Bushwacker was my Dads nickname in college after he drove his Mustang mach1 into a row of hedges. Appreciate the video, great the crank seems to be passing all the checks
For a Suzuki guy, you do good Kawasaki! Another example of the Universal Japanese Motorcycle. Thanks for showing us how to do the assembly the right way.
Nice to see you back on the F7. And also glad I am not the only one who's ordered seals and parts again since I can't find the first ones I bought! Excellent tutorial on engine reassembly. And no extra parts is always a big plus!
It's very soothing and comforting to catch a beer, sit back and watch your videos Dale! Always good to see a new one posted. (gives me a nice fun break from editing mine)
Thanks Johnnie, this truly is becoming a full-time job, without pay. Really don't want it to be, that way. The shop part is a lot of fun but the editing......well it's not my favorite and takes a lot of time. Sounds like you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Thanks Dan, I just haven't had much experience with them, so I am a bit like a fish out of water. The hardest part of them is the parts availability. Just not out there like some of the others. But it's fun and time to get the engine back in the frame. Thanks for following the project.
Hey Dean, and it was nice seeing your new offering also. The Kawasaki's are really not high on my experience page. But that being said, they are not all that different. Biggest issue is parts, just not out there like the Yamaha's and Suzuki's.
Coming along nicely. I'm sure this video will be like gold for someone else working an F7! You've got all the details covered and your camera work is good too. Can see everything very clearly and thanks for thinking of us with all the various visual perspectives. Really helps me understand the mechanics of these old bikes. 👍
Hey Gigi, thank you so much, this is really new to me, not too much experience with Kawasaki, but really not all that different. Thanks for the kind words on the video quality, I am trying some new things to make them better.
I've never seen an F7 in the flesh but this engine is mentioned a few times in one of the best 2 stroke tuning books written, "2 stroke Tuning Handbook" by Gordon Jennings, its an old book but is still useful if you are into modifying 2 smoker engines.
I have the Jennings's book also, oldie but a goodie, lots of good info in it. I am certainly not an expert by any means on Kawasaki's but having fun with this one any way.
Thanks Jeff, there are a lot of folks that like the Kawasaki's, just wished I was more familiar with them, just haven't had the opportunity to work on many. But hey they are fun none the less.
Hi Keith, yes you are correct, this is a marketing technique that the young folks call "keyword" or "hashtag" or "thumbnail" designed to get someone interested in say a Bushwacker to watch a similar video on a F7 and vice versa.
Yeah, Vincent it would make things easier for sure, I think the 18 mm 1.50 thread is the largest one that will fit. The 14 mm 1.50 fits a lot of bikes, they sure should add it to their lineup.
Excellent! My Suzuki manual states that snap rings are directional. During stamping one side will have a radius edge and the other will be sharp edged. Suzuki states that the sharp edge should face away from the expected thrust load on the shaft groove. Kawasaki may be different?
Hey Peter, you are indeed correct on the proper installation of snap rings. It's not just Suzuki that states this proper installation technique. When I was in the Air Force it was checked by all the Quality Control inspectors for airframe and missile maintenance. In the mechanical engineering field, it is also an important issue to them. Nope no different for Kawasaki. Good comment and very important for assembly, thanks!
I'm retired Navy! Spent my first 5 years as a Jet Engine mechanic before changing my rating to Aviation Electronics Technician specializing in Precision Measurement Equipment for the last 16 years. I also have an FAA Airframe and Powerplant license. Didn't want to come across as "that guy" but just thought I would mention the snap ring info for those that may not know! Thanks for the reply!@@montana2strokeracer
Thanks for posting this Dale, got a question for you, my F7 won’t start. Got a new vape ignition system. Clean carb, 150 psi compression, new crank seals, ignition timing could be off? But ultimately I checked to make sure the rotary valve was all good and man on man, the kickstart lever hit the case at some point and cracked off the part where the lever rests on the crack case cover. Now I know that would definitely not help the bike run, would that specifically cause it *not* to run?
Hey Sean, no the kicker is not your problem. That is just another headache, I have never messed with the Vape ignition, I have read a lot about folks having difficulties getting it set up. But once they figure out the instructions or whatever the issues are, they run great, and they love them. I just have not wanted to spend that much for a new system. Sorry can't be more help, but it sounds like you're doing all the right things.
