Seller Said They Couldn't Fix This $900 Dirt Bike

[@2vintage]

Thanks again to Power Sports Nation - www.powersportsnation.com/ Happy New Year Everyone!

[@ricdean73]

That new parts washer is awesome!

[@2vintage]

It's working great so far!​@@ricdean73

[@chrismedaris4873]

Great video wish you and yours all the best in 2025 and god bless you and your family my brother

[@mikemccomas1440]

I don't have a mechanical bone in my body but love your videos! Happy New Year -- God bless you and your family

[@JoePhounders]

Gotta give a shout out to PSN! Those guys are top notch! Keeping our old machines on the trail and off the workbench for years now. I'm very happy to see them supporting the channel 👍

[@tracysellman1562]

Joe dude I have to give you props, for finally getting a parts washer buddy, it will serve you well, and help keep all your hard work on these engines as clean as possible. PS: I have watched all your videos for about 4 years and love them all.

[@allan9603]

Now add a Roller Starter and our buddy Joe's knees, ankles, "family jewels".. will last much longer😅😂

[@royrudolph5410]

From my inexperienced view the parts washer demonstrates a professional approach and credibility. Questioned the WD40-rag approach early on. Well done. Thanks for sharing.

[@tomazzfrommichigan4873]

What parts washer fluid did you use and how much?

[@joebinder6119]

Good job. Your tool handling is much better. Get a hose with a brush for your parts washer.

[@ants4100]

You parts washer comment people just keep commenting…

[@tomthomas4444]

Joe there has already been several comments about pressing the bearing in the case. So just a little comment just remember if the bearing goes in a case or housing press on the outer ring if it goes on a shaft press on the inner ring. Doing this you will never damage a bearing. I'm old done this type work my whole life and I really enjoy your channel. Don't let the comments get you down your doing great. 😁😁

[@scottmiller3025]

Yes and I know when I have wheel bearing done for a car because I don’t have a press,I basically pay to watch someone ruin my new parts because they don’t know what the hell they are doing…

[@robrobinette]

And often a bearing damaged from installation errors won't show symptoms for many, many hours so we don't make the connection of why the engine failed.

[@RealSuburbanCowboy]

Agree. I too am old and over the years have learned all this stuff. These are not criticisms, just trying to pass on the knowledge.

[@danielpratt7373]

Seems to me Joe is not above a little constructive criticism. Those "white knighting" for him seem not to real eyes, that those of you pointing out the correct procedure, will not only help Joe, but his viewers as well. God bless. 🙏❤️

[@robertcraft-pj2jp]

Bearings should be put in the freezer , and they will drop into place.

[@allenj5865]

Good to see you added some new tools to your shop and a new deer stand at your land.

[@RealSuburbanCowboy]

You should never press the crank in. Get a crank installer which will actually PULL the crank in. If you press it, it puts stress on the connecting rod pin, and can mess up the trueness of it. Also, if you heat the cases in an oven to 200 degrees F, the old bearings will pretty much fall right out. No need to press. That same holds true for installing the bearings. Heat the case to 200f, freeze the bearings and they will drop right in. I love that you cleaned up those cases before putting it all back together. That has been making me crazy for years now when you don't clean them up. You are doing awesome (not that you need my approval). Keep up the great work.

[@JdM-ep9on]

We used to press in chainsaw cranks all the time until we found out we were doing it wrong. Bought a crank puller so didn't have to pull the crank out and true it again

[@MrATOMBOMB420]

Sometimes if you have no other option you can press it in but you need to put something in between the crank webs opposite the pin but it is absolute complete bad practice to press a crank in

[@Yorkshirex]

I think with the crank tool set he’s got it comes with the bits to pull the crank in instead of pressing it in make me cringe every time he does it 😂😂

[@georgekelly5338]

I was taught to freeze a new crank before pressing it into the bearing, also.

[@EnergyXyz]

Just tap bearings on the crank with a metal pipe on the inner race - heat cases, and drop it in.

