Kawi admit they have a problem?

prozach
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prozach
Edited Date/Time 6/12/2018 4:36am
So I have been riding constant for over 26 years and have never ever had a bike lose a head gasket. Bought a 2011 450 and lost head gasket after head gasket after about 15 hours on the bike. Every Kawi dealer I call says they have never heard of a problem. Get tired of fixing it (including having it milled, and new cap) and sell it to buy a new 2012 thinking I got a lemon. After about 20 hours same thing. Pressurized, cooling system and losing fluid. Call around and the same answer. So I am going crazy!

If you are having or know of people with this issue what are they doing? Just living with it, and going through the process of replacing the head gaskets every 10-15 hours? I tried copper seal last time with no better results. I love the bike and put over 180 hours on my 09 kawi without even one motor issue.

Thanks in advance.
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Mr Regis
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Mr Regis 9/19/2012 5:55am
9/19/2012 5:55am
Just had this problem with our KX 450 2012.
But we do believe it is ok. Bike have already more than 50 hours.
We had a 450 011 that also never had this problem...

The only think that we are always upset with the KX are the chain guide.... They do finish very fast.
But some while ago i put a post here and got some pretty good tips. Now it's a little better than before.
pete24
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pete24 9/19/2012 6:06am
9/19/2012 6:06am
you dont have any more of a lemmon than every kx450 on the showroom floor they all blow head gaskets constanly , they started doing that after kawi figured out how to stop the piston from cracking at the 15 hr mark, matter of fact i am waiting on my machine shop rite now for a head and cyl back for a 11 kx450 that needed one, make sure you have the head and cyl machined it will last the longest that way
lotus22
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lotus22 9/19/2012 7:11am
9/19/2012 7:11am
'09 KX450F here and no problems at all.

What kind of fuel are you running? I usually use 93 from the pump.
jamma10
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jamma10 9/19/2012 7:21am
9/19/2012 7:21am
Well it is a KTM after all! Silly Grinning Silly Grinning I would never buy a heap'o crap like that, stick to the Jap bikes I say.







...wait... KXF you say???

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Othreehundred 9/19/2012 7:42am
9/19/2012 7:42am
Zach,
I know a ton of people with this problem on there 12's. Do you know who Jim Haeseker is? Hes a mechanic out of Sutter creek that does most of the pro riders engines around Norcal (along with Posey of course)
I was talking to him and he said he had done like 30 12' kx450 motors and was having a hard time with Kawasaki getting parts and backing it up which they didn't. I would give him a call and pick his brain a little he knows pretty much everything with that bike.

Contact:
Jim (209) 267-9032
motofab36
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motofab36 9/19/2012 7:44am
9/19/2012 7:44am
pete24 wrote:
you dont have any more of a lemmon than every kx450 on the showroom floor they all blow head gaskets constanly , they started doing that...
you dont have any more of a lemmon than every kx450 on the showroom floor they all blow head gaskets constanly , they started doing that after kawi figured out how to stop the piston from cracking at the 15 hr mark, matter of fact i am waiting on my machine shop rite now for a head and cyl back for a 11 kx450 that needed one, make sure you have the head and cyl machined it will last the longest that way
so what exactly is the problem? Are they not machined perfectly flat from the factory? I would think they would blow really quick if that was it. do they do the same with different gaskets like athena, cometic etc?
Flip109
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Flip109 9/19/2012 7:53am
9/19/2012 7:53am
Wow.......Glad I read this before I bought one. Saw a 12 on a classified section for like 3k with a blown engine. Must have had the same problem......

Has anyone had this happen with a '10??
jeffro503
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jeffro503 9/19/2012 7:56am
9/19/2012 7:56am
There has to be an imperfection of some type between the head and cylinder. something at the factory that does the final milling on those two surface is doing something wrong. If you guys look at where the gaskets are being blown , are they al pretty much being blown in the same spot? Like if you were to look at the gasket itself , is it the exact same area? This is really strange because until now I had never heard of this. Got two buddies with KXF's.....one 2011 and one 2012.......both with no problems at all so far , but not a ton of hours on either one yet. In fact the 2012 probably has less than 10hrs on it.
knobby101
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knobby101 9/19/2012 8:01am
9/19/2012 8:01am
Crank case is not vent correctly!
motokid40
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motokid40 9/19/2012 8:29am
9/19/2012 8:29am
Bummer Zach.
pete24
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pete24 9/19/2012 8:32am
9/19/2012 8:32am
pete24 wrote:
you dont have any more of a lemmon than every kx450 on the showroom floor they all blow head gaskets constanly , they started doing that...
you dont have any more of a lemmon than every kx450 on the showroom floor they all blow head gaskets constanly , they started doing that after kawi figured out how to stop the piston from cracking at the 15 hr mark, matter of fact i am waiting on my machine shop rite now for a head and cyl back for a 11 kx450 that needed one, make sure you have the head and cyl machined it will last the longest that way
motofab36 wrote:
so what exactly is the problem? Are they not machined perfectly flat from the factory? I would think they would blow really quick if that was...
so what exactly is the problem? Are they not machined perfectly flat from the factory? I would think they would blow really quick if that was it. do they do the same with different gaskets like athena, cometic etc?
i dont know the problem then go even after machining , ALWAYS use stock gaskets!
norcal3737
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norcal3737 9/19/2012 9:16am
9/19/2012 9:16am
knobby101 wrote:
Crank case is not vent correctly!
On to something with that notion. If you had them milled/resurfaced and still doing it, crank case ventilation (or lack there of) could be a culprit.

