New member with a 1974 KZ400 (kz from hell)

Hello! I own the 1974 KZ400 from hell. Three top end engine jobs and on a fourth and I hope they get it right this time. I love the bike and plan to use it as my go to bike and visit vintage bike events in Alberta. I am hoping to acquire technical advice and contribute some of my own.

4 top end jobs? For what?? Oil leaks?

Welcome madmatt1.
Sweet looking ride !

Thank you!
But it's the guy above me who is the new member

Yes. The first guy rebuilt it twice and couldn't stop the oil leaking from at the head gasket. The second guy fixed the oil leak but screwed up the valve settiings and broke a ring installing it. One cylinder smoked like crazy and he kept telling me to wait for it to break in. I think I finally found a guy that knows how to fix vintage motorcycles and will give it one more try before parting it out or selling as is.

Swap in a 440, direct bolt in except for the top motor mount, which you can get by without.

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I didn't realize that was possible - thanks for the adviice. Had someone told me that a couple of years ago II would have scrapped the engine and moved on (dumb). Do any other years fit in the 74 frame? There is a motorcycle salvage place just up the road. I purchased a second 74 engine for parts. :woohoo:

Another stuff up - oh well
Might be the alki hole

dubwicht wrote: I didn't realize that was possible - thanks for the adviice. Had someone told me that a couple of years ago II would have scrapped the engine and moved on (dumb). Do any other years fit in the 74 frame? There is a motorcycle salvage place just up the road. I purchased a second 74 engine for parts. :woohoo:

Up thru "83. Also check out kz400.com .


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dubwicht wrote: ... I think I finally found a guy that knows how to fix vintage motorcycles and will give it one more try before parting it out or selling as is.

That guy is you. If you have any mechanical ability at all, you can learn to do about anything, so I have been told. Ask lots of questions in the appropriate technical sections and you'll soon become an expert on your own bike.

Sorry I took so long to get back on this. Busy man lately
ANYHOW
I feel your pain! I have a KZ400 myself. ('75) I rebuilt mine once and it leaked oil almost as bad as it did when I started.These bikes were notoriously difficult to make oil tight. Kawasaki knew this, and in fact, put a bulletin out that they would repair the affected bikes, under warranty. I attached the bulletin below-

Basically, there is a myriad of potential leak sites, and this engine can be a headache to seal up! The fact that all of the parts are super difficult to find doesn't help. But I wish you the best of luck!