[@joelkoricich1771]

What a great channel. You are obviously the last hope for these bikes before the junk yard. Just a friendly word of advise; get some type of exhaust system or improved ventilation in your garage. As a firefighter of 50 years and knowing a few mechanics now suffering from cancer, that exhaust can be a killer. When you are young, it doesn't enter your mind, but when it hits later in life, it's plain torture.

[@markhensley9378]

The thing I most like about your videos are the way you go into great detail about your engine building. Not vague but very detailed. No real question about what comes next. I appreciate that.

[@MrATOMBOMB420]

The problem with that is a lot of what he says is incorrect information or just very basic information anybody with just a very basic understanding of mechanics can do what he does now when you start porting cylinders and building race bikes that's when skill comes out

[@MrATOMBOMB420]

Actually very vague detailed would be like this is what this is this is what this does this is how it doesn't this is how it works with this

[@JoePhounders]

​@@MrATOMBOMB420couchmechanic420 is more like it. Put that in your pipe n smoke it hippie! ✌️

[@davidcustard9311]

Wow! Uploaded way early today. Good! I needed something good to watch this morning. Thanks Joe and Happy New Year to you and your family and Vinnie.

[@Youdoneedmyname]

Amazing how a bearing of that size took a shit the way it did. She’s gonna be a gem once you finish her. HAPPY NEW YEAR Joe and family.

[@tonypalmer7779]

Looks great Joe you'll stop all the haters having that parts washer

[@MikeInBendOregon]

No it won't. There will always be haters, they will just find something new to complain about LOL

[@dougaranda6187]

Happy New Year Joe. I wish you continued success in 2025. You give this old guy a lot of entertainment!

[@LS-ug7jk]

Just wanted to say thank you for your videos. I recently bought a not running 2004 CR250 and rebuilt the top and bottom end. Kind of like this one. It runs like a dream now. I wouldn't have had the confidence in myself but after 100+ 2 stroke videos of yours I felt like I had done it before. Rebuilding the bike was so satisfying and I'm looking for my next project.

[@731trident]

Wow! Keep up the great work, Joe! Happy New Year!

[@assocrec]

Hi Joe, as you're assembling the parts, are you referencing an assembly drawing, or is this entirely from muscle memory? Either way, it’s absolutely incredible and so satisfying to watch you rebuild the YZ250 piece by piece. Your expertise as an SME is truly impressive, and it’s a joy to see your craftsmanship in action. Thank you for all your hard work and for sharing this amazing process with us!

[@JimParvin-o9e]

You are the fixingest fellow that I have ever seen! Best wishes to you and yours from your friend in west Texas.

[@stkyfngrszmooth]

I see plenty of comments about pressing the bearings in using the outer ring and not the inner, but I don't see any explaining why. The inner ring is only being held in place by the bearings themselves and the surrounding parts, which means that it's basically just floating in there. By pressing on it, it will almost certainly cause damage although that damage may not come into play for a few hours or more. The outer ring is rock solid and doesn't have the ability to move around while being pressed in. Also, putting the bearings in the freezer prior to installation is a good idea as it will encourage the bearings to fall into place with minimal effort or strain.

[@19plymouth69]

So glad to see you have a parts washer. Invaluable in the shop!!

[@bertsmith5569]

You're channel is fun and unique, non click bait, intrusive music or other "creator" gimmicks. just a genuine love for motorcycles and I appreciate you sharing your journey restoring these machines.

[@DDLovett]

I've never seen a parts washer like that. The one where I used to work had a brush on the end of a pipe which fed cleaning fluid as you brushed.

[@GNX157]

You can get an accessory hose and brush that pushes over the tip of the pipe.

[@Evanamartin]

This is the harbor freight one

[@gforce1243]

Thank you for your work on these damaged machines and giving them new life for someone to enjoy again. Have a great 2025 !!!

[@nickhart5332]

Happy new year Joe and Jade! Hope you and the family have a wonderful 2025! I'll be looking forward to some great videos in the year ahead! Keep up the great work bro!

