650/X-2 Purchasing '88 650sx

[mgh488]

I am about to purchase an '88 650sx and was wondering what to look out for specifically? Like are there any serious red flags? I know its terrible but based on his and my distance from each other I was going to meet him halfway. I figured Id visually inspect it for internal and external damages, then have him start it making sure it turns over and idles properly. Any help would be great.

 

[engineman44]

i would compression test it and visually go through everything

 

[icecoled007]

Make sure it has a crankcase blockoff and converted to premix.

 

[mgh488]

Ill find a compression meter to test the compression. So the crankcase block off will block the oil pump so I will be able to just premix the fuel? Is this necessary? Can i run the ski w/o it at first?

 

[surfjunkie]

i think he is talking about the crankcase drain valve. they cable can rust and cause it to stick open when the knob is pulled and you have an instant airleak.

 

[Snivilous]

DON'T convert to premix. You won't be able to ski at national parks next year if you have premix. And honestly, the weight difference isn't noticeable, and it's a pain to have to premix 50:1 everytime, versus just fill it up at the pump.

 

[Greg]

DON'T convert to premix. You won't be able to ski at national parks next year if you have premix. And honestly, the weight difference isn't noticeable, and it's a pain to have to premix 50:1 everytime, versus just fill it up at the pump.

that sounds like a stupid rule..just leave the oil tank in the ski and if they ask say you must of ran out lol

 

[icecoled007]

i think he is talking about the crankcase drain valve. they cable can rust and cause it to stick open when the knob is pulled and you have an instant airleak.

What he said. I think they were designed to keep Kawi service dealers in business. A 20+ year old rubber seal has probably gone bad and provided the motor with a nice air leak. Unless its super low hour I am willing to bet the old owner was riding around with it leaking.

 

[icecoled007]

DON'T convert to premix. You won't be able to ski at national parks next year if you have premix. And honestly, the weight difference isn't noticeable, and it's a pain to have to premix 50:1 everytime, versus just fill it up at the pump.

What? I have never heard of such a thing. I highly doubt that will happen next year.

It takes me 5 min to pre-mix, and gives me a piece of mind that my crankcase is always lubed. Those oil pumps always fail, then your motor is toast. There is a reason Kawasaki stripped them out of the 750's

 

[mgh488]

Im assuming the valve is a OEM replaceable part? And Ill be riding it in South River mainly, a tributary to the Chesapeake Bay, so I wont have a problem premixing. From what I know so far the thing is stock. Ill convert it in the off season after making sure everything is working correctly. Its an old vehicle so I want to make sure everything is in running order.

 

[Yami-Rider]

I started out on a 89 650sx and made my own block off plates for the crankcase drain and premix or you can buy them http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1C1TSND_enUS412US412&q=kawasaki%20650%20block%20off%201q&gs_sm=&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1366&bih=667&pdl=300&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbo=u&tbm=shop&source=og&sa=N&tab=if#sclient=psy&hl=en&rlz=1C1TSND_enUS412US412&tbm=shop&source=hp&q=kawasaki+650+block+off+&pbx=1&oq=kawasaki+650+block+off+&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=6292l6573l0l7239l2l2l0l0l0l0l0l0ll0l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=1b28f1d1dd05e6a4&biw=1366&bih=667

 

[engineman44]

couldnt you premix and then leave your oil tank hooked up with premix also just add some stabilizer in it