How about tightening the cap down a little tighter than spec?
cmx152
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cmx152 9/19/2012 9:39am
9/19/2012 9:39am
knobby101 wrote:
Crank case is not vent correctly!
norcal3737 wrote:
On to something with that notion. If you had them milled/resurfaced and still doing it, crank case ventilation (or lack there of) could be a culprit...
On to something with that notion. If you had them milled/resurfaced and still doing it, crank case ventilation (or lack there of) could be a culprit.

How about tightening the cap down a little tighter than spec?
You can't tighten it more, you would have to get a higher pressure rated cap
chapmanmx
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chapmanmx 9/19/2012 10:25am
9/19/2012 10:25am
Flip109 wrote:
Wow.......Glad I read this before I bought one. Saw a 12 on a classified section for like 3k with a blown engine. Must have had the...
Wow.......Glad I read this before I bought one. Saw a 12 on a classified section for like 3k with a blown engine. Must have had the same problem......

Has anyone had this happen with a '10??
I have a 2010 and I have never had any issues other than a bent/broken shift fork. (Which I'm guessing is my fault for not using the clutch anywhere near as much as I should when shifting)
Denn700
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Denn700 9/19/2012 10:31am
9/19/2012 10:31am
I have owned and raced every year KX 450 except for 10 and 11 and have never had any problems except for the chain guides and now I replace any KX i buy with a TM designs chain guide. I have two buddy's that are Pro's who have raced my bikes on a regular basis and have never blown a head gasket. I do freshen up the motors every six months. I just sold the 07,08, and 09 not to long ago when I decided I was done footing the bill for everyone else and they were still running strong. I still haven't ridden my 13 yet but I don't think the motor is that different from the 09 is it?
machine
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machine 9/19/2012 10:51am
9/19/2012 10:51am
No problems at all except for the chain slider, which is an obvious swingarm design issue.
Braaap14
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Braaap14 9/19/2012 11:48am
9/19/2012 11:48am
i have a friend that has put quite a few hours on his 11 kxf450 racing and hasn't had any troubles, hope you get it taken care of and figured out, did you ever over heat it ?
DrSweden
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DrSweden 9/19/2012 12:13pm
9/19/2012 12:13pm
I searched Thumpertalk for you, since if it was an major issue, I think they would have talked about it a lot. Like when the first CRF250 came, and had valve issues, the forum was glowing...

But maybe I didn't search enough...

http://www.thumpertalk.com/topic/926566-head-gaskets-blowing/page__p__9…

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prozach
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prozach 9/19/2012 4:16pm
9/19/2012 4:16pm
Thanks for the advice. Guess this will be my last kawi. Looks like I either need to sell it and take a huge hit or get used to changing the head gaskets every few months again. Pretty sad when a $8,000 bike can barely make it past the first "kawi suggested oil filter change" before having motor problems.

Yes I change the oil every two rides, air filter every ride, check coolant every ride, (even between motos).

From what I have found it is only a problem that A class riders are having mostly. I guess that is why so many people have no issue at all. After digging, almost every pro rider who has one has the same issue. While all the slower guys don't have any motor issues at all. Bummed to say the least, I love the bike, but not that much.
machine
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machine 9/19/2012 4:36pm
9/19/2012 4:36pm
prozach wrote:
Thanks for the advice. Guess this will be my last kawi. Looks like I either need to sell it and take a huge hit or get...
Thanks for the advice. Guess this will be my last kawi. Looks like I either need to sell it and take a huge hit or get used to changing the head gaskets every few months again. Pretty sad when a $8,000 bike can barely make it past the first "kawi suggested oil filter change" before having motor problems.

Yes I change the oil every two rides, air filter every ride, check coolant every ride, (even between motos).