[@BigDirtDawg]

I love these vintage Yz’s with the white plastics

[@pissedoffveteran7965]

Been watching you for years Joe, I do the same thing you do but on a smaller scale plus I'm 65 years old. I am a certified automotive technician for years. You are knowledgeable on the workings of the motorcycles and your good at it. I see you lack actual shop experience. Like that's not the way to use a parts cleaner, you might as well just fill a 5 gallon bucket with simple green. They actually make parts cleaner brushes. The top tank should not be filled with cleaner. the top tank should drain into a tank underneath also where all your sludge with settle, makes cleaning the parts washer a lot easier. Anyway look up the correct way to run the parts washer. but then again if that's the way you choose to run it that's fine. Keep up the good work Joe.

[@grandpa-of-3898]

Now thats better I can't see putting that much work in a bike without cleaning it have pride in you work good job

[@robertdelinsky7247]

U c how he cleaned all those old gaskets off? y u think he uses so much gasket maker?

[@chadriddle3517]

Joe, you absolutely find the best deals ever ! I scour fb and Craigslist to never find deals like you .Love your channel and your hustle been a subscriber for a long time ..

[@billhenry7833]

He doesn’t find deals either. He just pretends.

[@samson2968]

That's an ignorant comment.

[@dennywayman9394]

Beautiful bike. Would love to have it.

[@billhenry7833]

@Samson Likewise

[@chadriddle3517]

@@samson2968agree

[@fast22fast]

I had a 88 YZ250 and comparing the pictures of it to this 89, the only difference I could see is upside-down forks on the 89. Never had any issues with the engine on my 88. The cylinder was ported and head milled and it ran fantastic. I had a Pro Circuit pipe and used Boyesen reeds and actually raced MX with Eyvind Boyesen, the inventor and founder. He also had an 88 YZ250 and we were both in the senior class in NE PA. Absolutely loved that bike and would jump at a chance to throw my leg over one and do some ripping again. Rode my sons 450F in the pits a while back and it felt like an anchor. Keep it up Joe, really enjoy your videos.

[@elias842]

Make sure that when your pressing bearings in a case ALWAYS put the pressure on the outer ring ofthe bearing, never on the inner ring because it will damage it and will lead to engine failure

[@gregsteele1877]

Done it before and found out the hard way 😂

[@hurstshiftin9873]

​@@gregsteele1877 💯

[@michaellacharite9791]

Learn something new every episode..wish I had access to this info 50 years ago. Motorcycle dealers liked me. Clean bike..idled perfect

[@thebigguy8306]

BRAVO - great find and a good job! Nice step-by-step walk-through. Many teaching/learning moments in diagnostics and repair.

[@IanM18]

Fantastic! But I would just HAVE to lube the squeaky suspension bushes. That squeak when you first sat on it, before and after the rebuild would drive me insane!

[@wallacegrommet9343]

I have ten kinds of grease. Something for any squeak in existence

[@wallacegrommet9343]

Right? Ten seconds buys years of quiet

[@GNX157]

I mean, he had the engine out, it’s been two months apart sitting, why not just take the swing arm and do a video on replacing all the bearings or bushings right?

[@robertdubois1814]

I’ve watched hundred of videos and yours are some most informative. It’s also notable that you show the everyday guy and gal, without all the fancy tools and equipment they too can get rebuild/repair done, however the only “nick pick” I have is, I never see you using a torque wrench and setting the bolts/nuts back to factory spec maybe that’s done off video but that’s a very important step in a rebuild. Anyway keep up the great content!!!

[@abdallaalali6236]

I just spent 1 hour watching part one, and when it ended i realy prayed that you have part 2, and lucky me you uploaded it 9 hours ago. man you the best.

[@robertsemple1092]

1st video of the year. Happy New Year Joe!! Glad to see that parts washer being used. What a difference. I never trust any cylinder that comes back to be cleaned properly you just never know. Cheap insurance. lol.

[@JoePhounders]

Parts washer. Spring loaded punch. Cherry picker. Mechanics hammer. Love it! Cool watching your channel grow! Happy New Year Joe! 🥳

[@mikedavis5326]

You have really got your engine rebuild down to a science Joe ! Keep up the good work !! Enjoy watching your videos !!

