'86 Tecate build

[Ryanq55]

Ive never posted before but used to come check out this site years ago for info. I just started an '86 Tecate 3 project not too long ago and decided to post up some pictures knowing ill have quite a few questions coming up. I've also got an '85 200x that's will hopefully soon get its much needed TLC and a near mint '85 atc70 that will be my daughters when she gets a wee bit taller. The 70 was actually my brothers back in the late 80's when my grandfather bought it for him brand new.

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[JasonB]

looking great man! Welcome to the boards, throw some pics of the 70 and 200 up when you can. I love the 2nd gen Tecates, looks like youre doing this one right!

[Ryanq55]

Only Picture of the 200 I Have Is.In The Background In ThE Picture Above 184486

[Ryanq55]

184487
From Last Weekend

[Ryanq55]

184488
One more

[R.J.M.]

Very nice keep up the good work. All though I've never ridden a tecate I really like the looks of the 86.

[TheBlueWale]

What's the overall quality of those motohose coolant lines? Great build

[loshe191]

Welcome and very good job o the Tecate. Keep up the good work .

[Ryanq55]

Thanks Guys...Appreciate The Praise. As For The Coolant Hoses They Seem Like Pretty Good Quality. Fit Is Excellent, Some Were A Little Long But Better Long Than Short, Just Had To Trim Them Down A Bit. i Purchased Them mainly For Aesthetic Reasons And think They Look Pretty Cool.

[Lee atc]

looking good!!! im in the middle of a one right now building it up,man it takes alot of time finding those hard to get t3 parts.... good luck with your build man

[Ryanq55]

Happen To Know The Length On The Front Axle Collars? Probably Going To Make My Own...

[jayjay05stsc]

Love tekate's ..keep us posted ...looking good

[MIK6]

Looking great! I love seeing TECATES but back on the trails!
Good luck with the rest of the build!

[Ryanq55]

This one will most definately be ridden...won't be shiny and new for long...they've got some CALV-MX three wheeler races I've seen around my neck of the woods here and I want to try competing when it's 100% complete. So far I bought the complete motor that ran when taken out in hopes it won't fail on me at least for a little while. I've got a PVL ignition system I'm going to install, new DG pipe and silencer, 38mm Kiehin carb, Boyesen V-force reed, Uni pod filter. I may just put a new top end in it, but want to keep the stock bore. Any input, ideas, opinions based off experience, or criticism is welcome! Thanks guys........oh yea, that rear shock is junk, I read on here some people were able to make a banshee shock work but yea.....it does not......any other ideas? Saw an OEM shock that was pretty clean but needed a rebuild on eBay go for like $450....psshh...I'd rather hit up Works for a new one...

[MIK6]

Let me know how you like the pvl..
my 86 has a stock bottom end, Rickystator ignition, 39mm carb, w a sprock 300 mild port w a 50/50 dome in the cool head. I have a rebuilt stock shock, stock everything but i run 4/110 hubs. It is a BLAST to ride!!
My 87 is not stock at all! Lightened KX ignition, turbo cut crank, race ported sprock 300 w race gas dome, 39mm carb.. +6 swinger, finishline axle, works shock. CGR, ronnie and swinehart parts all over it.. lol
They are 2 different machine. the 87 is incredible when your pushing it, ive never been on a trike that likes to be held wide open like it does! But shes tuff to lug around, got to be on the clutch to get thru tight trails.The lighter crank/ flywheel let it rev up quicker but less mass make low end want to stall. 86 w stock flywheel weight does not have that issue. Pvl is alot lighter than the KX I run....
let me know if you have any questions
MIK6/ Mike

[ezmoney1979]

Thanks guys........oh yea, that rear shock is junk, I read on here some people were able to make a banshee shock work but yea.....it does not......any other ideas? Saw an OEM shock that was pretty clean but needed a rebuild on eBay go for like $450....psshh...I'd rather hit up Works for a new one... I run a LT250R rear shock on my 87 Tecate.

[Ryanq55]

MIK6,
is there a reason you run the 4/110 hubs? I'm hoping I'll be able to tune the 38mm carb with out ripping my hair out...carburetors and I don't really get along. I mainly ride wide open desert with some woods trails here and there so i think it will scoot right along.

[Ryanq55]

Ezmoney1979,
Is the LT resi able to mount in the stock location. From the looks of it the hose isn't as long as the stock Tecate shocks.

