Dumb Maint. ?????'s 2001 KX250

[ltbarber]

  Just got this bike and decided I needed a 13T c'shaft sprocket for my tight woods riding, so I put one on. However the snapring was sprung slightly, but it got me thru the day. Has anyone used a generic ring; i.e. other than the expensive Kaw?
  Also, I had a ## of a time removing & replacing the sparkplug, using a 13/16 open end wrench from the left side and taking no plastics off. What is the way to remove the plug?
Thanks in advance!

[gowen]

Welcome to KXRiders!! And to your questions... Yes and Yes. I've used the 20 cents snap rings from Ace Hardware.. And Yes, I use a open/closed end wrench for changing the plugs.

[ltbarber]

Thanks!
Do you happen to rember the snapring size?
Also, I was using Craftsman wrench for the plug and couldn't get much of a turn; I suppose a shorter wrench will work? Couldnt get the boot off until the plug was out; is this normal?

[gowen]

Thanks!
Do you happen to rember the snapring size?
Also, I was using Craftsman wrench for the plug and couldn't get much of a turn; I suppose a shorter wrench will work? Couldnt get the boot off until the plug was out; is this normal?

Intresting.. I use a craftsman too.. Are you using the closed end or the open end? The open end doesn't work well, but the closed end works fine.

[alan]

Welcome to the site! There are no dumb questions, just stupid answers! He He!

[Hammer 4]

Welcome to the site! There are no dumb questions, just stupid answers! He He!

Then I better keep quiet....

[MadKaw]

had your same problem with my '01 250,
1. the wire cap will come off, though kind of a pain, left hand in the engine hole on the plug wire and right hand you can get a couple of fingers in thru the space between the pipe and the plastics. using both hands you can pop it off.
2. get a plug wrench, its short and you can get a little more motion out of it. once you've popped the cap off the plug, you just need to break the plug loose and then you can spin it out with your fingers, but wear you mechanix gloves if its hot...blisters hurt!

the hard part is reaching over the seat to get your right hand in there to pop that cap, but you'll get it!

have fun...

[alan]

Welcome to the site! There are no dumb questions, just stupid answers! He He!

Then I better keep quiet....

Nope, it's all good everyone opinion is welcome here!

[The Flyin Hawaiian]

On my KXs, I use RTV or silicone sealer around the snap ring and splined shaft. It helps keep the snap ring in place. Its a bit of a pain to change the sprocket later, but cheap insurance. I also have a problem removing the plug on my 03/04 KX 250s, especially with  a big tank. I use a Motion Pro low profile ratcheting plug wrench. It works great!

[FuriouSly]

The only plug wrench you need is the factory one that comes with the bike.  You can pick them up from your favorite online wharehouse.  Bikebandit.com has them for $12.  Compact and clears the coolant bleed tower from the left side of the bike.

While you are at it pick up a few countershaft/sprocket circlips.  You should change them everytime you take one off, for sprocket replacement or cleaning.  They are about $5 but you should only go through a few a year,  well worth the investment to prevent disaster,  especially if you run without the sprocket cover.

This picture is for a KX500 wrench but the KX250 wrench is very similiar.

http://www.kxriders.com/coppermine/displayimage.php?album=86&pos=7

Sly

[The Flyin Hawaiian]

Actually, the M/P wrench is more compact. It fits in my fanny pack much better and allows me to change the plug quicker in the off chance that I have to change a plug during an enduro. The stock wrench works well also, but with the IMS tank thats on my 04, its very diffucult to change a plug in a hurry because the tank is very close to the plug. I also dont have a bleed to clear on the 03/04 250 so if the 01 has one near the plug, then the stock would be better because the M/P is a little thicker around. Another low profile wrench was sold by MSR called the Water Pumper wrench. This worked well also.

[ltbarber]

Thanks to all for the advice! Although I've been riding since I was 20, most has been trials and enduro; this bike is awesome (when it starts). Bet there's not too many 64 year olds out there riding this bike. Humm???

[Paul]

Thanks to all for the advice! Although I've been riding since I was 20, most has been trials and enduro; this bike is awesome (when it starts). Bet there's not too many 64 year olds out there riding this bike. Humm???

I ride with my neighbor, an 82 y/o on a KTM 450EXC. He hauls ass on that thing

[MadKaw]

82...thats freakin awsome...hang on to it pops