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KZ550 Head Gasket 21 Jul 2015 12:27 #682028

  • nickleo373
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It looks like I'm going to be replacing the rings after all because I had one snap while trying to reinstall the cylinders. I got the block on once successfully but the crankshaft bolt wouldn't turn right so I will need to figure that out before going any further
1981 KZ550C LTD
"If you ain't first, you're last"

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KZ550 Head Gasket 21 Jul 2015 12:51 #682034

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Have you been keeping the cam chain tight and on the sprocket of the crank while turning it? It was a pain doing it but I've read you can bunch up the chain if you don't.
1978 KZ650 b-2
700cc Wiseco kit 10 to 1.
1980 KZ750 cam, ape springs, stock clutch/ Barnett springs.
Vance and Hines Header w/ comp baffle and Ape pods, Dyna S and green coils, copper wires.
29MM smooth bores W/ 17.5 pilots, 0-6s and 117.5 main
16/42 gearing X ring chain and alum rear JT sprocket.

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KZ550 Head Gasket 21 Jul 2015 14:37 #682052

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If the motor is in the frame you can suspend the chain with a coat hanger or piece of wire.
Steve

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KZ550 Head Gasket 21 Jul 2015 14:49 #682057

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When I started installing the cylinders I wrapped a rope around the cam chain and tied it up to the frame. I think the pistons were either getting caught somewhere in the cylinders or the chain bunched up. It rotates free counterclockwise but the bolt wont move all the way around when I turn it right
1981 KZ550C LTD
"If you ain't first, you're last"

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KZ550 Head Gasket 21 Jul 2015 15:06 #682060

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I have 2&3 pistons all the way up, have the chain suspended by the wire in a loop, get the pistons in, then do the outer two.
Steve

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Last edit: by SWest.

KZ550 Head Gasket 21 Jul 2015 15:21 #682061

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nickleo373 wrote: It looks like I'm going to be replacing the rings after all because I had one snap while trying to reinstall the cylinders. I got the block on once successfully but the crankshaft bolt wouldn't turn right so I will need to figure that out before going any further


It is somewhat of a pain to get the pistons to slip up into the cylinder block. Make sure the rear cam chain guide is not in a bind and also attach the cylinder block to the crankcase with three flange nuts once you get it fitted on top of the crankcase. If you start getting frustrated, like me, take a break for awhile.
1981 KZ550-D1

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KZ550 Head Gasket 21 Jul 2015 15:36 #682062

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That's probably what I did wrong. I had the pistons all level and tried to tap them all in at once. I'll give that way a try next time. Are ring compressors really necessary? The manual says to use them but they seem like kind of a pain. I suppose if the rings broke they probably weren't in the best condition anyway. I'll have to make sure there arent any pieces that fell into the engine
1981 KZ550C LTD
"If you ain't first, you're last"

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KZ550 Head Gasket 21 Jul 2015 17:40 #682078

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I use two hose clamps and beer can sleeves. Yeah it's a pain. Take your time and lube them good.
Steve

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KZ550 Head Gasket 22 Jul 2015 07:55 #682154

  • Tyrell Corp
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I suppose if the rings broke they probably weren't in the best condition anyway

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
1980 Gpz550 D1, 1981 GPz550 D1. 1982 GPz750R1. 1983 z1000R R2. all four aces

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KZ550 Head Gasket 22 Jul 2015 07:58 #682155

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They're easy to break if you are pounding on them. :lol:
Steve

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KZ550 Head Gasket 23 Jul 2015 04:00 #682273

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Don't forget to insert the rear tensioner blade into the camchain tunnel as you lower the block. Do the pistons in pairs, support block on wooden battens... a skilled helper can be useful here. Good luck!
1980 Gpz550 D1, 1981 GPz550 D1. 1982 GPz750R1. 1983 z1000R R2. all four aces

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KZ550 Head Gasket 23 Jul 2015 04:48 #682277

  • CoreyClough
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Start with the inside two pistons, then the outside two. Have you downloaded the free manual in my signature yet? If not, you will need to.

Wiseco Ring Position Instructions corrected




Hose Clamps for ring compressors work great. Just be patient.



Why yes, those are Heavy Duty APE Studs they sold about 10 years ago. No longer available.

'85 GPz550(ZX550-A2)

GPz550 Base Manual --> tinyurl.com/ze5b3qo
GPz550 Supplement Manual --> tinyurl.com/h34d2o6
GPz550.com --> www.nwsca.com/scripts/gpz_forum_2005/default.asp
First Race Win GPz550 --> tinyurl.com/o5y3ftp

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Last edit: by CoreyClough.
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