I've never done a top end and just finished one on my 2019 250 sxf using this as a tutorial. Other than a few hiccups i caused myself and had to troubleshoot, everything went great. Thank you so much for posting this stuff! i never would have dug into that on my own without a video this detailed
Just bought a 2016 250sxf and it’s the first 4 stroke dirt bike I’ve had so the video was extremely helpful for me to understand the inner workings of them more! Just found you from this video and I’m looking forward to binge watching a lot of your videos and learning more about other bikes as well. Appreciate you 🙌🏼
Ive been looking for a complete walk through video of a KTM 250f top end replacement. Absolutely the best out there. I cant think you enough. Thanks for taking the time to video it!!
Just completed my first top end rebuild in large part to your tutorial. It’s much appreciated brotha! Man did you make those circlips look easy!!! Jeez
Successfully rebuilt my first top end. This is also the first time I've ever done engine work on anything. You're video was absolutely essential to the process "thanks so much sir" is not enough here. A tip, if you're having trouble getting that fist locking ring on the piston using the method from the video, I used that fabric bag for the new piston as a cushion while I pressed the ring into the hole with both thumbs. It was much easier for me.
Dude, you are awesome!! By far some of the best walk through content and your level of knowledge comes across as very extensive. i will be dry fitting pistons from now on. You don't seem to have to try to convince the audience of your knowledge because you truly have the experience and know what's what. I appreciate your content and I will continue supporting in any way I can!!
You are the man brother thanks for helping me with my installation made this process a hell of a lot easier and thank you for not skipping threw alot and giving great advice liked and subscribed🤙🤙
Thank you for this super helpful/informative video! I was able to get my KTM tore down successfully with your help! Now it's time to order some parts...
I always clean the carbon off top of cylinder too. Mainly if your going from OEM to Wiseco as the rings may not be in the exact location as OEM or any other brand. Don't want a new ring that sits 1/4mm higher cleaning that carbon for you.
@UpAllNight91 when I find stuff for my 1996 cr125 on youtube it's always a blessing so there's no doubt this will be helpful in the future. I don't even own a 4 stroke, only a 01 cr80, 96 cr125, and 22 ktm 150sx. I watched this thru just to learn. Kinda makes me not want a 4 stroke tbh lol. Appreciate the deep dive videos dude they are killer.
@@AUSTIN_457 thanks! Dang you own a 1996 CR125! Thats a cool bike! Them things where so fast in the 90s. The ktm 150 is cool too. Yeah 4 strokes are surely not as simple as a smoker to wrench on, and more attention to detail is kinda required. I work on bikes for a living and for some reason the further down the road I go the more I seem to favor smokers for myself. The sound, the feeling, the weight, ease of maintenance, and just feels like what a dirt bike should feel like in my mind lol. My 450 is currently for sale lol. Just going to keep the 125 and 250 smoker for now
Hello. Thats just how it sounded on the camera in the shop. The bike is good and normal. The owner has been racing the bike for about a good half a year now with no issues. Sometimes the camera and shop can make them sound differently but she's all good
Because the cam chain tensioner has to build oil pressure before it starts working correctly. The ticking sound (cam chain slack) goes away after a few seconds when starting it up for the first time.
Hi, have you got a video or recommend any videos on how to change the timing chain, my bikes on 76h and I don’t think it’s been opened up so want to change top end and chain
Hello. Sorry I dont have any. I do need to put one of them together though, next one that comes through the shop. If you are already doing a top end, you would need to remove the clutch cover with the water pump to replace the chain.
@@SuperGamingcarrot Its been a while since I have done one and cant remember off hand but I dont remember it being anything crazy. I remember getting it out and the new one in without having to cut a chain,
Hey man! If you ever have another ktm, husky or gasgas that has the 48mm AER forks and they need service, could you do a video on them? I have a 2020 SX-F 250 and when the time comes, I wanna try to rebuild them myself.
@@UpAllNight91 Thank you man! Your videos are really helpful btw. Just found ur channel and have already watched many of your videos, keep up the good content!
@@UpAllNight91 Hey! I have started taking apart the engine on my 250 to change the piston, but i'm struggling to get the head bolts out that are inside the head, so I was wondering what socket setup you used to get those out?
