Grey oil in my 2000 KX250 is this water?

Mechanical problems discussed for Dirt Bikes and Dual Sport Bikes
Tardboy

Grey oil in my 2000 KX250 is this water?

Post by Tardboy » Sun Jul 08, 2012 5:31 pm

Hey guys.
I went to change the oil today in my 2000 kx250 and the oil is grey.
Do you think this is caused by water?
If so where would it be coming from?

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Sandblaster
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Re: Grey oil in my 2000 KX250 is this water?

Post by Sandblaster » Sun Jul 08, 2012 5:55 pm

Hello.
Light grey or milky oil means that water got into your gear box.
If you have not submerged your engine since your last oil change then the most likely problem is your water pump seal is leaking.
While you are replacing the seal, inspect the impeller shaft and make sure it is smooth and not worn out.
If it is rough to the touch or it is worn, replace it too.
If the oil is darker grey and and there is glitter in it then you need to see if the glitter is magnetic or non magnetic.
If the glitter is magnetic then there is possible gear wear and you need to see where it is coming from.
If the glitter is non magnetic then it is most likely the aluminum clutch plates wearing.
Hope this help.
If bikes are for kids I'll never grow up.

Tardboy

Re: Grey oil in my 2000 KX250 is this water?

Post by Tardboy » Sun Jul 08, 2012 6:07 pm

Well, I have something to go on.
It is very light grey, almost white in some area's.
Is it hard to replace the seal?
Last edited by Tardboy on Tue Jul 10, 2012 1:23 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Sandblaster
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Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2012 3:50 pm
Location: Eugene, OR
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Re: Grey oil in my 2000 KX250 is this water?

Post by Sandblaster » Sun Jul 08, 2012 6:23 pm

It's not hard.
Do you have a Clymer repair manual?
If not I want to make clear that you need one.
It is often the most over looked item you need when you own a dirt bike.
You can buy them through your nearest Kawasaki dealer or you can pick them up on eBay here:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=kx2 ... &_osacat=0
Amazon has some here:
http://www.amazon.com/Kawasaki-Kx250-19 ... 2000+kx250
That being said I'll post some info that should help you.
If bikes are for kids I'll never grow up.

Tardboy

Re: Grey oil in my 2000 KX250 is this water?

Post by Tardboy » Sun Jul 08, 2012 6:28 pm

Thanks.
Yeah I'll buy a manual.
If you can help get me started with this project I would appreciate it.

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Sandblaster
Posts: 6313
Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2012 3:50 pm
Location: Eugene, OR
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Re: Grey oil in my 2000 KX250 is this water?

Post by Sandblaster » Sun Jul 08, 2012 7:30 pm

At the bottom is a exploded diagram.
It's not real clear as to how it's all put together but at least you will an idea.
The parts you need are as follows:
You will need this one for sure.
92049C 92049-1366 SEAL-OIL,MHSD8X18X10J-1
You won't always need one but better to get it and not be sorry.
11060A Kawasaki part number 11060-1184 GASKET,PUMP COVER.
You won't always need one but better to get it and not be sorry.
11060D Kawasaki part number 11060-1749 GASKET,CLUTCH COVER,IN
If the shaft is not worn out or rough you won't need to replace it.
49114A Kawasaki part number 49114-1099 SHAFT-GOVERNOR
To determine what parts you need, drain the fluid from your bike into a clean bucket.
If the fluid has been recently replaced you'll want to save it.
If it has been a while since it was replaced you should have the old fluid recycled and get some new fluid.
I would recommend Engine Ice:
http://www.engineice.com/
I assume the oil is already drained, if not, drain it.
After the fluid is drained remove the water pump cover and the impeller.
Disconnect the exhaust valve linkage.
Disconnect any hoses.
Remove the kick lever, and then remove the inner clutch cover.
You shouldn't need to remove the outer clutch cover from the inner clutch cover.
The seal you need replaced will look like this:
Image
Take a look at the impeller shaft.
In this example the shaft is in really bad shape and needs to be replaced.
Image
While you are there check all the bearings to make sure everything is working as it should.
When you reassemble be sure to put a dab of grease in the seal so when you start it there won't be a dry start.
Reassemble, fill the fluids, check for leaks, ect.
Turn the engine over by hand to make sure there is no binding.
Start the engine and let it warm up.
After it is warmed up shut the engine down and check for leaks.
Remember we are not expert repair people.
Everything stated here is from memory.
Please consult your manual to be sure we didn't forget something.
Also you will need the correct torque specs.
This should get you started.
Image
If bikes are for kids I'll never grow up.

Tardboy

Re: Grey oil in my 2000 KX250 is this water?

Post by Tardboy » Sun Jul 08, 2012 8:03 pm

You have to be kidding me!
That was a great explanation.
THANK YOU!
I have the impeller off.
I will get back to work and let you know how it turns out.

Tardboy

Re: Grey oil in my 2000 KX250 is this water?

Post by Tardboy » Mon Jul 09, 2012 1:26 am

Got it all apart and I'm ordering all the parts as the shaft is very bad.
Thanks man, I got it from here.
Oh, I also ordered that manual.

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Sandblaster
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Re: Grey oil in my 2000 KX250 is this water?

Post by Sandblaster » Sun Aug 05, 2012 1:02 am

Great!
Let us know how it all turned out.
Thanks!
SB
If bikes are for kids I'll never grow up.

Tardboy

Re: Grey oil in my 2000 KX250 is this water?

Post by Tardboy » Sat Jan 12, 2013 4:11 am

Hey man, sorry I didn't get back to you sooner.
That fixed up my problem perfect!
Thanks again for your help.
By the way, I have read my manual from front to back.
It was the best money I have spent yet!

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