[@robertthomas1717]

Great show, Happy New Year Joe from the UK

[@Doomer170]

Hey man, I'm a long time subscriber and wanted to tell you I really appreciate your videos. I absorb as much info from you as I can. I really like the fact that you don't have one of those fake, overly excited youtube personalities. If I lived closer to you I would totally bring my bikes to you for fixing. I have a question for you. Did you go to school to learn all about fixing these bikes, or is it all just self learned experience? Anyway, Thanks again for the awesome videos.

[@regnoice3752]

Great job Joe another one fixed and ready to have some fun on it happy new year to you and your family 🎉 from England.

[@LiveFreeOrRIP]

good coffee and watching you fix a bike. Life is good!!! Hard work young man!!!

[@mattmccleary1278]

Glad you listened to us and got a parts washer Sir. Engines look much better

[@marcusschwarzrock928]

89, my first podium! Thanks for looking back this nice way, Marcus Niederrhein Germany

[@michaelrowlandhogan9524]

Great job Joe, A very Happy New Year to you, Jade and all your family .

[@tommyquite1298]

Never push on the crank, it is getting out of balance. Use a crank puller or put it in the freezer and heat de bearing. Also u dont have to press the bearings in the case if u heat it enough. Just an advise! Like your vids!

[@mineer-pg5sv]

Im still in shock that he did that

[@louisjohnsonjr.4934]

You got a great deal on this one. Even with the repairs it was well worth the money and it looks magnificent for its age. Great job Joe

[@Adam-k6p4q]

$900 was being very nice I would have not done that. If you can take that engine apart an put it back together that is pretty good also you did not do any Mods to the engine or trans during reassembly but all in all you got a good bike. 💯✌Thank You..!!!!!

[@gordoncook7613]

Joe, another one complete!! Have you thought about purchasing a bearing installing kit? I used one for years and loved it. Love the videos been watching for few years now!! 👍

[@blairguinea6811]

Thanks Joe , another excellent vid ! Happy New to you Joe and Happy New to all your followers

[@PeterDENNISON-u7y]

Good to see you finally got a parts washer. 👍 wish you and the family happy new year

[@Deedexter1234]

Happy new year joe and family all the best for 2025

[@donjuan7428]

Happy New Year, Joe. One by one they get finished, thanks for the videos.

[@chrisbilling]

Looking forward to seeing more of the new parts washer. Great video 😊

[@MVCompassRose]

I loved watching this episode! Great job Joe!

[@bobtaheyna7487]

Love your channel, always enjoy your content..Happy New Year Joe from Scotland

[@timothybabbitt717]

Let this guy do his thing do it your way if you want

[@ni_wink84]

You mean the right way and Mr Joes way? Pretty sure all the comments to the contrary explain why there’s a right way and a wrong way to do things. If you want junk then cool, me personally I’m not spending money to mess up parts by being lazy or doing things incorrectly. Maybe just me but yore right let him do it his way… the problem is this junk gets sold down the line as “professionally rebuilt” by Dexter in his lab of misfit toys

[@jmorris999]

As long as the critiques are constructive they should definitely be made. Joe is a better mechanic now than when he started and I'm sure lots of that is from paying attention to knowledgeable people who comment.

[@mineer-pg5sv]

With this kind of thing there is 2 kinds of ways. A right way and a wrong way, if you do it the right way, your bike will be reliable and work properly for a long time. If you do it the wrong way, the bike is compromised and will break faster. Think logically buddy.

[@MM_in_Havasu]

Great find, you spent a little $$ to get it rebuilt properly, but it will run excellent on the usual test rip out at the land! Thanks Joe for a good video series!

[@jonathonstanford6951]

Hey I Never get to post this Early...And Just when I'm bout to go to bed too...welp..Time To Learn Something New..Thank U Joe for Making this vids...I learned a lot just from watching your videos..like most ppl say...But for the past couple Yrs now it's been good..Keep it up👍 🍻

[@davefield]

Glad to see you with parts washer. Used to bug me so bad when you put stuff back together all dirty 😂

[@bobl185]

Not much difference between the parts washer with soap and the bucket you've been using, but the parts washer is still better, and happy you finally started to use it, Great video Joe....

