Saving a '81 KZ750-E

Skidmark
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06 Jun 2020 15:57 #827474 by Skidmark

Replied by Skidmark on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

I am in need of the lower rod end bearings, there are eight. I found all ten of the main crank bearings. I was able to buy the last four that Partzilla had in stock. CMS listed p/n 13034-051 black as not in stock.

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'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)

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calum
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06 Jun 2020 16:44 - 06 Jun 2020 16:45 #827477 by calum

Replied by calum on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

Just came back to post that I'd realised my mistake :pinch:

I did find two places in Europe that seem to have the big-end bearings in stock, but it would take quite a while for them to get to you. How bad are the bearings? I only saw the photos of the crank-case bearings - which is probably why I mixed things up. How big is the clearance?

I do have a spare set that would be good for a season or probably more, would give you some time to source some new ones. Maybe someone closer has some lying around that you could use as a stop-gap.

KZ1000 Restomod ( www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/614517-1977-kz1000-restomod )
1977 KZ1000A1 ( www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/616901...-spare-parts-project )
1980 KZ750H ( kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/612054-kz750h-restoration )
2000 BMW F650GS

Last edit: 06 Jun 2020 16:45 by calum.

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Skidmark
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06 Jun 2020 16:52 #827478 by Skidmark

Replied by Skidmark on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

This is one of the worse ones.

Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)

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calum
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06 Jun 2020 16:57 #827479 by calum

Replied by calum on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

Looks quite worn. Is the clearance past the service limit or is the bearing surface toast (hard to tell from the picture)?

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Nessism
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06 Jun 2020 17:05 #827480 by Nessism

Replied by Nessism on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

That rod bearing looks pretty bad. How do the others look? You might be able to reuse some of them as long as there isn't too much wear. That's what I did on my 750 anyway. Picked the best bearings from two engines. Not because I'm cheap, rather the bearings only had minimal scuffing and measured fine as well.

Ed
Carb O-ring Kits : www.kzrider.com/forum/3-carburetor/61807...-o-ring-kits?start=0

www.kzrider.com/forum/faq-wiki/618026-new-owner-things-to-know

1981 KZ750E2
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/604901...z750e-project-thread

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Skidmark
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06 Jun 2020 17:08 #827482 by Skidmark

Replied by Skidmark on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

The wear make me want to replace them. Monday I am picking up some Plastigage, but it will be for use on the new bearings. It is clear something got into it by the looks of that groove.

Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)

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Skidmark
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06 Jun 2020 17:19 #827486 by Skidmark

Replied by Skidmark on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

Since I am increasing the compression from 9:1 up to 10.5:1, I would like to reassemble with all new bearings on the bottom end. Re-using bearings from a 34k mile motor along with some new ones just doesn't sound good to me.

Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)

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calum
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06 Jun 2020 17:21 - 06 Jun 2020 17:23 #827487 by calum

Replied by calum on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

Totally overlooked that groove, must be time for some sleep.
If you've managed to get 4 bearings it would be a shame to chuck some of the old ones back in - splitting the cases again to replace them would just be a PITA.

Walmart has one left :S
www.walmart.com/ip/Metal-Connecting-Rod-Bearing/606989968

And z-power in the UK (never used their shop so can't comment on reputation):
www.z-power.co.uk/bearing-bigend-z650

Last edit: 06 Jun 2020 17:23 by calum.

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Skidmark
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06 Jun 2020 17:29 #827488 by Skidmark

Replied by Skidmark on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

That Walmart listing is the exact same picture of the one on Ebay - looks to have rust or dirt on the OD. Not much confidence in that one...

Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)

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calum
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06 Jun 2020 17:34 - 06 Jun 2020 17:34 #827490 by calum

Replied by calum on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

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Skidmark
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06 Jun 2020 17:43 #827494 by Skidmark

Replied by Skidmark on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

Z-Power UK order seems to have been successful. We will see how long it takes to get them accross the pond (and the USA). Thanks for the resource.

Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)

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Skidmark
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09 Jun 2020 09:40 #827672 by Skidmark

Replied by Skidmark on topic Saving a '81 KZ750-E

I found a local auto repair shop that does engine rebuilding, and has a hot solvent tank for cleaning engine blocks and parts. After speaking to him, he would like to try one half of my lower case to see if I like the results and he would be able to give me a price based on the time involved. I believe vapor blasting involves heat, is there any level of temperature I should be wary of? Not sure how hot you can take an aluminum case half before there are concerns over damage or warping. I intend on finding out the temperature of the process before letting him try one of my cases.

Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)

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