[MIK6]

MIK6,
is there a reason you run the 4/110 hubs? I'm hoping I'll be able to tune the 38mm carb with out ripping my hair out...carburetors and I don't really get along. I mainly ride wide open desert with some woods trails here and there so i think it will scoot right along.
4/110 (honda) bolt pattern are easier to find used.. I also have my trikes setup to run 18x8 ice tires and 22x9 4snows.. I do still have the 4/156 hubs that I run alot of the time. You cant get 4/156 in 8s or in 9s.. lol

[ezmoney1979]

Ezmoney1979,
Is the LT resi able to mount in the stock location. From the looks of it the hose isn't as long as the stock Tecate shocks.
I used the 87 Tecate reservoir. I have mentioned it a few times on different threads, let me dig some of those up for you- http://www.3wheelerworld.com/group.php?discussionid=302&do=discuss
and there is some info in my build thread- http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/121164-1987-Kawasaki-Tecate-rebuild-(lots-of-pics)

[Ryanq55]

Awesome...thanks dude I appreciate the help!

[Ryanq55]

I did a quick search and couldn't find anything...what do you guys use to pull the flywheel off??? MIK6 would you be able to tell me the length on the front axle collars? Thanks!

[barnett468]

This one will most definately be ridden...won't be shiny and new for long...they've got some CALV-MX three wheeler races I've seen around my neck of the woods here and I want to try competing when it's 100% complete.
I've got a PVL ignition system I'm going to install, new DG pipe and silencer, 38mm Kiehin carb, Boyesen V-force reed, Uni pod filter. I may just put a new top end in it, but want to keep the stock bore.

that rear shock is junk, ...any other ideas? Saw an OEM shock that was pretty clean but needed a rebuild on eBay go for like $450....psshh...I'd rather hit up Works for a new one...

I mainly ride wide open desert with some woods trails here and there so i think it will scoot right along.

Any input, ideas, opinions based off experience, or criticism is welcome! Thanks guys.
Hello Ryan;


REAR SHOCK – The original shock works better than the stock Honda one, especially over rough terrain and is a very good unit, however a Works Perf shock or similar spring valve type shock [possibly Elka] is better but around $1000.00 or more for a dual adjustment one.

You can get yours rebuilt for maybe $200.00 if the inside is not worn out. Contact suspension 101 or other shock rebuilder.


PIPE – If you have not bought one yet and do not need a spark arrestor you might try the stocker with a dg silencer etc. it is a very good pipe.


UNI FILTER - If you are talking about running a filter that clamps directly to the carb and eliminate the stock air box, this is a bad idea. It will reduce your performance and get dirty much faster.


PVL IGN – Wow, aluminum internal rotor, ok, lol. Look for the performance characteristics I noted in my previous post multiplied by around 10. If you experience those effects and do not like them, install an ign with a flywheel.

Also, if your bike drops more rpm than you like when you shift it, you can put lower gears on it. If the lower gears reduce your top speed more than you like you can put a flywheel ignition back on it. This will noticeably reduce these probs and you to put taller gears on it.

Flywheels are on vehicles for a very good reason. All the works MX guys run them on 250’s and larger.

All the Kawi Pro National ATV guys ran flywheels, including multi time winner Jimmy White, hmm. I ran a stock T3 flywheel on my Pro bike.


There is some very good, easy to understand info on the function of flywheels in the links below.

http://www.thumperfaq.com/mxa_flywheel.htm

http://www.w8ji.com/rotating_mass_acceleration.htm

[Dual z guy]

Your Tecate is looking great. It must be difficult locating parts to rebuild this unit.

[Ryanq55]

Here are some pictures of my "soon to be" daughters' 70 once she gets tall enough to reach the footpegs...the first picture I was fixing her hair :) getting ready to put her helmet on and go putt around with her...the other one is my dad taking her around the desert house
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l32/ryanq_5/madddieandi.jpeg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/ryanq_5/media/madddieandi.jpeg.html)
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l32/ryanq_5/grandpaandmaddie.jpeg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/ryanq_5/media/grandpaandmaddie.jpeg.html)

[Ryanq55]

Here are some pictures where we ride out in Johnson Valley from my Grandpa's house he's had for 30+ yeasrs...with the King of the Hammers going on last weekend the dry lake bed was like a small city...my dads quad and my dirtbike are there in the background...we've always been a Honda family but somehow have ended up a Team Green family...fired up the tecate the other night after installing the PVL ignition...wasn't as bad as I thought to install...waiting for my plastics and a few other parts before I can take her for a first ride...its funny cause a while back either the king of the hammers or 4 wheel jamboree organization had brought a 40' dumpster out there to crawl up and my grandpa just didn't understand "why they would do that" hahaha
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l32/ryanq_5/desert.jpeg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/ryanq_5/media/desert.jpeg.html)
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l32/ryanq_5/desert2.jpeg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/ryanq_5/media/desert2.jpeg.html)

