get it figured out
There’s always a reason for the issue, you just have to find it. Thank you for watching and for your comment.
I’ve been watching since episode 1!! You’re a moto mechanic beast!!
Thank you for your kind words and continued support!
Glad I'm getting a heads up on the issues I may get into on the 2012 KX250F I'm about to start putting back together with these videos. Really hoping I got the shimming nailed but I guess I'll find out on start up. Thanks for the video
Good luck with your build. Thank you for watching.
Better man than me because i would have gave up and sold that problem onto the next man ha. Glad you got to the bottom of it tho. Looking forward to the next vid.
Thanks for your feedback and support
It sounds like the new shims have solved your problem, but if you find that the idle issue comes back to haunt you, you should take a close look at the camshafts and see if the cam gear has slipped by about a tooth on either cam or both (probably intake). I had this exact problem with my 2021 KX250F. In fact, I just posted a video about it on my channel. It may be a bit difficult to tell by looking at it. You may need to find a new cam so you can see them side by side, or try to find a picture of the orientation of the lobes at TCD on the bike. In your video, we get a pretty good view at the 51 minute mark. On my 2021 KX250F, in which I just installed new cams and chain, my intake came is lower than your intake cam by about a cam gear tooth. The bottom edge of the hole in the lobe on the intake cam is aligned with the case and the exhaust cam angles out at about 1:30 oclock. The cams are not symmetrical (but maybe they were in 2011?). Now, with that being said, the 2021 KX250F is an all new bike compared to the 2011 so I don't know if your cams are supposed to have the same orientation. But, I would definitely look into this before you try to chase the problem any further. Slipped cam gear. It's more common than you know on these Kawasaki's. The gear is just press fit onto the shaft. They slip. Some people weld their new shafts so it doesn't happen. ua-cam.com/video/ufmQOSuTLh0/v-deo.html
Oh yes, I am all to familiar with this and is why I go into depth on part one of this bike. I'm not sure when they changed it but the cams are 100% symmetrical on these engines and something I look for. In fact, gear spin is extremely common on the Honda CRF150R. Every one I've done was purchased with a spun gear that had broken the camshaft holder and lifter. I appreciate your feedback.
Brilliant now you can jump onto the next one on the assembly line 😂
Absolutely! The fun never ends
Very interesting! and your analyse is very impressive ! the most important is the perseverance; i know that very well and when you have the good result it is the graal 👋👍 and you're ready for another episode😂 Thanks for your sharing😃
Thank you for your feedback and support
Having the same exaxct issue with my 2015 kx250f. Hanging idle after revved up. Speratic idle at times. I did just shim my valves but might bump down one more size as ypu mentioned to get closer to the "loose" spec. Butttt i did find a air leak at the injector on the intake air boot (airbox side of throttle body). Not sure if a leak before the throttle body will make a difference but we will see. Ill update in a few days when parts come in! As always thanks for the videos and awesome content!
An air leak at the injector may cause an idle issue, but an air leak at the airbox boot should not. Anything after the throttle plate will cause idle issues. Thank you for your kind words.
Glad you got it running. Great work! They are definitely fun bikes.
Thank you, me too!
Thanks for another great video and sharing your knowledge.
And thank you for your continued support
Hey Peter, absolutely love your videos! Genuine question, can you hone nikasil coated cylinders, or is it just for sleeved cylinders. Cheers
Thank you Henry. I appreciate your support. If installing new rings, and the cylinder is within spec, you should absolutely hone your nikasil cylinder. I use a 320 grit ball hone. Please reference part one of this Kawasaki build around the 39 minute mark.
Love your videos!! Delete the intro.. it doesnt add to your videos. The great content is enough!! Thank you sir!
Thank you or your feedback and support. I’m sorry our are not a fan of the intro. I try to keep it short so we can right to the good stuff.
First time watching definitely subscribing keep on buddy
Thank you for your feedback and support
I work on a lot of snowmobiles and there a lot like those bikes , newer EFI or FI can be a challenge to figure out, in some cases you have to take them to the dealership to have them reflashed
Other than an ECM, every other aspect can usually be tested. It’s tedious but you will usually prevail with persistence. Thanks for your comment.
Thanks for the video !
Thank you for watching
Definitely assisting with the 2011 250F i just purchased. I cant seem to figure out why it wont start unless its jump started. Have a stator on order due to not having 12v to the fuel pump when kicking.
Yeah, you definitely need to go through the measurements on the components. A week stator or flywheel could certainly be the issue.