@@UpAllNight91much appreciated brother not many people will do what u just did helping the community out hope nothing but the best we need more people like you👍🏻
@@UpAllNight91 First of all, thank you for the quick answer! Is there a way getting the crank top dead center without removing the valve cover? And why cant I just remove the old one and replacing it without it? What will happen? (just for the sake of learning). Thanks!
@@liorgadidi Your welcome. You can remove the spark plug and stick a long extension down in the hole, then turn the motor by hand to find top dead center. Or you can lock the motor at the crank. If you remove the tensioner while the cam is in a position where its opening a valve it can and will jump cam timing. I suggest removing the valve cover to check cam timing after replacing the tesioner. Its better to be safe than sorry.
About to put my top end together on my 2021 and was confused about the head tightening sequence as well Im just going to roll with the 50nm 3rd step too hard to accurately hit 180 degrees anyways with the frame and all in the way. Also when you pulled the primary gear did you just rely on the engine lockup bolt or did you wedge some pennies in the gears.
Hello. I don't know why they changed the torque specs to that 180 degree thing but since this video i have done all these like how KTM use to suggest, which was 37 foot pounds. For the primary gear nut i just relied on the top dead center holding bolt and that did the trick.
book calls for lactate 5910 between the engine case and cylinder but I have seen multiple videos of people putting on no sealant in that spot. what do you think I should do?
Hey, I just recently rebuilt the top end on my 2020 husqvarna fc250 using this video and after completing the build come to start the bike and it’s just a clicking, so I charged the battery over night and I still hear a click, not sure what the problem can be, the only time I hear it almost turn over is if I manually spin the crank until it’s stoped position. If you have any idea of what the problem is please let me know!
@@brado5582 Have you tired removing the sparkk plug and spinning the motor over by hand at the flywheel bolt on the left side of the motor. Make sure nothing is binding up?
Hi from North Queensland Australia I have a 2019 excf250 with 1600hours/ 84000km motor never touched not burning oil runs like new, when should I over hall it?
Hello, I have a 2024 KTM 250 SXF, with 38.4 hours and I intend to open its engine with 60 hours to change the piston, would you recommend changing any other parts besides the piston? and how many hours after changing the piston should I open the engine again to inspect it. I'm a little anxious as it will be my first time opening this engine. I thank you for your attention
Hello. at 60 hours all that would be needed is a new piston, rings, wrist pin, and gasket.Also replace the spark plug while in there, Check the valve clearance and thats really all there is to it. If you plan to do the top end at 60 hour intervals then at 120 hours change it again but this time also include a new timing chain.
Just about to do my first rebuild - 2019 SXF250 - Definitely wouldn’t have thought of attempting without your video. Any recommendations on piston brand? Many thanks
Hello. The OEM piston is always a good choice but can be expensive. The wiseco piston is also a great piston, especially for the price. Vertex is ok. I would stay away from pro X, poor quality control.
On nickle plated cylinders, as long as the piston didn't start melting or leaving material on the cylinder walls there is nothing you need to do but wipe it clean and pop in a new piston.
Hey man ! How many hours does my ktm 250SFX 2018 piston last before I need to change it? I would say im a intermediate rider but do rev the bike quite hard on heavy sand tracks.
Hello. It kinda does vary depending on the usage and rider. At race pace level with a fast rider running it hard, I suggest every 40 hours. But for a vet rider would rides fast but gives the bike a little mercy, no more than 80 hours. On average I suggest 60 hours. However if the bike is well taken car of and riden easier then 100 hours will be fine. Based on what you described, I would say start with 60 to 80 hours and see how the used piston looks. Adjust from there
@@UpAllNight91 237.5 hours now and thinking I want to do a rebuild soon! Thanks for making this video. It’s encouraged me to try it myself. Would you recommend just a piston kit? Or should I get a cylinder works cylinder and piston kit? I appreciate any advice! Very new to this
@@UpAllNight91also would you do timing chain? Timing chain guide? That stuff at those hours too? Just trying to sort through what I’d order to start freshening my bike up. Thank you sir!
I've never done a top end and just finished one on my 2019 250 sxf using this as a tutorial. Other than a few hiccups i caused myself and had to troubleshoot, everything went great. Thank you so much for posting this stuff! i never would have dug into that on my own without a video this detailed
Nice! Glad to hear this! Congrats on the rebuild!
