Albert 888 Posted December 30, 2017 Report Share Posted December 30, 2017 OK I have an 2011 xcf 350, don't know how many hours it's done, but Im guessing it's long overdue a major overall. It's sounding a bit rough. What kind of a price am I looking at for a rebuild, everything works as it should,loads of compression, goes in and out of gears well, it could just be the cam chain or something but if anyone knows the ktm 4 stroke engine it's quite a task stripping it all down, sourcing the parts then running it in. I rebuilt the 250 version with a 280 kit and had a nightmare, so just weighing up my options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drut Posted December 30, 2017 Report Share Posted December 30, 2017 In my(for this engine)limited experience,piston is normally the first item to need replacing on this as well as many other competition based motors. Better advice may come from the KTM forum http://www.ktmforum.co.uk/forum.php http://www.trf.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=19145 http://www.dirtbikeworld.net/forum/showthread.php?t=105527 are maybe worth a read. Personally I would start by using a mechanics stethoscope to check engine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert 888 Posted December 30, 2017 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2017 I'm just preparing, will give it a thorough clean and do a partial strip down and inspect. Vertex piston kit £144 Prox con rid £114. Gasket and seal set £60-140 Cam chain £60 Just a quick summary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hendrix's rifle Posted December 30, 2017 Report Share Posted December 30, 2017 (edited) And chain tensioner. Don't forget that one! There not too bad to do I just find the cam chain a pain in the bum and a few bits a bit fiddly for sausage fingers Edit, not done the 350 done most others though Edited December 30, 2017 by Hendrix's rifle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert 888 Posted December 30, 2017 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2017 It's got a manual chain tensioner, my last had an auto one,do you mean the plastic skids the chain runs on. It's not a hard job doing it, the worst bit is running it in right,I did it wrong last time,on the 3Rd time I got it right,then it dropped a valve and goosed the head, so 4 times to get it right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon R Posted December 30, 2017 Report Share Posted December 30, 2017 Is it knocking or rattling? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert 888 Posted December 30, 2017 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2017 30 minutes ago, Gordon R said: Is it knocking or rattling? Will have another listen in the morning, I'm thinking if rattling cam chain, just looked my cam chain adjuster up on the Internet, apparently nip up with fingers then add 1/2 - 3/4 of a turn then tighten lock nut. I have had an engine sieze on me early this year and don't want another major rebuild. New bike now so probably just being safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
team tractor Posted December 30, 2017 Report Share Posted December 30, 2017 Have you got a metal sump guard ? I thought I’d scrapped my engine on my xr but it was just vibration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert 888 Posted December 30, 2017 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2017 6 minutes ago, team tractor said: Have you got a metal sump guard ? I thought I’d scrapped my engine on my xr but it was just vibration. I have,and I have also run it with it off,still the same,it's definitely engine noise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hendrix's rifle Posted December 31, 2017 Report Share Posted December 31, 2017 (edited) In that case adjust the cam chain on the manual tensioner and see if that takes stops it. I can't see something else doing it. There usually pretty reliable the 350. Shouldn't take too much. Also, if you replace the piston it shouldn't need running in, nikasil plated bore so just get on and go. Unless they changed things on that one! Change the guides and you might aswell change the tensioner depending how much adjustment is left on it Edited December 31, 2017 by Hendrix's rifle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert 888 Posted December 31, 2017 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2017 Well I nipped up the tensioner,slightly better, I then proceed carefully to undo it whilst running to create an issue, the family chain makes a light fast ticking noise when lose,so it's not the chain. Last new piston I did what I thought was best and did a break in procedure whith fully synthetic oil,that doesn't work with a 4t as the rings need to bed into the bore, oil was blowing out the breather and popped out engine seals the pressure was going past the rings. I know now. Will have a proper clean strip down and inspect when my car is sorted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hendrix's rifle Posted December 31, 2017 Report Share Posted December 31, 2017 What noise is it making? Clutch basket knocking? Can you pull the clutch and check the basket isn't worn? Check play in crank bearings whilst your there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackbird Posted December 31, 2017 Report Share Posted December 31, 2017 I had seen a used 350exc for sale for a good price it had done 200 hrs & the price a KTM dealer quoted me for just a piston kit change with labour was £500 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spanj Posted December 31, 2017 Report Share Posted December 31, 2017 Just get shut and get a proper bike (300exc) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert 888 Posted December 31, 2017 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2017 (edited) Don't think it's the clutch,big end little end noise. I will do it myself, atleast I can buy all the proper bits and fit rather than risk them fitting poor quality stuff. Love 4ts, only 2smoke I would entertain is an beta xtrainer. I have issues remembering to use the rear brake,Engine does it for me now. No doubt if I get better I may opt for a 2 smoke but I'm also getting older and a more sensible :-) Edited December 31, 2017 by Albert 888 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.