Hello from Tennessee I just watched the video I'm new to the channel so I had to go back and watch part 1 first but anyway you did a great job keep up the good work
Thank you for your feedback and support
Another great video!!!
Thank you for your continued support
I love these videos! Appreciate all your efforts !
Thank you for your feedback and support
Great videos! Enjoying every one you upload! Keep it up 🤟🏻
Thank you for your feedback and support
Hello!
I was wondering where you get the service information on these bikes. I bought a basket case 2014 kx250f and would like a manual that shows torque specifications and service limits on wear items.
Thank you!
Service manuals can be purchased online and if you shop around you can get a decent price.
These bikes are also known to have alot of issues out of the tps sensor (throttle position sensor) if it is off any when installed back after a rebuild it will idle wrong and act up be laggy with its throttle response and it can be off by millimeters when bottled back in you need to mark the sensor and bolts to make sure it's lined up on the kx250f fi bikes a dealer has the tool that hooks up and monitors the signal coming from tps and its voltage and can adjust it on the fly to get it working properly
Absolutely. Part one of this bike build I get into how to test the TPS sensor input and output voltages. Thanks so much for your comment and for watching.
Hey Roost Could You possibly let me know what lash clearances you had once done adjusting?? This is my exact identical problem and this is the Answer I need… I’ve went from injectors to TPS To air temp sensor, diagnostics test fuel pressure test All with your help too, but I’ve waited for this update to get the specifics from the pro himself!!! Good journey through this issue of mine as well Roost!!!
I would suggest that you shim them at the top of the spec. Get as close to 0.22mm on the exhaust and 0.15mm for the intake even if you have to get a bit over. Also suggest a leak down test to be sure that your valves are sealing properly. Let me know how it goes.
@@restoroosterohvi sure will man’ thanks so much for your support and help!!!
Absolutely welcome
So at part 1 of this series of videos, you found some metal down in the screen and some fine metal in the filter, but you didn't dig into the bottom end at all, so is your plan to just kind of cross your fingers and do a few early oil changes?
This was a while ago so I don’t remember the specifics. There was a small piece of metal on the screen and a chain guide out of place. This failure wouldn’t have caused any metal in the engine so it was probably from the previous rebuild and the screen and filter did what they were supposed to. Had either been excessively contaminated, I would have certainly inspected the bottom end more thoroughly. Thank you for your comment.
I have a 2013 kx250f. I actually just bought it for my 17 year old son. It runs excellent but makes a fairly loud ticking sound is that normal for these? TIA. Great content!
They can be a bit noisy but if it’s really loud I would want to determine where it is coming from. Use a screwdriver against your ear and place it around the engine to narrow down the location.
@@restoroosterohv thx man i found it,it was a loose nut on the mono shock. She's nice and quiet now.
Hi mate, that sudden drop on the idle is usually down to the copper crush washer on the exhaust. I had the exact issue, did you replace this when you did the top end rebuild? They seem to be very brittle so if you’ve had the pipe off since replace that and it should not have that sudden drop
The exhaust valve was too tight causing the issue. Re-shimmed and it runs like a dream
I was planning on buying a used 2009 KXF 250. After watching your video, both sound almost the same. The ticking noise was giving me a warning that something is not good in the engine, but after watching the video, I think the engine is fine. I have posted a video of the bike, so if you could go and check it out and tell me if you hear any sound that should not be there, that would be awesome. Thanks in advance if you do check it out.
Always a good idea to replace the cam chain and tensioner on a bike you don’t know the history of. Cheap insurance.
@@restoroosterohv ye the bike is like 1700 USD so I was planning if I buy it just take it to someone that knows more and change what needs to be changed. Its like if I buy a bike that is 2400 USD I maybe get the same bike with same issues and pay more for it. So I would rather buy it for 1700 USD put 700 USD back into it and have a perfect running bike. Did you watch the video btw? You don't have!!! But if you did what you think about the engine? does it sound fine or does it sound junk?
@unsmonster4024 where is the video?
@@restoroosterohv I posted it on my channel it's a UA-cam short.
hey mate you great im a mechanic brought a wr 250 f 2008 starts then locks up turn the crank starts again timming chain tight not loose timming marks good head new bore new james australia what do you think cheers mate possible tensioner issue it work like it should cheers
Hard to say, maybe something in the transmission or potentially a bad bottom end bearing on the crankshaft
Can somebody please reply if they know if a 2011right side engine case fits a 2010left side engine casing like do they fit can’t find a left casing for the 11 year
Is it fine if your exhaust is cherry red coming from the header on a kx450 2006
Riding hard they may get pretty hot and a glowing header could possibly be visible but if it is always getting cherry red, your bike may be jetted too lean.