Just bought a 2016 250sxf and it’s the first 4 stroke dirt bike I’ve had so the video was extremely helpful for me to understand the inner workings of them more! Just found you from this video and I’m looking forward to binge watching a lot of your videos and learning more about other bikes as well. Appreciate you 🙌🏼
Thanks! Glad you found the channel and glad to hear you find it helpful. Thanks for coming along!
Yes this was the best step by step video I have ever seen! Very thorough tutorial, answered a lot of questions I had!
Thanks! Happy to hear it helped!
Ive been looking for a complete walk through video of a KTM 250f top end replacement. Absolutely the best out there. I cant think you enough. Thanks for taking the time to video it!!
Your welcome. Glad to hear this will help!
Just completed my first top end rebuild in large part to your tutorial. It’s much appreciated brotha! Man did you make those circlips look easy!!! Jeez
😁 Thats awesome news! Thanks for reaching out!
Successfully rebuilt my first top end. This is also the first time I've ever done engine work on anything. You're video was absolutely essential to the process "thanks so much sir" is not enough here. A tip, if you're having trouble getting that fist locking ring on the piston using the method from the video, I used that fabric bag for the new piston as a cushion while I pressed the ring into the hole with both thumbs. It was much easier for me.
Ahh! Good job!
Dude, you are awesome!! By far some of the best walk through content and your level of knowledge comes across as very extensive. i will be dry fitting pistons from now on. You don't seem to have to try to convince the audience of your knowledge because you truly have the experience and know what's what. I appreciate your content and I will continue supporting in any way I can!!
Ahh thanks man! I appreciate it! Thanks for the kind words.
He not up all night for nothing 😂
Thank you so much you didn’t have to do post this and I’m so thankful that you did you help me so much thanks brother
Ahh nice! Glad to hear from you that it helped!
You are the man brother thanks for helping me with my installation made this process a hell of a lot easier and thank you for not skipping threw alot and giving great advice liked and subscribed🤙🤙
Awesome! Glad to hear it helped and thanks!
Thank you for this super helpful/informative video! I was able to get my KTM tore down successfully with your help! Now it's time to order some parts...
Ahh nice! Your welcome! You will have her up and going nice and fresh real soon!
I always clean the carbon off top of cylinder too. Mainly if your going from OEM to Wiseco as the rings may not be in the exact location as OEM or any other brand. Don't want a new ring that sits 1/4mm higher cleaning that carbon for you.
Thank you so much for this video, you are a legend
Your welcome, Glad it helped! 👍
Thanks!
Your welcome and Thank You!!!
39:05 excellent videos. You are the man👍
Thanks!
This video will be great for when people need a walk through on how to do a top end on these bikes. Nice video man
Thanks man. I even thought. Who knows 40 years down the road someone may find this and get his vintage back up and going. Cool to think about at least
@UpAllNight91 when I find stuff for my 1996 cr125 on youtube it's always a blessing so there's no doubt this will be helpful in the future. I don't even own a 4 stroke, only a 01 cr80, 96 cr125, and 22 ktm 150sx. I watched this thru just to learn. Kinda makes me not want a 4 stroke tbh lol. Appreciate the deep dive videos dude they are killer.
@@AUSTIN_457 thanks! Dang you own a 1996 CR125! Thats a cool bike! Them things where so fast in the 90s. The ktm 150 is cool too. Yeah 4 strokes are surely not as simple as a smoker to wrench on, and more attention to detail is kinda required. I work on bikes for a living and for some reason the further down the road I go the more I seem to favor smokers for myself. The sound, the feeling, the weight, ease of maintenance, and just feels like what a dirt bike should feel like in my mind lol. My 450 is currently for sale lol. Just going to keep the 125 and 250 smoker for now
Thank you for making this video, really helped me out
@@christiang4882 thanks for letting me know. Glad it helped!
I left the cam chain tensioner in until I lifted the head a bit
Right on! was about to try that myself if it didnt come out
Thanks for the video man, great job
Thanks!
thanks for this but at the end when you start it up, why the engine and the ticking sounds like some thing is wrong in the inside.
