Especially on an engine like the KLX, oil starvation, interruption, or otherwise almost always manifests itself by evidence in the head at the cam bearings...or the cam interface with the head since it technically has no bearings installed there. Before the crank would go because of oil, you should see some galling, scuffing, or other evidence. If the head is OK, the crank problem probably cam from another issue.

 

Boy I've heard that one before, that's why when I built my big block I used nothing but paper towels!

 

I use conventional Rotella 15w-40 I have been using it in all of my bikes for years- the SV has almost 50k on it and the gix is at 32k.

 

First thing I checked for was any evidence of damage to the valve train-every thing is smooth as glass so it definitely didn't have an oiling problem. The cam is the only part of the engine that uses a plain bearing support-if it doesn't have enough oil pressure there will be metal to metal contact immediately. I looked at all of the seals on the side cover where the oil circuit transfers to the crankshaft and everything looks perfect. I spoke to Bill this afternoon and he asked me to ship the cylinder and piston to him for inspection. He has a .010 over piston in stock for the 351 so he thinks that he should be able to salvage it.
I also spoke to Vince @ Mr. Crankshaft in KY about the possibility of rebuilding the crank. There is not a rod kit listed for the KLX so he is going to disassemble the crank and see if anything will match up. It's a long shot but at this point I'm willing to be the guinea pig for the good of the model. If he can't find a replacement I'm only out the shipping cost and if he can I'll save over 1/2 the cost of a new replacement. Fingers are crossed

 

I seem to remember that issue about there being no rod kit. It'll be great if there's another option. Good luck.

 

eBay ?

09 KLX250R KLX 250R 250 KLX250S Engine Crankshaft Crank Conecting Rod | eBay

Kawasaki KLX 250 s KLX250SF Crank Crankshaft Crankcase Motor Engine Transmission | eBay

2009 Kawasaki KLX250 KLX 250 s Mootr Engine Crank Shaft with Rod 13031 0103 | eBay

 

Nothing wrong with buying a good...hopefully...used unit from somewhere, but it would be nice to see if there is an actual new replacement option somewhere out there. Might also be nice if there was a stroker option again out there.

 

Dude....do a stroker....the opportunity has been laid before you like a the gauntlet of truth. Do it!








do it.....

 

For what it's worth - my buddy has the complete bottom end from my old 07 with low miles, but it has a 6mm round hole in the case which would need patching. If you can't find anything else, I'm sure he'd part with it if you wanted to open it up and patch the case. Might be easier than a crank replacement and cheaper than another bottom end.

Just throwing it out there.

 

I looked at all of these and some engines but I feel that I have to much time and effort($) invested in it at this point to gamble on an unknown replacement. It's to much effort to replace the crank and not know if the replacement part is viable. If I can't get the crank rebuilt I'm looking at about $375 for a new replacement(unless some of our Thai comrades wan't to send me one of their cheap replacements) so with the top end parts and bearings I'm looking at $600 to fix this. I just spoke to Debbie at Web Cams and I'll probably pull the trigger and upgrade to the 101 cams while I have it down(in for a penny in for a pound)...