'02 YZ426F Rebuild help?

[Gubb]

So I've been looking for a project that will give me a chance to learn a bit more about engines and internal workings (I'm somewhat of a dullard, but keen to learn). I picked up a 2002 YZ426F just before Xmas for $600, it was advertised as having a blown Head Gasket. I figured worst comes to worst, I can sell bits off it and make my money back without too much hassle.

Taking my first chance to muck around with it over the weekend, I figured first job was to fire it up and see how it runs. Had some issues, I couldn't figure out if it was me with shocking starting procedure, or the bikes just a prick. Read up on the starting procedure with the Decomp Lever, added some new gas and sparkplug, and eventually got it to fire up. Took bout 30 kicks and a squirt of engine start....

Anyway, the engine was a bit rattly, but I figured no worries, i'm opening it up anyway, so i'll see what the issue was soon.

I've found a service manual, bought a torque wrench, and full gasket set. Any special tools I should look at getting before I attempt to open up the engine?

Is there anything like a Spanner night run in Wellington? Anyone keen on free beer to berate me for not knowing what the hell i'm doing?

[T.W.R]

They can be complete arseholes to start & if its got a crook head just makes matters worse no matter what you do....its critical to roll them over on the kickstart right to the cusp of the compression stroke then a sharp assertive follow thru.
Had one come into the shop once that we actually ended up tow starting behind the worktruck to get the damn thing to fire up.
Spark plug is an entertaining thing to remove too

[FJRider]

So I've been looking for a project that will give me a chance to learn a bit more about engines and internal workings (I'm somewhat of a dullard, but keen to learn). I picked up a 2002 YZ426F just before Xmas for $600, it was advertised as having a blown Head Gasket. I figured worst comes to worst, I can sell bits off it and make my money back without too much hassle.

Taking my first chance to muck around with it over the weekend, I figured first job was to fire it up and see how it runs. Had some issues, I couldn't figure out if it was me with shocking starting procedure, or the bikes just a prick. Read up on the starting procedure with the Decomp Lever, added some new gas and sparkplug, and eventually got it to fire up. Took bout 30 kicks and a squirt of engine start....

Anyway, the engine was a bit rattly, but I figured no worries, i'm opening it up anyway, so i'll see what the issue was soon.

I've found a service manual, bought a torque wrench, and full gasket set. Any special tools I should look at getting before I attempt to open up the engine?

Is there anything like a Spanner night run in Wellington? Anyone keen on free beer to berate me for not knowing what the hell i'm doing?

Rules to remember ...

1. Easy fix projects are usually not easily fixed. Especially those advertised as an easy fix.

2. When you read about specific problems are usually caused by specific issues ... you can bet cash money (in your case) ... they usually aren't.

3. Explain the bikes issues to a mechanic familiar with the model you have ... and they will tell you they have never heard of that happening before.

4. Pictures and illustrations in service manuals show the model prior to (or just after) yours ... and showing little (if any) similarity to yours.

5. After all the time, effort and money spend to fix it ... you couldn't afford to sell it ... at the price you would get for it.

6. Buy a special tool, and someone you know will tell they have one ... or knows who has one.

7. The first test ride usually coincides with having your first bin on it.

8. Cleaning engine/bike parts in the lounge is not relationship enhancing.

9. If "she" offers to put a bed in the workshop for you ... do not agree.

10. Most of what you learn whilst working on a project ... will have nothing to do with the project.

[Gubb]

Spark plug is an entertaining thing to remove too
Is it fuckin' what!
It's deep in there, with 0 room for a socket extension against the frame. I ended up using fishing line around a socket to fish the bloody thing back out again.

[T.W.R]

Is it fuckin' what!
It's deep in there, with 0 room for a socket extension against the frame. I ended up using fishing line around a socket to fish the bloody thing back out again.

Pays to give it a good blast with compressed air down the hole before getting the plug out...gets rid of any crud from dropping in.
A tele/pen magnet is a very handy thing too

[OddDuck]

I see you're in Wellington... I haven't tried for auto places in Wellies but am familiar with Petone / The Hutt.

Useful shops:

Twiggs (just off Waione Street, Petone)
Applied Technologies (SKF bearings and seals distributor, just across the road - I've had great service from them)
Mitre 10 Mega (yes really)
Trade Tools (online, very high quality tools)
Bay Engineer's Supplies (Hutt Road, near Petone)
Seal Imports Ltd, Pacific Seals
Blackwood Protector
Jaycar Electronics (get yourself an $80 multimeter if you don't already have one)
Kerry Lindsay Engine Reconditioning (for specialist work)

Apologies if you're already familiar with them.