250-500cc 250 & 360 cases not the same? - WTB: 360 cases

So after having the engine out of my 2000 WR360 for a year or so, finally started working on it again. This cracked the primary side case due to the idler gear shaft "ovaling out" the cases, bending the allen head bolt, & destroying the needle bearing that it rides on.

Picked up a set of 2000 CR250 cases as spares on fleabay a while back and also picked up a 1993 WXE250 parts bike, so was planning on using either set of cases. Unfortunately, after splitting the 360 engine, it appears the cases are not the same.

The 360 crankshaft has a larger diameter than the 250 crank and is cast differently to allow it to squeeze in there nicely. I'll post pictures up tonight showing the differences, but anyone else run into this problem when swapping cases? A 250 crank will definitely fit in the 360 cases, but not vice versa.

Anyone have a single primary side (or set) of 360 case(s) they'd like to sell? Thanks!

Not the same the other difference is the head stud location on the 360 they're wider.

Ah shit, you're right juicy. Didn't even think of that!

Yeah, I've been eyeing it. Trying really hard now not to feed my bike addiction, but I do have a spare WR250 engine I could stick in there...

That's what I'm in the process of doing. rebuilding another 250 engine so if mine needs overhauling I can drop the 250 in its place.

Should say cylinder studs not head.

i have run into the idler gear issue as well. loctite that bolt on the next one..that will help, keep it tight at least.

I think we can work something out. Glad to hear they will bring life to another bike

Thanks man! I need more bikes like a hole in the head, but can't pass this up.

Here's some pics of the damaged case. It's pretty boogered up in a few spots, but I may try and weld the outer top portion, and the inner portion by the kicker shaft. Will probably try and helicoil (or timesert would be stronger) the idle gear shaft bolt threads, but aligning it properly, along with making sure the idler shaft doesn't wobble in the hole are at the top of my concerns. Maybe weld part of the hole and remachine it? Thoughts anyone?

2000 WR360 cracked case by Benjamin M, on Flickr

2000 WR360 cracked case by Benjamin M, on Flickr

2000 WR360 cracked case by Benjamin M, on Flickr

Untitled by Benjamin M, on Flickr

Think you've done a number on that.
Also I'm 80% sure the latter cases are more like the 250's in the fact that the idle gear is held on with 3 bolts and are bit more solid on the casting no webs..

Personally I would get that other bike then part it out.

People would love the 6 speed transmission for their 250 it's a hot mod and pay good money for them.

Haha, wish I could claim to that damage. P.O. was a big dude and kicked the beast like a 125. Drove 3hrs to take a look at it and said I would buy it only if the cases weren't cracked. Still bought it after finding they were cracked, just at a much reduced price.

Think 250 cases AFAIK started that style in '98/'99 when they went to the newer style motor. Have a '99 WR250 engine in the 360 now and the '00 CR250 cases both have that style of idle gear setup. Latest 360 I've seen is my '00 which has the earlier style setup, but would be good to know if the later 360 cases did have that..

Have 2 spare sets of 6-speeds, one is going into my CR250 this winter, the other I may keep as a spare or sell.

Oh the joys of parts hoarding...