Hello. Thats just how it sounded on the camera in the shop. The bike is good and normal. The owner has been racing the bike for about a good half a year now with no issues. Sometimes the camera and shop can make them sound differently but she's all good
Because the cam chain tensioner has to build oil pressure before it starts working correctly. The ticking sound (cam chain slack) goes away after a few seconds when starting it up for the first time.
Hi, have you got a video or recommend any videos on how to change the timing chain, my bikes on 76h and I don’t think it’s been opened up so want to change top end and chain
Hello. Sorry I dont have any. I do need to put one of them together though, next one that comes through the shop. If you are already doing a top end, you would need to remove the clutch cover with the water pump to replace the chain.
@@UpAllNight91 hi thank you for the reply, alot of people say you need to pull off the counter balance ? or i could just use a chain splitter ?
@@SuperGamingcarrot Its been a while since I have done one and cant remember off hand but I dont remember it being anything crazy. I remember getting it out and the new one in without having to cut a chain,
Just a note, but you never showed replacing that gap washer on the screw that went in the little notch that KTM engineered smartly.
oh. I may have. I do remember mentioning not to forget to put that back in before trying to start lol
He did
Excellent work. Thanks for posting this. Lots of help.
Thanks! And thanks for watching!
By the looks of the airbox, the owner drops some sand in every filter change.
WOW, Neglect.
Yes looks like thats happened. Hes just a teenager but on pick up I told him he's gotta be more careful with his filters
Hey man! If you ever have another ktm, husky or gasgas that has the 48mm AER forks and they need service, could you do a video on them? I have a 2020 SX-F 250 and when the time comes, I wanna try to rebuild them myself.
Yes Sir! As soon as I get another one in here I will do a video on it. Thanks!
@@UpAllNight91 Thank you man! Your videos are really helpful btw. Just found ur channel and have already watched many of your videos, keep up the good content!
@@hyposez1129 thanks! Appreciate it! I sure will. 👍
@@UpAllNight91 Hey! I have started taking apart the engine on my 250 to change the piston, but i'm struggling to get the head bolts out that are inside the head, so I was wondering what socket setup you used to get those out?
@@hyposez1129 Hello. That was a 13mm deep well socket. Is your socket not fitting in the hole?
Hey mate you have any tutorials on a bottom end on a fc250
Hello. Not yet. But I will grab a video of one as soon as one comes in that needs bottom end work.
@@UpAllNight91much appreciated brother not many people will do what u just did helping the community out hope nothing but the best we need more people like you👍🏻
@@jehadmoussa398 Thanks!
Exhaust spring puller hack- use a ziptye and and just pull back
Ahh that's a good tip. Thanks!
Excellent video. Would there be much of a difference on a 23 250SX-F?
Thanks. Not much difference at all between the 22 and 23. Pretty much the same thing,
if I only do the cam chain tensioner replacement (in order to install a new one) is it necessary to lock the crank in top dead center?
Hello. No yoyu dont need to lock it down. But you will still need to have it at top dead center to time in the cams.
@@UpAllNight91 First of all, thank you for the quick answer!
Is there a way getting the crank top dead center without removing the valve cover?
And why cant I just remove the old one and replacing it without it? What will happen? (just for the sake of learning).
Thanks!
@@liorgadidi Your welcome. You can remove the spark plug and stick a long extension down in the hole, then turn the motor by hand to find top dead center. Or you can lock the motor at the crank. If you remove the tensioner while the cam is in a position where its opening a valve it can and will jump cam timing. I suggest removing the valve cover to check cam timing after replacing the tesioner. Its better to be safe than sorry.
Does the spark plug cylinder just pull out on earlier models 250 sxf. I’ve got a socket stuck down there 😖😖
Yes I believe so, just slide it up and out.
About to put my top end together on my 2021 and was confused about the head tightening sequence as well Im just going to roll with the 50nm 3rd step too hard to accurately hit 180 degrees anyways with the frame and all in the way.
Also when you pulled the primary gear did you just rely on the engine lockup bolt or did you wedge some pennies in the gears.
Hello. I don't know why they changed the torque specs to that 180 degree thing but since this video i have done all these like how KTM use to suggest, which was 37 foot pounds. For the primary gear nut i just relied on the top dead center holding bolt and that did the trick.
book calls for lactate 5910 between the engine case and cylinder but I have seen multiple videos of people putting on no sealant in that spot. what do you think I should do?
These have been fine without anything added to the gasket.
