I've been asked many times about how to torque the head...
Below is a picture of the order I use.
But before you get all excited and start twisting wrenches... Get the head and the cylinder mating surfaces flat and clean, clean, clean...
Inspect both surfaces for any defects or cracks...
KX500 HEAD TORQUE SPECS WITH TECH TIPS
- Sandblaster
- Posts: 6313
- Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2012 3:50 pm
- Location: Eugene, OR
- Contact:
KX500 HEAD TORQUE SPECS WITH TECH TIPS
If bikes are for kids I'll never grow up.
- Sandblaster
- Posts: 6313
- Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2012 3:50 pm
- Location: Eugene, OR
- Contact:
Re: KX500 HEAD TORQUE SPECS WITH TECH TIPS
It's hard to see in the above pictures but the stud holes have all been chamfered.
Even though the cylinder was decked the area touching the stud has a tendency to pull slightly upward and can cause the gasket not to seal.
Just a slight bit of chamfer will prevent that from happening.
What gasket to use.
I only recommend two different gaskets.
1. Cometic
2. OEM
Even though the cylinder was decked the area touching the stud has a tendency to pull slightly upward and can cause the gasket not to seal.
Just a slight bit of chamfer will prevent that from happening.
What gasket to use.
I only recommend two different gaskets.
1. Cometic
2. OEM
If bikes are for kids I'll never grow up.
- Sandblaster
- Posts: 6313
- Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2012 3:50 pm
- Location: Eugene, OR
- Contact:
Re: KX500 HEAD TORQUE SPECS WITH TECH TIPS
Torque specs:
ft/lb 18
Nm 25
WAIT
Don't start cranking them down.
Look at the torque order below..
Set your torque wrench to 6 ft/lb or 8 Nm and follow the chart.
Now, set your torque wrench to 12 ft/lb or 16 Nm and follow the chart again.
Not done yet... set your torque wrench to 18 ft/lb or 25 Nm and again, follow the chart.
You only wish you were done... leaving the torque wrench set at 18 ft/lb or 25 Nm check them all one more time.
Now you are ready to start your heat cycles.
Before you take your bike on it's maiden voyage, get your torque wrench out again set it at 18 ft/lb or 25 Nm check them all again.
Once you have a full tank of gas through it, check them one last time.
You should be good to go.
ft/lb 18
Nm 25
WAIT
Don't start cranking them down.
Look at the torque order below..
Set your torque wrench to 6 ft/lb or 8 Nm and follow the chart.
Now, set your torque wrench to 12 ft/lb or 16 Nm and follow the chart again.
Not done yet... set your torque wrench to 18 ft/lb or 25 Nm and again, follow the chart.
You only wish you were done... leaving the torque wrench set at 18 ft/lb or 25 Nm check them all one more time.
Now you are ready to start your heat cycles.
Before you take your bike on it's maiden voyage, get your torque wrench out again set it at 18 ft/lb or 25 Nm check them all again.
Once you have a full tank of gas through it, check them one last time.
You should be good to go.
If bikes are for kids I'll never grow up.
- Sandblaster
- Posts: 6313
- Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2012 3:50 pm
- Location: Eugene, OR
- Contact:
Re: KX500 HEAD TORQUE SPECS WITH TECH TIPS
How do I feel about the use of products like Copper Tack or case sealant.
I have used copper tack but never case sealant.
Copper tack works as advertised but it will not fix a bad gasket or poor sealing surfaces.
I have used it extensively with copper head gaskets.
I do not like copper gaskets but you can make them work.
Doug Haas (Former Kawasaki Factory Engineer)
John Braash (Former Kawasaki Factory Race Tech)
Both use a sealant on their heads
I was very surprised.
I'll see if I can get additional info as to which brand they use.
Lapping.
Lapping is great and Timesaver 100 is the best lapping compound that I have ever found.
This picture shows Medium 60 but Fine 100 is what I use.
I have used copper tack but never case sealant.
Copper tack works as advertised but it will not fix a bad gasket or poor sealing surfaces.
I have used it extensively with copper head gaskets.
I do not like copper gaskets but you can make them work.
Doug Haas (Former Kawasaki Factory Engineer)
John Braash (Former Kawasaki Factory Race Tech)
Both use a sealant on their heads
I was very surprised.
I'll see if I can get additional info as to which brand they use.
Lapping.
Lapping is great and Timesaver 100 is the best lapping compound that I have ever found.
This picture shows Medium 60 but Fine 100 is what I use.
If bikes are for kids I'll never grow up.
- Sandblaster
- Posts: 6313
- Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2012 3:50 pm
- Location: Eugene, OR
- Contact:
Re: KX500 HEAD TORQUE SPECS WITH TECH TIPS
Comments from Doug Haas:
i use a very thin layer of silicone on the head side of the gasket.
The gasket comes off with the head.
The head is easier to clean up then the cylinder.
i use a very thin layer of silicone on the head side of the gasket.
The gasket comes off with the head.
The head is easier to clean up then the cylinder.
If bikes are for kids I'll never grow up.
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest