Stuck in Mexico
 

Hi everyone,

My 1997 KLR 650 top-end blew up yesterday. I think the elevation was causing it to burn a bit more oil somehow and I noticed too late and 5 miles after topping up the oil part of the cylinder cover cracked and blew off. We backtracked to Puebla where I am now.

Now I need to either:
- swap out the engine
- get a new bike

My questions:
- to swap out the engine I'm assuming it needs to be a KLR engine. does it need to be 1997 or just Gen 1?

- if I were to buy a new bike, how do I go about registering it? and what do I do with my old bike leaving Mexico?

Thank you!

any engine will fit
 

the engines are pretty much the same, maybe get a mechanic to pull down and have a look , the bottom ends are pretty bullet proof

Beware
 

Ben
I feel your pain as I'm sure many who read this do as well.
I think it would probably be easier to swap out your engine - have you tried contacting the HU Mexico community?
Something to be very aware of is that you have to be very careful about leaving Mexico without the vehicle that you entered with.
Unless you have police documentation to prove that your bike has been written off/disposed of properly then you will never be allowed to enter Mexico again with a vehicle.

Good luck, and keep us informed on how you're doing.
all the best
Tiffany

I'm not familiar with the KLR specifically. Hopefully the bottom end is as robust as mentioned.
Problems at altitude suggest lean fueling and over-heating and this can lead to engine damage. If the cover has blown off something has forced it off.

As a first test: Inspect the valves mechanisism with the rocker covers removed. Then check does the engine turn over. By hand; don't press the starter. If you don't have a socket to put on the crankshaft,take out the spark plug(s), put the bike in second gear and turn the back wheel. Is it seized?, making odd metallic noises?

How did you top-up the oil? I'm puzzled by "oil part of the cylinder" comment. How much oil did it need?

A few photos of the top-end might be useful - but that will only satisfy my curiosity . I think you'll need some expert mechanic to investigate.

Buena suerte