2018 KTM 450 SXF Top End Rebuild

[@teddyf9438]

NEVER delete this video- its perfect! thank you.

[@reilengineering8835]

Thanks a lot man -- appreciate the positive comments!

[@BFAMOTO]

Excellent video! I saved for future reference when it's time to do the top end on my 2022 450 XC-F.

[@reilengineering8835]

Thanks!

[@therawlifefamily]

Thanks again! Followed the video for my 2nd topend.

[@reilengineering8835]

I'm glad it helped!

[@KevinPersonius]

I would have never thought to partially install the piston into the cylinder outside of the bike. I've always installed the piston first and then fought the rings into the cylinder. makes sense though with that trick KTM uses to lock the crank at tdc. only thing is I have always liked to turn the engine over a few times to make sure everything turns over smooth and none of the rings are scraping. Thanks for posting. I am getting ready to do my first KTM 4 stroke top end. even though I'm doing a 20.5 this still gives me an Idea of what to expect.

[@jbstrongman]

Great video. Thanks for making it

[@reilengineering8835]

Thanks!

[@knowyuhgrow420]

Thanks for sharing 👍🏽

[@jsmjames]

Great Video... Thank you

[@bradl45]

Thank you for the video. When you put the cam back in the bearings, is there a little up and down movement? I think mine moves 1 to 2 thousands, not sure if I need new cam bearings. thanks

[@reilengineering8835]

I can't comment on that one but, I wouldn't think .001-.002" movement is that much -- sorry

[@holdenmann04]

What are some recommendations for a person that’s doing it on their own for their first time?

[@reilengineering8835]

Kind of obvious statement but, have proper tools. Be clean. Don't force it...if things aren't going together, take a pause and re look. Spending time saves money.

[@TheAndrewf13]

What about changing the cam chain, while everything is apart? Great video, about to do my 17 factory edition 450.

[@reilengineering8835]

Thanks! I'd go for it but, I normally do that every other piston so, 150hrs....If you caught my ring end gap in the vid, you'll see that the ring was still good so, I'd think the chain is the same. But, you're right, it's just a matter of pulling the ignition cover and yanking the flywheel and you're done.

[@reilengineering8835]

I had a 15 factory edition --- nice bikes!

[@c3otb816]

good video....did you have to adjust the valves after the new piston?

[@reilengineering8835]

Nope

[@c3otb816]

@@reilengineering8835 kool,kool.....but i should check before i button everything back up right...i'll be doing mine soon..2019 FE 450

[@reilengineering8835]

@@c3otb816 It wouldn't hurt anything to check but they are probably in spec. Mine were still good at 200 hrs

[@bctreerider]

Did you go with an original diameter piston? Or next size (like a B). Also did you do anything to cylinder or was it good to go?

[@reilengineering8835]

Same piston size -- I just scotch brited the bore in soapy water to remove the glaze.

[@mxandtrailoffroadriding6139]

Thank you for the video. I was able to do my 2017 450. Motorex is expensive, but how did you know to use Mobil 1 Delvac oil? Which Delvac oil do you use? Is Delvac a diesel engine oil? Thanks, and go Utah!

[@reilengineering8835]

Thank you man! I appreciate it. I think I got the Delvac tip on thumpertalk years ago. Yes, Delvac is an off road diesel oil...key thing is that it has no friction modifiers. A high quality auto oil would be great but the friction modifiers will make the clutch slip. I should mention that I religiously change oil/filter every 10 hrs.

[@mxandtrailoffroadriding6139]

@@reilengineering8835 Which Delvac do you use - seems like there are many? Where do you find it? I'm in Utah. Thanks for the tip. I'm almost out of Motorex :)

[@reilengineering8835]

@@mxandtrailoffroadriding6139 1300 super 15-40w

[@mxandtrailoffroadriding6139]

@@reilengineering8835 Thanks. Is that a blend or full synthetic?

[@reilengineering8835]

@@mxandtrailoffroadriding6139 blend

[@gamer2350]

How often do u change oil? I got me my first 4 stroke 21 450sxf and have bin changing it every 6-8 hours is that too early ?

[@reilengineering8835]

i do mine every 10 hr

[@opgarrett]

10-15 maybe have gone over 40 once riding across America on my 450 sxf

[@MOAB-UT]

Some useful info. TDC is not 12 degrees. You might want to invest in some better lighting so it's easier to see. I would check the cam(s) by measuring them for wear. Apply heat to those stubborn bolts so you don't snap them. Also, when adjusting valves, all the parts should be at around 70F. I hope this guy is changing out that damaged radiator. People who learn how to turn a wrench can save a lot of money. I learned many years ago out of necessity.