[@chisel_head2001]

Wow! What a great find Joe, it looks and sounds great! I had the '88 model of this bike, mine was blue with white lettering. great bike with a few aftermarket add-ons! HNY to you and yours!

[@steveb6553]

Happy New Year from Pa. Joe! Keep up the great work!!!! Miss Vinnie’s walk arounds!!

[@julieoliver8170]

Watch every episode. I used to get nuts when you didn't clean parts. I figured why take it off and not clean it up. Anyways I always watch and learning. By the way I have a big inline 4 and want to see those types of bikes. I know they are more complicated but I'm sure people would like to see bigger Japanese motorcycles. Great channel man..

[@brianmckenna3440]

Another great video Joe mate happy New year to you and all your family

[@jayjudd6518]

Great teaching on this one . I’m glad to know you’re using your new equipment.😊😊😊

[@joebacarella2829]

That`s one good looking bike Joe, I was a little nervous you pressing that bearing on the inner ring. but it went pretty easy, well done sir.

[@laurencehastings7473]

Yes the repairs were quite expensive but absolutely necessary. You now know the exact condition of the engine and gearbox and considering the condition of the rest of the bike it was a well deserved overhaul.

[@Jay-ju9jw]

🤦🏻‍♂️! Win win, no BS retail labor charge other then his own time..

[@craigrobbins9498]

I think this bike might be a keeper 😊

[@juicy5836]

Happy new year Joe , look forward to more awesome videos this year ..still learning so much have 2 projects on the go . Watching from ALBERTA

[@TailSpinRCSpain]

Always an education, thanks young man. Happy New Year to your wife and little Vinny also !

[@oraclescave]

Hey Bro, been with you for years and years, best fixer up channel around. JUST TO LET YOU KNOW I SPOTTED A CRACK ON THE CLUTCH ACTUATOR ARM JUST BELOW ON THE CASE. not sure if you missed it or checked it already, but looks fresh, might want to inspect it. I just bought a TIG welder for these problems. Hope the comment helps bud, keep up the good work.

[@862057]

Just want to help you fine tune your assembly. The conical washer under the nut that holds the crank gear on goes the other way, with the center bowing up, to act like a lock washer and it didn't look like the clutch nut lock tab was bent over to lock the nut.

[@frankyg2384]

He always bends the tab.

[@intothewild2345]

I remember seeing these bikes in the dealerships late 80's along with the big wheels and the 2 stroke RT models. Great video

[@malcolmmacintyre5771]

Love your channel Joe. Keep up your good work and nevermind the haters

[@voltage_rc6786]

Yessss!! I was looking forward to seeing this!!!

[@stewardreed6252]

Good show and tell,been watching you for years,enjoy your work

[@chrisparola3949]

Wow what a sound that’s a lot bike you could really tell on your second runout out that she was warmed up and ready to rip. Great machine !

[@davesplace1307]

Ive already been taught and told to grease the shizz out of the seals before install. The springs that hold the seal to seal tend to have a longer life when you pack them with grease

[@garyrogers5344]

From Australia here, just subscribed , great content mad for it.

[@st7650]

Wow man this is amazing love ring the parts washer. The one I had come with a brush in the nozzle so you could clean as you scrub. Really nice setup. been a long time coming so happy you got one could see you time money and cleanup

[@stkyfngrszmooth]

Mine too, and that bristle brush comes in handy big-time. I'm surprised that his doesn't have one or maybe it did, and he hasn't installed it yet. Also it appears that he overfilled the unit way too much because mine had a mesh floor that allowed the fluid to drain right through and either he didn't install that either or he filled the machine over the mesh.

[@RAKINAUS]

Nice bike Joe, nice video mate, good production, you are a true pro! Watching from AUS but I'm from WISC. Oh yeah, Happy New Year!

[@Motoxr32]

I would love to see you remove non factory stickers from all the projects you buy. OEM always sells the best and makes them look clean. 🙂 Great work as always!

[@kootenaycat]

Joe you should really buy a decent cylinder bore gauge and micrometer set to check piston clearance. Works great for checking used cylinders too for taper and out of round.

