KDXRIDER.NET

My wife is getting me rb'd for valentines day! I have a 2005 kdx 220. Do I have to conduct the squish band clearance test? After reading on rb's site, it says some heads require an existing squish band clearance test but it doesn't say whether the KDX does. Also, if it does any tips or tricks when doing the test are greatly appreciated.

Thanks for the help,

John

Nope... pull it and send it.

Ask her to give ya next years Valentines Day Gift & send the CARB

Thanks for the quick reply. She is gonna let me send the carb too! I can't wait to get it back and see the difference. So, when I get the head back I just bolt it back on and go (no special instructions)? I've never taken the head off...I got the bike from a friend of the family, and he had a weisco installed by the dealership when he bought it brand new (smart man). I do have a service manual...I just like asking people who have 1st hand experience.

Thanks again,

John

Special instructions? For you, be prepared to kick with more force. The compression is quite noticeable.
For Ron, be sure to tell him if you are planning to run race gas or not. If not, he will shape a little more mildly than if you are.

Thanks, I will not be running race gas, so I will make him aware of that. Also, I assume I will have to drain my radiator fluid...what brand of fluid do you guys use...I have been using engine ice.

Thanks,

John

Peak 50/50

Thanks, I will use peak 50/50....it's about half the price of engine ice!

Looking at my service manual, it says that I have to remove the radiators. This may be a dumb questions, but do they really have to be removed to get the head off? Also, do you guys always change the gasket (if so, where do you buy them)? The manual also states to tighten the cylinder head nuts in a criss-cross pattern to 18ft-lb...what brand of torque wrench do you all use.

Thanks for the help,

John

You don't need to remove the radiators. You may have to loosen the left side one and move it to the side.

Some folks reuse the gasket after cleaning it up. Others have cleaned it up and use a copper coat on it. I would just get the Moose gasket kit on eBay.
Check out my picture here http://kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopic.ph ... asket+hell
It has everything you need for the top end. You'll need to remove the water spout on the head before sending it to RB. That'll most likely require a new gasket.

I use a Craftsman Torque wrench; I have both; ft-lbs and in-lbs. Guess what, they are both on sale right now.

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Here's something to get you pumped up. I just got mine back!






Make sure you get the knurled Air Screw and allen float bowl screws; very nice upgrades.

Man that looks awesome...I can't wait to get mine done. Thanks for the information, I just ordered the moose gasket kit from ebay for 25 bucks. I see it as a small investment to make sure my upgrade performs properly. If you don't mind, give us a ride report when you get everything back together. I'll check out the craftsman torque wrench at sears...maybe I can catch it before the sale ends.

BTW, you can reuse the gasket. Clean it well, apply a good coat of spray aluminum spray paint, wait until it's tacky then install.