[@tomtaylor142]

Is it possible to put in the 5th gear in European models?

[@reilengineering8835]

i dont know for sure but, i would think so...wouldnt make sense to produce special castings/machinings for certain markets but i could be wrong

[@mickclarke5741]

Anyone know how much a garage specialist in the UK would charge to do this? I have this bike same year only 41 hours st the moment but was just wondering? Thanks 😊

[@reilengineering8835]

i would guess 700 to 1000 USD

[@mickclarke5741]

@@reilengineering8835 hi man, thanks for that 👌

[@reilengineering8835]

@@mickclarke5741 No prob but, I'd prob let it go to at least 75 -100 hrs...mine was still looking good and that's a full season on MX ride/race (old guy amateur but I'm pretty fast :)

[@marcelklam5851]

very nice video man !!! please do this with my ktm 450 too --__-- ..nice work😮😮

[@reilengineering8835]

Thanks man what year?

[@marcelklam5851]

@@reilengineering8835 2008.. But I think we live too far away. but thanks anyway for asking.grusse aus germany ✋mfg marcel

[@craigh5517]

Would the 2015 be similar?

[@reilengineering8835]

I cant say for certain but, it looks similar...same thing goes for 2019 to current

[@59plexi]

ive got a 2008 505 sxf....whats your thoughts on those years? Are they worth having?

[@reilengineering8835]

Hell yeah! My first ktm was an 08 450...I love those chassis. I liked it so much I found a low hr 505 xcf that i turned into an sxf and returned to riding mx with it after an injury...I loved the 08-10 chassis...2010 is best.

[@reilengineering8835]

...in fact, that bike would be on my list if I was relegated to strictly becoming a practice rider only...no racing...fun bike, stable chassis, ez power...your making me regret selling mine!

[@opgarrett]

I have 2016 450 sxf with 330 hours only adjusted valves and change oil spark plugs.

[@martinkadlecek5593]

Hi, never opened engine and still first piston? It is bulletproof quality!

[@gaylynnevans4025]

Go Utes. what oil have you been using for those 75 miles?

[@reilengineering8835]

I've run Mobil Delvac in all of my KTMs. No need for the expensive Motorex stuff!

[@xnotoriouskdx3625]

Will this video work the same for a 17 250sxf?

[@reilengineering8835]

No, the 250 is DOHC but if you can find something on the 350, that would be similar

[@xnotoriouskdx3625]

@@reilengineering8835 it’s hard to find any videos in my bike, but thanks anyways. I rebuilt my top end and my timing chain keeps jumping off the camshafts and I have no clue what’s causing it maybe the hydraulic chain tensioner

[@reilengineering8835]

@@xnotoriouskdx3625 If I was you, id grab a service manual CD from rockymountain and fix it right. Id hate to see that thing grenade on you..If you wreck the head/cyl, youll end up spending more than its worth on parts. I thought they did away with the hydraulic tensioner by 2017. If not, you collapse it by compressing it on a hard surface. After you install, the retainer has a center port - U stick a punch or similar and give it a smack and it should spring back extended.

[@xnotoriouskdx3625]

@@reilengineering8835 yep they still have them been thinking about switching to a manual one, but I’ve compressed it down and it fully extends but I didn’t know about the punch thing, just been trying to learn how to do it myself but I can never find any good videos on it

[@thomasschattat13]

What is the procedure to tighten the head bolts? What torque? Threads must be greased? You describe VERY DETAILED the unbolting, but not how to tighten the head screws. THIS is the interesting part fore me, not how to loosen them. A bit disappointing here...

[@reilengineering8835]

No problem dude, dip the ends of the head bolts in some motor oil, tighten in a crisscross pattern in 3 steps. First step, torque each to 7 ft-lbf, next torque to 22 ft-lbf. Finish the next step at 37 ft-lbf. Ensure the washers are under the bolts and don't forget the little 8mm screw too. This is torqued to 84 in-lbf.

[@thomasschattat13]

@@reilengineering8835 Thanks mate, this is very helpful.

[@RoosterHarris]

Cost ?

[@reilengineering8835]

i got all parts from rockymtn but, about 140 for the piston kit, 30 for gaskets. I went with Wiseco

[@user-sp8eb6iz7f]

Am I the only one that thinks he looks like "Ryno" ??