I just came into possession of TWO F7s for free dollars (my favorite price). 1 is running but needs to be gone though (seals, gaskets, clutch basket). The other has issues. I couldn't get the cylinder off (it was ceased to the head bolts). I ended up breaking two of the bolts. Dale, do you know how those bolts are seated in the case? I have enjoyed this series on the F7. Very informative.
I never have had to remove any of the cylinder studs on the F7. Have done some on Yamahas and Suzuki's. I would say they are much the same, just try to remove using good shop practice. If you have something to get some vice grips on, I would try some heat from a propane torch on the cases around the stud and slowly try to remove with a back-and-forth motion till you know they are free.
What am I doing when I use the adapter. If it is pulling the crank using the Tusk Crank puller, I explain that I had to make them for both sides, and I give the size of thread I think..
Yes, it is John, I was looking in the manual, and some of the pictures show it like that, wondering if it was done at the factory, really not familiar with Kawasaki's.
Bushwacker was my Dads nickname in college after he drove his Mustang mach1 into a row of hedges. Appreciate the video, great the crank seems to be passing all the checks
Cool story my friend, yep so far so good with the engine, hope it continues.
Glad to see a session on the F7, Dale. Many thanks for the fine video.
Cheers, Peter.
Hey Peter, this is really kind of new to me. Have limited experience in the Kawasaki circle.
@@montana2strokeracer Brings back memories of my F3.
For a Suzuki guy, you do good Kawasaki! Another example of the Universal Japanese Motorcycle. Thanks for showing us how to do the assembly the right way.
Thanks Pete, they are all pretty similar.
I learn something new every time I watch it .
Thanks buddy.
Nice to see you back on the F7. And also glad I am not the only one who's ordered seals and parts again since I can't find the first ones I bought! Excellent tutorial on engine reassembly. And no extra parts is always a big plus!
Thanks Jim, I have a lot of extra parts because of my memory....LOL
It's very soothing and comforting to catch a beer, sit back and watch your videos Dale! Always good to see a new one posted. (gives me a nice fun break from editing mine)
Thanks Johnnie, this truly is becoming a full-time job, without pay. Really don't want it to be, that way. The shop part is a lot of fun but the editing......well it's not my favorite and takes a lot of time. Sounds like you know exactly what I'm talking about.
I like the Kawasaki videos. Something different. Thanks Dale
Thanks Dan, I just haven't had much experience with them, so I am a bit like a fish out of water. The hardest part of them is the parts availability. Just not out there like some of the others. But it's fun and time to get the engine back in the frame. Thanks for following the project.
Quality work as usual Dale. Nice to see the Kawasaki get an airing.
Best wishes, Dean.
Hey Dean, and it was nice seeing your new offering also. The Kawasaki's are really not high on my experience page. But that being said, they are not all that different. Biggest issue is parts, just not out there like the Yamaha's and Suzuki's.
Hi Dale
Truly enjoy you videos and your attention to detail. In assembling of the motors. Keep up the good work learning a lot from your videos.
Thanks Mark, always a pleasure to see you here.
Not important but that's the same Sears chair I have. Cool video for my Sunday morning coffee.
Well John it's important to me, it's a comfortable stool and I use it for welding also. Thanks for following the channel.
Coming along nicely. I'm sure this video will be like gold for someone else working an F7! You've got all the details covered and your camera work is good too. Can see everything very clearly and thanks for thinking of us with all the various visual perspectives. Really helps me understand the mechanics of these old bikes. 👍
Hey Gigi, thank you so much, this is really new to me, not too much experience with Kawasaki, but really not all that different. Thanks for the kind words on the video quality, I am trying some new things to make them better.
Looks great Dale. It's a pleasure to watch, even relaxing I would say. @@montana2strokeracer
Awesome Work Again Dale !!! Cheers 👍😎
Thanks JD, lots of fun.
Good job brother. Thanks for sharing. Parts are a little harder to find for Kawasaki.
Yes they are, some are just not out there.
great job again dale if only all gearboxes would drop in like this one bonus lookin good next video please
Your right Mark, I haven't had one just fall in like that in a while. Lifes good my friend.
Top Dale 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
I've never seen an F7 in the flesh but this engine is mentioned a few times in one of the best 2 stroke tuning books written, "2 stroke Tuning Handbook" by Gordon Jennings, its an old book but is still useful if you are into modifying 2 smoker engines.
I have the Jennings's book also, oldie but a goodie, lots of good info in it. I am certainly not an expert by any means on Kawasaki's but having fun with this one any way.
