TOPIC:

Ahh really good advice loud hopefully one day I'll reach the level of mechanical and overall knowledge you guys have , its unfortunate that I've scrapped a few areas on the cover itself. I finally managed to find some time to clean up the valve mating surface on the bike itself. Its seems alright for a preliminary clean, don't know how much cleaner I can get it. A few questions before I proceed closing this up.
1. What is the specified torque for the cover bolts? 90 in/ibs was found on pg 124 of the 79-85 guide, is that value correct?
2. Since this a paper gasket it should be installed dry correct? Where should I use sealer if necessary
3. Is it alright to place the gasket on the head then put on the cover?
4.Should any gasket sealer be used on the surfaces for the four rubbers that goes in the corners of the head?

It really been a while since I've updated the thread on my progress, Valve cover is installed, tensioner needs to be installed. Been doing research on the carbs. They have been stripped down all four; 2/4 have soaked. My biggest concern at the moment though is finding the carb to air box ducts. I also need to get some replacement hex bolts for the carb covers, previous ones were a PITA to remove and stripped.

Is it possible to use some form of automotive hose as a substitute if I cannot find these hoses?

Check on ebay and online. They produce them in germany and Z1E and Zparts has em. R

Thanks, Seems Partzilla has the set, Probably run me 80 bucks...
Its unfortunate that Z1e has a set but its for earlier gen k550 thttps://www.z1enterprises.com/product/11015-057-K
I need to double check the eng to carb boots, any tips to put some life into them if they are in reasonable condition?

On a 550 they are less prone to cracks, but my advice is to use a penetrating oil on the bolts for a few days and remove and inspect. If the have some age cracks you may need a magnifying glass to check them well. You can use some 800 grit sandpaper on a block and make the mating surface flush again. Then a paper gasket can be used or a very thin layer of silicone/sealer. Only put sealer on the mating area not ID and a very light amount. You can let it dry fully before reinstalling and the goo will not migrate. Put em back on and torque correctly. Way cheaper than replacement and if not cracked badly they will last a long time. Also for easier install, lightly grease the OD of the carb ports that go in the holders. Use sparingly, I spread it thin with a q-tip. I have 550 carb install vid on youtube.

There is a set of airbox ducts listed on eebbaayy right now. He says they're nice n soft.
search the part number or GPz550. $25T shipped.

Thanks, I found them. Hopefully I can snag before someone else does.

Quick question, this particular o-ring that is over the starter jet is listed as 92055A --- 92055-1126, however when I look at the picture that partzilla has for it. It appears to look like a different size oring. The one covering the starter jet should look like this one (borrowed from another thread)

Mcren wrote: Quick question, this particular o-ring that is over the starter jet is listed as 92055A --- 92055-1126, however when I look at the picture that partzilla has for it. It appears to look like a different size oring. The one covering the starter jet should look like this one (borrowed from another thread)

The two images you show seem to agree. How do they look different?

Here's the part on partzilla. It looks right. Image ref# 90255A is 92055-1126
www.partzilla.com/parts/detail/kawasaki/KP-92055-1126.html

According to their ruler for scale, the OD of the ring is about 3/8", very roughly.

Make sure you are looking at 92055A and not 92055.

Thanks loud, I'll use my caliper and compare. I took a picture before i headed out to work last night.

Maybe someone stuck in an oversize oring?

Possibly, I went ahead and ordered some new ones. Still I've been scratching my head on this one.