Oil consumption & scary noises . . .

Hi all. I've got some problems with my son's bike that I hope you can help me out with.
It's an '81 KZ1000LTD with about 28k km. It's gone through a lot of oil (1litre in 500km). Compression is even all across, but #4 plug is fouled. Also noticing an intermittent "crunching/grinding" noise on light acceleration or cruising. Just wondering if there was a relatively common problem with these motors and, ideally, something I could check without tearing down the entire motor.
Thanks in advance!
Cheers,
Mark

You said the compression is even across all cylinders, but is it still within the factory spec of a "useable" range?

Along with the already performed compression check, you might want to consider doing a leak down test to check for valve issues.

Post edited by: RetroRiceRocketRider, at: 2007/05/08 23:41

Common ,,,NO

Is it leaking ?

If it seems to be running okay otherwise, the likely source of noises like that is odds 'n ends of the cam chain tensioner/guide mechanism.

Exactly to what extent is difficult to say - could be just the tensioner guide arm laying off to the side, or the whole mess could be lying in the bottom of the tunnel and the chain could be eating the cases.

Need to pull the head to know for sure....

The oil consumtion issue is likely to be valve guide related - with a motor that old, the valve guide seals retty much exist in name only - they're sure to be hard as rocks and allowing seepage to blow past.

Sounds like a good excuse to do a top end job on her.

Post edited by: Pterosaur, at: 2007/05/08 23:52