[Ryanq55]

here are some pictures of some 3 wheelers my grandpa still has that I remember riding around when I was little...one day ill eventually get them going again...it looks like the one on the left has a 200x tank on it...don't know why but from the last picture of the tank up in the rafters im guessing its a 185???
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l32/ryanq_5/3wheelers3.jpeg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/ryanq_5/media/3wheelers3.jpeg.html)
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l32/ryanq_5/3wheelers2.jpeg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/ryanq_5/media/3wheelers2.jpeg.html)
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l32/ryanq_5/3wheelers.jpeg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/ryanq_5/media/3wheelers.jpeg.html)
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l32/ryanq_5/3wheelers4.jpeg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/ryanq_5/media/3wheelers4.jpeg.html)

[Ryanq55]

Little video of the Tecate on its first start up...I started to panick towards the end cause the kill switch would not work...come to find out, I forgot to ground it! LoL oops!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXjgxg_7_1Q

[Ryanq55]

Pretty much finished up this Tecate...got to take it out to fine tune the carb and get some bolts and rubber grommets for the rear fender brace...THANKS AGAIN to NWRIDER for supplying me the parts to help get this build finished!!!!
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l32/ryanq_5/image-11.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l32/ryanq_5/image-10.jpg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/ryanq_5/media/image-10.jpg.html)
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l32/ryanq_5/image-9.jpg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/ryanq_5/media/image-9.jpg.html)
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l32/ryanq_5/image-8.jpg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/ryanq_5/media/image-8.jpg.html)
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l32/ryanq_5/image-7.jpg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/ryanq_5/media/image-7.jpg.html)
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l32/ryanq_5/image-6.jpg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/ryanq_5/media/image-6.jpg.html)

[Ryanq55]

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l32/ryanq_5/image-5.jpg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/ryanq_5/media/image-5.jpg.html)
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l32/ryanq_5/image-4.jpg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/ryanq_5/media/image-4.jpg.html)
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l32/ryanq_5/image-3.jpg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/ryanq_5/media/image-3.jpg.html)
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l32/ryanq_5/image-2.jpg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/ryanq_5/media/image-2.jpg.html)
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l32/ryanq_5/image-1.jpg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/ryanq_5/media/image-1.jpg.html)
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l32/ryanq_5/image.jpg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/ryanq_5/media/image.jpg.html)

[j@y]

awesome job on the tecate man! The only thing I would definitely suggest is at least a outerwears filters on the intake. that's if you're going to stick with the intake running directly off the carb.

[Googlieeyes2990]

Dude you got a sweet trike there! Be proud! Most people can only dream of having one that nice!

[Ryanq55]

So I took it out and rode around for a quick 15 min or so. I climb off and notice it's dripping something milky...put finger in it, pretty oily....and see it's slowly dripping from the middle bolt where the sprocket guard is supposed to be mounted. Walk over to the other side and see the sight hole is completely whited out.......... :( check the radiator for any sheen but it's to low to really see. I'm guessing coolant is getting into the crankcase via a seal behind the impeller???? My buddy said to get a pump seal kit....is that to locate the leak??? I mean it's an 86....so I'm thinking tear the whole damn motor apart and go through everything...replace seals, bearings?, gaskets, new top end, new clutch, check for any play in connecting rod??? I'm not a motor builder by any means but there's a first for everything right??? Any tips or tricks or specific areas these motors are prone to that need to be gone over with a fine tooth comb???

[Red Rider]

Nice job on the rebuild. Yep, it sounds like your making "taffy", as my friend used to call it. Yes, your coolant is getting into the transmission somehow and mixing with the transmission oil. Most likely, it's the waterpump impeller seal, as you already guessed. I'm guessing your buddy was talking about a waterpump rebuild kit when he said to get a pump seal kit. Good luck on the repair. It should be pretty straightforward. I'm sure some Tecate guys will chime in to point out any other "problem areas" that should be checked while you're in there.