I don’t ride hard I’ll ride it for like 2 minutes and it’ll be glowing red
That’s an eventual death sentence for your engine. What altitude, temperature and jetting are you at?
@@restoroosterohv what size jet do you think i should put in it it is all stock
@@restoroosterohv idk anything about it ik it’s completely stock sometimes I’ll try to ride it and it’ll randomly dies and backfire start back up
What does it mean whenever oil runs out the stator overflow on a kx450f
It’s usually due to being overfilled. Next time you change the oil, don’t go by the sight glass. Put the proper amount of oil required via the manual and see if that fixes the problem.
@@restoroosterohv how many do I put in it
@coltenpogue I would need the year of your bike.
@@restoroosterohv 2009 kx450f now it’s kinda hard to kick
Manual says 1.3qts
hello i have a kxf250 2011 and i have to give it a little throttle to start it idles very low as well
Yeah, seems to be an issue with the 2011 model.
@@restoroosterohv do you have any suggestions, i got a pretty new piston 20-30 hours ago they bike got 100 hours sins new i have checked all the electronics and i have changed the tps and set it to the correct specs
@ErikD07 refer to part one and part 2 of these videos. I run through just about all of those tests. Obviously check for any intake leaks before getting too deep.
ok i will and thanks for the help @@restoroosterohv
@ErikD07 you’re welcome
Hello restorooster i got a 2014 kx450f and it got hard to start when cold and will only start with a 12v battery connected or bump starting. should i test the stator first? Any help is appreciated
Check your valve clearance before anything. If that is in spec, the next tests that I would personally do include leak down, compression and then fuel pressure. Then you get into electrical.
@@restoroosterohv sound advice thanks mate I'll check the top end and see if it's in spec then I'll move to comp and leak down. Appreciate the response your wisdom is gold
You’re welcome. Any more questions, don’t hesitate.
@@restoroosterohvone of the intake valves has no clearance what so ever. And the other 3 valves are just out of spec thanks again spot on advice..
I ordered a shim kit.
All fixed reshimmed and didn't fix the hard start when hot I end up finding a broken oring in the fuel pump assembly on the pressure out side replaced with a good oring and no more leaking fuel tank and bike starts and runs perfectly cold or hot..thanks for the input your vids helped me to diagnose everything keep up the good work mate.
after a few kicks can you hear the fuel pump?
You will never hear the pump run. It only runs while you are kicking it and not at full speed, just enough to pressurize the system.
@@restoroosterohv argh thank you.
Disconnect, your condenser plug, connect 12 V into the harness side, orange with yellow is positive and the black lead is negative. You will hear the pump run if it is good.
@@restoroosterohv you dont happen to know the piston to wall clearence for a vertex piston, ive binned the box and it just feels really loose in the cylinder
@dannycockburn7351 it’s not usually measured that way. Normally you would measure the cylinder for size, taper and out of round to be sure it is within spec. You would also measure the piston across the skirts at 15mm from the bottom. If they are good, you’re good.
🐻💚💚💚💯
👍👍👍👍
Thank you
I'm pretty sure it's fairly normal for the 2011 kx250f to hang idol mine does it to😔
I was more concerned with the no idle at all issue. Thank you for your insight.
This issue is far from normal my guy!!!! Trust Me Ive Dealt with it for almost 8 months now a complete headache. Not a easy fix/find especially when my valves and also his had already been adjusted
Nice work glad you kept at it. Many times threw out my years I’ve in countered problems like these . I worked on my share of boat motors to. Unbelievable what people do sometimes to cause those headaches like switching jets drilling jets and running wires where they shouldn’t lol good drive you have,kept grinding
@Entreprenorris thank you for your feedback and support
A choke? On a fuel injected bike? LOL that isn't supposed to be a thing. There shouldn't be a choke on it. How or why is there a choke on a fuel injected bike? That makes zero sense.
Technically speaking, a choke is a butterfly that closes toward the back of a carburetor body effectively choking off the airflow to pull more fuel and increase the fuel to air ratio. Most modern bikes use a knob that opens an enrichment circuit and the outcome is effectively the same. Most people just refer to it as a choke nonetheless. On a FI bike, the “choke” knob just lets air bypass the slide and doubles as the idle adjustment.
Sweeeeeeet
Thank you