Maintenance & Technical > KX500 Original

K5 To sleeve or not to sleeve?

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2001KX5:
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:
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:
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:
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:
Ok here are some pics of the cracking:






This is no crack

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