[barnett468]

So I took it out and rode around for a quick 15 min or so. I climb off and notice it's dripping something milky...put finger in it, pretty oily....and see it's slowly dripping from the middle bolt where the sprocket guard is supposed to be mounted. Walk over to the other side and see the sight hole is completely whited out.......... :( check the radiator for any sheen but it's to low to really see. I'm guessing coolant is getting into the crankcase via a seal behind the impeller???? My buddy said to get a pump seal kit....is that to locate the leak??? I mean it's an 86....so I'm thinking tear the whole damn motor apart and go through everything...replace seals, bearings?, gaskets, new top end, new clutch, check for any play in connecting rod??? I'm not a motor builder by any means but there's a first for everything right??? Any tips or tricks or specific areas these motors are prone to that need to be gone over with a fine tooth comb???Hello Ranq55;


BOLT/SCREW LEAK – The sprocket guard screw holes are blind, there should be no oil coming from them. If it is a case screw that is leaking, there is a problem with the crank cases or they are not properly sealed. Neither is good. You could drain the oil, lay bike on right side, clean hole with q tip and cleaner, coat the screw with black Permatex silicone gasket maker but this is obviously just a band aid.



ENGINE REBUILD – Just curious, if runs good why do you want to rebuild it?



Parts fiche and original parts supplier.

http://www.xtremeusa.com/OEMpartfinder.htm#/s/KUS/KXT250-B1_Tecate_(1986)//1


Inspect governor shaft 13234-1061.

http://www.xtremeusa.com/OEMpartfinder.htm#/Kawasaki/KXT250-B1_Tecate_(1986)/CRANKCASE/KXT250-B1-1986/090203B-12


Inspect water pump gear 13234-1076.

Buy pump seal 92049-1366 and gaskets. Seal size Mhsd8x18x10j

http://www.xtremeusa.com/OEMpartfinder.htm#/Kawasaki/KXT250-B1_Tecate_(1986)/ENGINE_COVERS%2f%2fWATER_PUMP/KXT250-B1-1986/090203B-14


Seal and other parts are less here.

http://www.partzilla.com/parts/detail/kawasaki/KP-92049-1366.html?gclid=CPT48aqo6bwCFY1r7AodpTQAxw





I'm sure some Tecate guys will chime in to point out any other "problem areas" that should be checked while you're in there.It’s a Kawasaki, there are no problem areas, well, other than possibly the flywheel magnets that apparently might fly off after 30 years, lol.

[westbenchmancav]

Hey man I'd like to see some pics of your 86 and 87. I just received the last bit of powder coating stuff back and now its time to assemble my 86. Just like ryanq55 I have a beat up stock shock, probably have to do the works thing $$$$ (oh well) As far as pics goes I will be posting as I build.

[MIK6]

Hey man.. BECAREFUL.... when you pull the side cover there is the powervalve actuator cover. Its a 2 bolt cover just above the waterpump.. UNDER that cover is the actuator, the little nut is REVERSE HAND THREAD! Off is on.. on is off!
feel free to pm me w any questions.. or send me your# ill give ya a call

[ezmoney1979]

Good call MIK6, it's probably the #1 thing that gets ruined on 86-7 Tecate motors.

[Red Rider]

It’s a Kawasaki, there are no problem areas, well, other than possibly the flywheel magnets that apparently might fly off after 30 years, lol.


Hey man.. BECAREFUL.... when you pull the side cover there is the powervalve actuator cover. Its a 2 bolt cover just above the waterpump.. UNDER that cover is the actuator, the little nut is REVERSE HAND THREAD! Off is on.. on is off!


Good call MIK6, it's probably the #1 thing that gets ruined on 86-7 Tecate motors.

Barnett, this is the type of "problem area" that I was referring to. Something that typically gets broken because of a simple mistake when removing it. That's why I suggested waiting for the Tecate experts to chime in, as I'm not one of them.

[Ryanq55]

Hey man I'd like to see some pics of your 86 and 87. I just received the last bit of powder coating stuff back and now its time to assemble my 86. Just like ryanq55 I have a beat up stock shock, probably have to do the works thing $$$$ (oh well) As far as pics goes I will be posting as I build.

There's quite a few pictures I posted throughout...ask some guys on here, they may have a shock they are willing to part with, I know NWRIDER had a lot of parts hes been getting rid of, which is who sold me some of my stuff...good luck on the build...

[Ryanq55]

ENGINE REBUILD – Just curious, if runs good why do you want to rebuild it?