[@ladyjedi3D]

Hey Joe, Happy New Year to you a d family. Its awesome that you are giving new life to an old bike that looks pretty good. I would love to have that bike. Even if you fix for money, i like bikes, quads etc. Fun times and memories ive had. Now at 57 time is precious and im riding hypere-e scooters. and mountain bikes but really like the content of your channel. Please let Vinny have a guest appearance. Miss seeing him!

[@wesleypulkka7447]

Happy New Year Joe! Another great project success! Congrats!

[@DealinDmg]

2Vintage starts 2025 off strong with another great video. Happy New Year to all subscribers and the entire 2Vintage family

[@davesplace1307]

Those extra holes on the original piston is an old timers way of getting extra lubrication on the boost/transfer ports on the exhaust for the power valves. Its an old timers thing but probably worth checking out

[@nme1605]

Typically used for bridged exhaust ports but this cylinder doesn't have one.

[@davesplace1307]

@nme1605 if you look closely theres actually 2 boost ports for the exhaust. The holes on the piston are necessary I'm supprised joe missed it

[@davesplace1307]

​@@nme1605check out the video from 28:30 to 28:40 when Joe's is showing the inside of the cylinder. If you look very closely there are 2 exhaust boost ports right above the transfer ports. Those 2 boost ports on both side of the exhaust port. that small bridge or tiny piece of cylinder needs the holes drilled in the piston for extra lubrication

[@nme1605]

@davesplace1307 so the original piston had two sets of cooling holes? If so, I must have missed it and it does make sense if they were arranged that way

[@davesplace1307]

@@nme1605 yes the piston had 4 holes in it. 2 on each side. Probably 50 to 60 degree from the center of the exhaust port on either sides. Someone may have added the boost ports and the holes in the piston. Could be factory. I'm not to fimilar with that engine it's one of the years they only made It a couple years. But I do know any exhaust bridge. Being the center or from a boost port needs the lubrication/cooling holes in the piston. Especially being such a little bridge

[@robrobinette]

That is a super clean bike and very much worth the time and effort you put into bringing it back to life. The world is a better place with this YZ back in the dirt.

[@amykryptonite]

Joe is a amazing mechanic,and seeing the video today he would also be great as a dishwasher(seeing him with his new parts washer 😊). Happy new year Joe

[@angelofbrz]

Always waiting for your next video. Keep them coming and keep up the good work.

[@timrepp7870]

Always a pleasure watching your expertise putting stuff together and fixing old bikes up. thanks!

[@paullesarge4126]

I had forgot about this one, great video again

[@byronjuen616]

Happy New Year to all! BTW love the parts washer and thanks to PSN.

[@tedsaleer6003]

From New Orleans. Happy New Year Ace.

[@OnTheLevel79]

Great work Joe, love it... Cheers for the upload. 👍

[@lonnieharris6197]

Joe is loving that parts washer looking good!

[@Yaboidkilla]

Parts washer is great! Happy New Year!

[@pdandersondo46]

Happy New Year Joe, to you and your family!! Good to see you hard at work in this New Year!!

[@charlesswiger2260]

Awesome video, great rebuild. Keep up the great work and keep these videos coming. I love this channel and all the content. God bless ya joe and your family brother 🙏 😊 munch love from West by Gosh virginia 😊😊😊😊😊

[@ste8120]

Very impressive rebuild Joe and fantastic video keep up the good work

[@petershute3580]

You can use diesel fuel to clean in your parts washer Joe much cheaper and leaves an oily coating on them plus it’s a great parts cleaner

[@brianw8963]

I would highly advise against that, it will make your garage stink of diesel even when not using it. Ask me how I know. Just get the right stuff or use some good water based cleaner .

[@petershute3580]

@ get some air fresheners,what??…you think it smells any different with oil gas everywhere??? Hello?…

[@brianw8963]

@@petershute3580 Another clueless know it all .

[@stuartballard6287]

Nice video Joe, Happy New Years to you and your family.

[@tater_relocater]

Great build , happy new year Joe. My only criticism is get new fold over locks where they exist.