KX Riders

Maintenance & Technical => KX500 Original => Topic started by: dpavelko on March 06, 2015, 12:36:27 AM

Title: Is it worth welding the sprocket on?
Post by: dpavelko on March 06, 2015, 12:36:27 AM
Well I should have just replaced the output shaft as the threads were buggared, so I cut a groove and added a circlip which is nice and snug. The spines on the output did have some wear and there is some very minor slop. I continue to look for an output shaft that is in good cond. and not outrageously priced.

Anyhow I was thinking for safe measures after rebuilding this motor top to bottom, it might be worth welding the sprocket on for this season. Next season I am going to tear it apart and modify it and ultimately replace the output, so I don't care about grinding the weld and trashing that output. Thoughts Ideas and impressions?

Should I tac 3 spots around the sprocket or run a weld around the whole thing?
Title: Re: Is it worth welding the sprocket on?
Post by: umberto on March 06, 2015, 02:18:02 AM
I would worry about the heat from the welding causing the rubber seal to melt and leak and/or let junk into the cases.  Once you weld that sucker on, it's going to be impossible to replace the seal.  Just my two cents.
Title: Re: Is it worth welding the sprocket on?
Post by: Larry Wiechman on March 06, 2015, 05:29:30 AM
(https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10410960_799404536797141_4963053052631953468_n.jpg?oh=eb9674ac86672cb0d015b64528a49267&oe=5582F284)

I say go for it. Be a legend!
Title: Re: Is it worth welding the sprocket on?
Post by: sandblaster on March 06, 2015, 05:39:25 AM
Hilarious!
I have seen that many times.
Get out the grinder  :lol:
Title: Re: Is it worth welding the sprocket on?
Post by: Foxx4Beaver on March 06, 2015, 06:02:20 AM
someone didn't want that one coming off...

on a different note....I've seen several front sprockets worn out that bad, until it just spins over the chain rollers....and the sad part, the sprockets weren't welded on!....people just being too lazy, cheap, broke.
Title: Re: Is it worth welding the sprocket on?
Post by: motojason on March 12, 2015, 11:33:20 PM
....people just being too lazy, cheap, broke.

"L-C-B" people need a new hobby, keep them away from motorcycles!
Title: Re: Is it worth welding the sprocket on?
Post by: Brute on March 13, 2015, 03:56:32 AM
(https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10410960_799404536797141_4963053052631953468_n.jpg?oh=eb9674ac86672cb0d015b64528a49267&oe=5582F284)

I say go for it. Be a legend!

Hey! That must be one of those 'limited grip' sprockets I keep hearing about! Genius!
Title: Re: Is it worth welding the sprocket on?
Post by: 81cr450 on March 13, 2015, 06:20:36 AM
If you have a good circlip on there call it good, that's all the later bikes use for retaining the sprocket . Just plan on finding a good shaft before your next rebuild
Title: Re: Is it worth welding the sprocket on?
Post by: wierdo on March 13, 2015, 01:11:48 PM
grind it off turn it around weld it back on and call it good for another year. :-D
Title: Re: Is it worth welding the sprocket on?
Post by: Polar-Bus on May 19, 2015, 12:38:26 AM
What many people don't realize is most sprockets are "case hardened" and they do NOT accept weld very good. I remember seeing some of the factory KX bikes in the pits at the nationals and Team Kawi would run a bead of epoxy or RTV around the output shaft circlip to prevent it from popping off. 
Title: Re: Is it worth welding the sprocket on?
Post by: S38B38 on May 19, 2015, 08:33:06 AM
What many people don't realize is most sprockets are "case hardened" and they do NOT accept weld very good. I remember seeing some of the factory KX bikes in the pits at the nationals and Team Kawi would run a bead of epoxy or RTV around the output shaft circlip to prevent it from popping off. 

This exactly, the welds will crack while cooling. A couple of tack welds will only last a few miles at best, if you run a solid bead around that might work but that's a lot of heat at once.
Title: Re: Is it worth welding the sprocket on?
Post by: Foxx4Beaver on May 19, 2015, 09:46:45 AM
I remember seeing some of the factory KX bikes in the pits at the nationals and Team Kawi would run a bead of epoxy or RTV around the output shaft circlip to prevent it from popping off. 

I watched Brian Lunniss do that to Mike Kiedrowski's bike at the '93 Binghamton national.