I also use Bel Ray or Maxima grease to help hold pieces in assembly- and I have the same set of channel locks too🤣🤣
Yep, anything to keep it from falling apart, no better tool than a vice grip.....in the right situation that is!
Excellent video as usual, thanks for all your hard work. Love the the Kawasaki series.
Thanks Jeff, there are a lot of folks that like the Kawasaki's, just wished I was more familiar with them, just haven't had the opportunity to work on many. But hey they are fun none the less.
Fascinating
Nice work
Thanks buddy!
FYI: The Kawasaki F3 (68-70) is the 175 Bushwacker, different engine/machine to the F7 (71-75) is "un named" , the F7 from 76 on was called KD175.
Hi Keith, yes you are correct, this is a marketing technique that the young folks call "keyword" or "hashtag" or "thumbnail" designed to get someone interested in say a Bushwacker to watch a similar video on a F7 and vice versa.
@@montana2strokeracer It makes it a heck of a lot easier to search... I'm almost 50...
thank you
Hey Dale, just checking in. I needed a brake from building looms, I got a large order.
Good Job Don! You are carving out your niche, liking your videos too, waiting on the next YZ show.
@@montana2strokeracer thank you Dale.
I hope to get back on one of the YZ 250’s next weekend.
I Agree Dale I've got the same crank puller and can't see why they don't supply an assortment of threaded ends could do with a set you made
Yeah, Vincent it would make things easier for sure, I think the 18 mm 1.50 thread is the largest one that will fit. The 14 mm 1.50 fits a lot of bikes, they sure should add it to their lineup.
Excellent! My Suzuki manual states that snap rings are directional. During stamping one side will have a radius edge and the other will be sharp edged. Suzuki states that the sharp edge should face away from the expected thrust load on the shaft groove. Kawasaki may be different?
Hey Peter, you are indeed correct on the proper installation of snap rings. It's not just Suzuki that states this proper installation technique. When I was in the Air Force it was checked by all the Quality Control inspectors for airframe and missile maintenance. In the mechanical engineering field, it is also an important issue to them. Nope no different for Kawasaki. Good comment and very important for assembly, thanks!
I'm retired Navy! Spent my first 5 years as a Jet Engine mechanic before changing my rating to Aviation Electronics Technician specializing in Precision Measurement Equipment for the last 16 years. I also have an FAA Airframe and Powerplant license. Didn't want to come across as "that guy" but just thought I would mention the snap ring info for those that may not know! Thanks for the reply!@@montana2strokeracer
Frank Here!
Hi Frank
Thanks for posting this Dale, got a question for you, my F7 won’t start.
Got a new vape ignition system.
Clean carb, 150 psi compression, new crank seals, ignition timing could be off?
But ultimately I checked to make sure the rotary valve was all good and man on man, the kickstart lever hit the case at some point and cracked off the part where the lever rests on the crack case cover. Now I know that would definitely not help the bike run, would that specifically cause it *not* to run?
Hey Sean, no the kicker is not your problem. That is just another headache, I have never messed with the Vape ignition, I have read a lot about folks having difficulties getting it set up. But once they figure out the instructions or whatever the issues are, they run great, and they love them. I just have not wanted to spend that much for a new system. Sorry can't be more help, but it sounds like you're doing all the right things.
@@montana2strokeracer that’s what I was thinking, glad to hear from you! Always know I can count on you for F7 knowledge
Hey Dale, question again, I have that same tusk crank puller/installer. What’s the size of the bolt adapter for the F7?
I just came into possession of TWO F7s for free dollars (my favorite price). 1 is running but needs to be gone though (seals, gaskets, clutch basket). The other has issues. I couldn't get the cylinder off (it was ceased to the head bolts). I ended up breaking two of the bolts. Dale, do you know how those bolts are seated in the case?
I have enjoyed this series on the F7. Very informative.
I never have had to remove any of the cylinder studs on the F7. Have done some on Yamahas and Suzuki's. I would say they are much the same, just try to remove using good shop practice. If you have something to get some vice grips on, I would try some heat from a propane torch on the cases around the stud and slowly try to remove with a back-and-forth motion till you know they are free.
Hey Dale what is that adapter you use on the F7
What am I doing when I use the adapter. If it is pulling the crank using the Tusk Crank puller, I explain that I had to make them for both sides, and I give the size of thread I think..
😎👍😎
.
Is that crank stuffed?
Yes, it is John, I was looking in the manual, and some of the pictures show it like that, wondering if it was done at the factory, really not familiar with Kawasaki's.
That’s impressive if it came from the factory that way.