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'17 Husky FE501 - Top end rebuild

dmg213

Member
Joined
Jul 16, 2017
Location
San Mateo
Moto(s)
FE501s
GS1200
Name
Michael
Got all the parts in (I hope, we'll find out) for the top end for my '17 Husky FE501, wondering if anybody has any tips for anything else I should do/check while in there for these bikes? Got the piston, rings, timing chain, spark plug, gaskets, dowel pins, etc. Water pump seal was already replaced recently. Engine has ~325 hours on it, have reliable service history from the previous owner and valves have only needed to be adjusted once in that time, and I've been told the stainless valves on these bikes last forever, so was maybe going to leave those alone.

Example of what I'm hoping to skip is something like the lesson I learned when I did the top end on my '05 CRF 450x, gotta to buy replacements for the dowels that locate the cylinder, they sometimes go crooked when removing the cylinder so you can't properly re-install it, and can't get them out/re-positioned (or at least I couldn't) without destroying them.

Thanks!
 
No tips or tricks, the KTM/Husqvarna's are pretty easy to work on. I've never had a problem reusing dowels.... though I have a lost a few in my garage over the years. :laughing

Only thing I might add is inspect and even consider changing out the hard plastic timing chain guide if questionable. Measure the jug, if you don't have the tools, swing by a machine shop. Long life really depends on piston/jug and ring clearance as well as the condition of the jug plating. Many a top end wears out prematurely due to this being ignored.

Hours seem to be all over the place with the 500's, some going quite a few hours and still looking good beyond 325hrs if just trail ridden and well maintained. A 350... pretty much guaranteed to need a top end, and even valves by then, some sooner, some not much later.

Nice to have previous owner records. Just curious, the PO already did the head and replaced with stainless steel valves?

Much more activity over on Thumpertalk for technical rebuild information. Good luck with the top end. :thumbup
 
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