Hey, I just recently rebuilt the top end on my 2020 husqvarna fc250 using this video and after completing the build come to start the bike and it’s just a clicking, so I charged the battery over night and I still hear a click, not sure what the problem can be, the only time I hear it almost turn over is if I manually spin the crank until it’s stoped position. If you have any idea of what the problem is please let me know!
Hello. Did you put the thick washer back in place under the bolt that locks the crankshaft at top dead center?
Yes I did!
@@brado5582 Have you tired removing the sparkk plug and spinning the motor over by hand at the flywheel bolt on the left side of the motor. Make sure nothing is binding up?
@@UpAllNight91I have not tried that, after wort i will try that, thank you
@@brado5582 ok yes. Let me know
what a great video.. thanks for that
Your Welcome!
Hi from North Queensland Australia I have a 2019 excf250 with 1600hours/ 84000km motor never touched not burning oil runs like new, when should I over hall it?
Hello. Not sure how the bike is being used but at that many hours I would consider at least a fresh piston and rings. Freshen her up.
“A whole frame hitting experience” 😭😭 I want my suzuki back
😆
Hello, I have a 2024 KTM 250 SXF, with 38.4 hours and I intend to open its engine with 60 hours to change the piston, would you recommend changing any other parts besides the piston? and how many hours after changing the piston should I open the engine again to inspect it. I'm a little anxious as it will be my first time opening this engine. I thank you for your attention
Hello. at 60 hours all that would be needed is a new piston, rings, wrist pin, and gasket.Also replace the spark plug while in there, Check the valve clearance and thats really all there is to it. If you plan to do the top end at 60 hour intervals then at 120 hours change it again but this time also include a new timing chain.
@@UpAllNight91 Thank you very much, you are helping me a lot!
@@joaogabrielgoncalves3442 Your welcome!
Just about to do my first rebuild - 2019 SXF250 - Definitely wouldn’t have thought of attempting without your video. Any recommendations on piston brand? Many thanks
Hello. The OEM piston is always a good choice but can be expensive. The wiseco piston is also a great piston, especially for the price. Vertex is ok. I would stay away from pro X, poor quality control.
@@UpAllNight91 legend, cheers 👍🏻
So you don’t deglaze the cylinder? Or did I miss that part?
On nickle plated cylinders, as long as the piston didn't start melting or leaving material on the cylinder walls there is nothing you need to do but wipe it clean and pop in a new piston.
Hey man ! How many hours does my ktm 250SFX 2018 piston last before I need to change it? I would say im a intermediate rider but do rev the bike quite hard on heavy sand tracks.
Hello. It kinda does vary depending on the usage and rider. At race pace level with a fast rider running it hard, I suggest every 40 hours. But for a vet rider would rides fast but gives the bike a little mercy, no more than 80 hours. On average I suggest 60 hours. However if the bike is well taken car of and riden easier then 100 hours will be fine. Based on what you described, I would say start with 60 to 80 hours and see how the used piston looks. Adjust from there
That’s why my ride’s are a yz250 & a cr250. Pistons only about $100 and gasket kits $30 😂
Amen 🙏
ktm all day every day
I’ve heard that the Wiseco pistons are better than the KTM oem ones
I'm guessing they are. Wiseco does make some really good pistons at a great price for sure
orange is number 1
Negative 1
bravoooo
Have a like for those chicks ;)
😆
This makes me want to sell my 250 and just get another 450 lol
😆
Motor spins the other direction.
Hello. The crankshaft spins the same direction the rear wheel spins when the bike is going forward.
63 hours my fc250 2016 had 260+ lol
wow, 260!
@@UpAllNight91 yea it had done 2 years and 2 beach races and only Just had a top end
@@TylerCook-w4pRight on. Surely got your moneys worth out of that piston!
@@UpAllNight91 237.5 hours now and thinking I want to do a rebuild soon! Thanks for making this video. It’s encouraged me to try it myself. Would you recommend just a piston kit? Or should I get a cylinder works cylinder and piston kit? I appreciate any advice! Very new to this
@@UpAllNight91also would you do timing chain? Timing chain guide? That stuff at those hours too? Just trying to sort through what I’d order to start freshening my bike up. Thank you sir!
I would’ve been done min 20 on my 07 crf250 sheeesh
😄