[Naw517]

I have a 1989 500ex my first bike, couldn’t get it to run right so I was goin in to adjust the valves. These are my findings, orange thing are ear plugs in my spark plug holes. Both spark plugs seats are broke too. Anyone ideas or options other then replacing the whole head to fix?

 

[bpe]

The seats are fine. Those open areas are there by design. They lead to a pathway for any water that gets into the spark plug wells to drain.

Move forward with the valve adjustment and crank that baby up.

 

[Naw517]

Haha Seriously, sorry my newbie was showing (first bike). See spark plugs felt like it was snagged, Then I saw those thinking the spark plug seat broke. Thank you never saw that before glad I asked

 

[bpe]

Also be advised:
You have a first generation bike with a flywheel that is notorious for falling apart. Here is some info on how to take a more stable second generation flywheel and modify it to work on your first generation bike. >How to modify a 2nd Gen flywheel for a 1st gen bike (by FOG)

 

[Naw517]

Thank you for the advice it’s greatly appreciated and will be addressed, I’ll take everything/ help I can get.

 

[ducatiman]

On a 33 yo EX? Def suggest doing a (gas cap internal) "flapper valve" removal to ensure proper tank venting. No doubt they are compromised (if still there/not removed previously).

 

[po18guy]

Gen2 cam chain tensioner. Will save the engine from fragging.

 

[ghostt]

Also might as well throw in a Gen2 flywheel while you're at it. 😁