Cracked Crankcase : Kawasaki ZX Forums: Kawasaki Ninja Forum

ragingtarrasque · 07-24-2008, 08:27 AM

(Also posted over on kawiforums, but I thought I'd ask you guys too)
So my 04 10R has a cracked crankcase. Left side just above the starter. I've had the bike in three times to be welded shut, and every time I get it back, it'll start spewing oil again in short order. The mechanic I've had it to has a great reputation in the area and I've been using him for years. He knows his stuff. The mechanic down the street has just told me that the engine's junk because of it and that it can't be fixed. (This being the third disappointment after long waits each time.) He said something about the positive pressure generated inside the case. I also know a fair bit about engines, and I didn't realize that there is a whole lot of pressure generated inside the crankcase to blow a weld or what have you. Other than that the bike is perfect (thanks to all the money I've sunk into it), and I'd rather not have to junk the thing.

So I guess the question is: Is my mechanic just dumb or wringing me for money, is my engine junk and should I be looking for a new engine or bike, or is it realistically fixable by the right person? Which direction should I consider?

LT1MAN · 07-24-2008, 08:38 AM

are you only having it welded on the outside?

ragingtarrasque · 07-24-2008, 08:42 AM

Yeah. Engine was dropped but NOT opened. Welding is only from outside.

JBearSVT · 07-24-2008, 09:37 AM

Based on my experience with high rpm performance engines in cars, I'd say look for a new block... but take it with a grain of salt. I really don't know jack about Kawi blocks.

Kawi_T · 07-24-2008, 02:13 PM

Your crankcase has a vent in it so it wont pressurize.

ragingtarrasque · 07-31-2008, 09:29 AM

Thanks for the advice, I guess now I'm looking for a case, and I'll spend the rest of the summer swapping out my engine. :(

Kevenater · 09-21-2008, 01:13 PM

Hey raging, don't know how much this will help, but i'm looking at my friends 04 that has two small cracks in the case back near the swingarm. the mileage is 4720(been garaged for 2 years due to his having a kid), the dealership called kawi to ask if there had been a problem with them and kawi told them since the mileage was so low to go ahead and put new cases on it and rebuild the engine and they'd take care of the costs. you may try that if the mileage is low. hope this helps, even the mechs at the dealership said they were shocked that kawi offered to cover it on a 4 year old bike. I'm still trying to decide wether to buy it or not. most on here say to go for it and some say be weary.........what to do, what to do.......