More or less want to check everything while I'm in there...while I'm in there might as well spend the money on a clutch and new top end cause it's worth it to me and I know what was done and when it was done...FYI found this...wonder where the fragment ended up???
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l32/ryanq_5/image-12.jpg (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/ryanq_5/media/image-12.jpg.html)

[barnett468]

Hello;

Well most likely that was broken prior to you owning it and the fragment was previously removed. There is likely not enough force from the pump to push it up to the rads. If it got to the rads it is too large to go through them, therefore it would be in the bottom of the rad. I would replace that.

[250Racer]

Nice build, Really nice to see them getting all fixed up.

[MIK6]

That impeller looks like someone stuck a screwdriver in it or grabbed it w chanellocks to try to loosen the nut.. it almost looks like there is a nick 180 out from the missing fragment.. im guessing channellocks..
I hate to say it but I agree w barnett (lmao) that the fragmet is long gone by a previous owner..
The oil leak is prob not out of a bolt, my guess is the output shaft seal.. there is a O-ring, the collar and the seal. Ive seen all 3 go bad at different times. When people dry fit them seals they can wear groves into the collar.
I put a new seal in I usually leave it way out, if I see oil I use a big socket to drive it in alittle, can get multiple groves in a collar that way LOL, then by the 3rd or so seal I have even flipped the collar.. just to try to avoid all new parts. Each time I do a seal I throw in a O-ring..

I split the cases on my 86 and my 87 just a short time back, did rods, seals, gaskets, ect.. let me know if you have any questions

[Ryanq55]

Yea I figured it was long gone...but didn't know if it had enough pressure to push it up into the radiator or if it could have worked itself behind the impeller or even cause the nick your talking about. That's why I said again I want to check everything. I'm wondering if the head and cylinder have never been removed either. It took some work to get them apart, there IS tons of goop in the power valves and actuator, and the studs are rusty.

I've never split cases and want to replace the crank seals...so I'm kinda scared but want to check all teeth on the gears and everything are ok too...and that no fragments from anything else are floating around...should I replace bearings too? Or as long as they spin freely leave them?

I haven't really looked into the micro fiche to see exactly what they're supposed to be but I saw three "something's" behind that impeller...almost looked like 3 super thin washers...

Thanks again guys for all the input...I appreciate the words and help

[Ryanq55]

I split the cases on my 86 and my 87 just a short time back, did rods, seals, gaskets, ect.. let me know if you have any questions

Are you talking about the connecting rods in both motors? I'll look into it but is there just a service limit on side-to-side that means it needs to be replaced?

[MIK6]

I think I picked up new rods for under $100 each and paid a local shop around $50 each to press them into the cranks..
I figured $300 was was well worth it to know everything was new.. when a rod breaks it gets REALLY expensive!! Been there done that! Lol

[Ryanq55]

Alright guys, ive been MIA for a while and am trying to make time to get this motor ive had apart since Feb/March back together! Between having a second kid, and buying a house ive barely had time for anything, bike has been in the trailer, and the motor's been in a million pieces in a huge rubbermaid box! haha I just took my cylinder apart to clean the power valve soot and inspect the sleeve. im getting 70.01MM pretty much all around, i think i should be good with just a hone, correct? Do you guys recommend anything in particular when the reassembly starts, like assembly lube?

[Ryanq55]

Finally finished this project up for the most part, put the engine back together, mounted it back in the frame, assembled everything, kicked it twice and it fired right up! Can't be happier with how it turned out....now I can't wait to take it to the dunes for Imperial Invasion in March. Thanks again to everyone who helped! And again thanks nd4speed for hooking me up with the last few parts to get her complete!

[Ragar]

Are those OEM Rad Shrouds?
If no where from?

[nd4speed]

Whoa dude! Nice work! That is so much nicer than mine. And cleaner...have fun!

[Ryanq55]

Are those OEM Rad Shrouds?
If no where from?

Not OEM shrouds, I purchased a kit from Off-road innovation off eBay (he is on this site too) that came with all plastics (only OEM piece being the rear fenders) I plan on riding the crap outta this thing hence the reason I didn't spend the money on the headlight/headlight bracket, the air box and other costly stuff this machine is known for. I plan on building a battery box and mounting it under the seat somewhere to run a couple of LED pods for headlights, a taillight, and a green or blue lighted whip.

[Ragar]

Sounds Good!
I think im going to try a Universal Dirt Bike headlight, and if it looks good run with it. I need one to ride trails up here.
I found one In Kawi green.

I need Rad shrouds too thanks for the input i like how yours sit!