From what I have found it is only a problem that A class riders are having mostly. I guess that is why so many people have no issue at all. After digging, almost every pro rider who has one has the same issue. While all the slower guys don't have any motor issues at all. Bummed to say the least, I love the bike, but not that much.
Check these out dude.....

http://motocrossactionmag.com/Main/News/27565baf-cfb5-4c7b-af85-d077f20b0402.aspx

http://www.motosport.com/dirtbike/2012-kawasaki-kx450f--BOYESEN-SUPERCOOLER-WATER-PUMP-KIT


Some good info in here...

http://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/Kawasaki-overheating-help,1218073
rbigair40
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rbigair40 9/19/2012 4:51pm
9/19/2012 4:51pm
I have seen this also ,and have replaced several head gaskets on them, I lap the head and cylinder together with fine valve grinding compound ,so both surfaces are matched with each other ,also make sure the dial pins arnt to long and not letting them mate .after that havent had another issue with them
nc_mx_kid
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nc_mx_kid 9/19/2012 4:54pm
9/19/2012 4:54pm
I only had an issue with 2006 kx450 and the crank went out after a few hours, Kawasaki warranty covered and I was out riding the next weekend!

I had no issues with it after that and also had 2008, 2009, 2009, 2011, 2012 kx450s
also had a 2009 kx250f with no issues.

I'd suggest talk with your local dealer about trying to get kawasaki warranty to help you out, it doesn't hurt them to take the time to get something covered for a loyal kawasaki owner. the worst kawasaki warranty will say is "no" and if thats the case, the dealer should do something to help you
orangecrush
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orangecrush 9/19/2012 6:07pm
9/19/2012 6:07pm
I didn't know they had issues. My 11 and 12 KX 450 hasn't had any issues yet so hope it stays this way
urbanlift707
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urbanlift707 9/19/2012 6:56pm
9/19/2012 6:56pm
prozach wrote:
Thanks for the advice. Guess this will be my last kawi. Looks like I either need to sell it and take a huge hit or get...
Thanks for the advice. Guess this will be my last kawi. Looks like I either need to sell it and take a huge hit or get used to changing the head gaskets every few months again. Pretty sad when a $8,000 bike can barely make it past the first "kawi suggested oil filter change" before having motor problems.

Yes I change the oil every two rides, air filter every ride, check coolant every ride, (even between motos).

From what I have found it is only a problem that A class riders are having mostly. I guess that is why so many people have no issue at all. After digging, almost every pro rider who has one has the same issue. While all the slower guys don't have any motor issues at all. Bummed to say the least, I love the bike, but not that much.
I have 47 hours no issue yet, guess its a good thing I'm a lot slower than youCool
FGR01
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FGR01 9/19/2012 8:42pm
9/19/2012 8:42pm
A higher pressure cap will make your problem worse, not fix it!

Overheating and blowing head gaskets are 2 different things.

If you are overheating and pushing coolant past the cap and out the overflow, a higher pressure cap will stay shut longer before it relieves pressure.

However, if you are already blowing head gaskets, keeping more pressure in your cooling system with a higher pressure cap is only going to make it worse. If the pressure does not get relieved at the cap, it will find somewhere to go..... like past your head gasket.
robbo335
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robbo335 9/20/2012 5:55pm
9/20/2012 5:55pm
easy fix on this 1, the problem is the engine mounts attached to the head. Some have a problem of grabbing the head when the bike flexes causing the head gasket to leak. Put a small washer like a suspension shim between the head and the engine mount, this allows the mount to slide instead of grabbing and you shouldn't have any more problems.
Paul333
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Paul333 9/20/2012 6:26pm
9/20/2012 6:26pm
My 2012 KX450F has no signs of this problem.
look out below 9/20/2012 6:45pm
9/20/2012 6:45pm
Paul333 wrote:
My 2012 KX450F has no signs of this problem.
Mine either, but I will keep a close eye on it now.

Prozac--Check with you local Kawi dealer, they may be able to get them to find a fix or foot the bill. I have seen it a few times with my friend that works as a service guy. I had a loud noise that occured right after I bought it (turned out to be nothing) and they still call me months later to see if everything is ok. The folks at the dealer say that Kawi is trying real hard for customer satisfaction.
prozach
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prozach 9/20/2012 6:57pm
9/20/2012 6:57pm
robbo335 wrote:
easy fix on this 1, the problem is the engine mounts attached to the head. Some have a problem of grabbing the head when the bike...
easy fix on this 1, the problem is the engine mounts attached to the head. Some have a problem of grabbing the head when the bike flexes causing the head gasket to leak. Put a small washer like a suspension shim between the head and the engine mount, this allows the mount to slide instead of grabbing and you shouldn't have any more problems.
Have you actually done this in this case, or is that just a guess.
mx317
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mx317 9/24/2012 3:58am
9/24/2012 3:58am
robbo335 wrote:
easy fix on this 1, the problem is the engine mounts attached to the head. Some have a problem of grabbing the head when the bike...
easy fix on this 1, the problem is the engine mounts attached to the head. Some have a problem of grabbing the head when the bike flexes causing the head gasket to leak. Put a small washer like a suspension shim between the head and the engine mount, this allows the mount to slide instead of grabbing and you shouldn't have any more problems.
prozach wrote:
Have you actually done this in this case, or is that just a guess.
I heard the same thing. Faster riders flex the frame enough to pull at the head through the head stays causing the gasket to start leaking. It's worth a try.

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