head gasket question

what part of the gasket is the top part? I wasnt to be sure im putting it on right? The only difference i notice is one side has more of a flange for the top of the piston.

Nick

Per FSM, the side of the head gasket with the wider folded-over metal edge goes up.

thanx, the bore measures 70mm on the gasket, will it still work for the 900?

NickW900LTD wrote:

thanx, the bore measures 70mm on the gasket, will it still work for the 900?

Standard KZ900 bore is 66mm (with 66mm stroke)

KZ1000 increased bore to 70mm (kept same 66mm stroke).

Am thinking the 70mm gasket is intended for the larger bore, and probably should not be used on the 900 unless the 900 has been bored to a larger size.

I see gaskets at www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=2901

it can be used on both 900 and 1000 motors? I hope I dont have to get a new one.

Nick

NickW900LTD wrote:

I see gaskets at www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=2901

it can be used on both 900 and 1000 motors? I hope I dont have to get a new one.

Nick

The mentioned Z1E link is a one piece gasket.

Per "Exhaustive Z1 Development History" :

"Originally the Z1 was fitted with a single one-piece head gasket but it was soon discovered that this caused excessive oil leaks from around the cam chain tunnel area.

Kawasaki modified the cylinders from engine number Z1E-14319 onwards. This modification consisted of a grove machined around the top of the cam chain tunnel which was then fitted with a shaped o'ring. The part number for this o'ring was 92055-062. A two piece head gasket was then fitted, both halves being the same. The part number of these gaskets was 11004-066. This seemed to cure the problem."



The 1976 KZ900 continued with the same two piece head gasket and shaped o'ring.

Kawasaki.com shows the same part #11004-066 for each of the twin KZ900LTD head gaskets, and shows part #92055-062 for the shaped o'ring which fits into the grove around the cam chain tunnel.

shaped o-ring from Z1E .

two piece head gasket from Z1E -- is the head gasket offered by Z1E specifically for the KZ900, and suggesting the 70mm version may fit overbored 900's.

Single piece head gaskets in various bore sizes are also offered by Z1E, including solid metal head gaskets.

Could be mistaken, but seem to recall hearing that solid metal head gaskets are more difficult to get completely sealed.

Also recall that best head gasket fitment has closest match to actual cylinder bore.

And if fitting a one piece gasket, am wondering what's done about the shaped o'ring.

Personally, I would feel more comfortable using the oem style twin gaskets and shaped o'ring. But there are others having far superior knowledge about this.

Good Luck with whatever gasket is selected.

thanx again, the gasket that was originally on the head was a 2 pc gasket with oring around the tunnel. I have heard that the newer 1 pc gaskets seal better and eliminate the use of the oring.
Im hoping somone else on here can shovel out some input about 1 pc gaskets.

Nick

Post edited by: NickW900LTD, at: 2008/01/01 02:17

you are fine with the larger diameter of the head gasket cylinder opening.

most time I'll just run the single piece vesrah gasket from a complete kit out of the parts unlimited catalog.

I think the sealing issue has more to do with how it is installed. either type will leak or seal depending on how the engine and head were prepped and installed.

I use a little extra glue on center galley and around the oil feed&drain on the cyl. head ends. not a super overglob of gook but just a little extra. These engines will seep after a year or so if you choose to go with a dry gasket installation. It is the nature of air cooled engines to expand and contract 2-3 times more than a liquid cooled engine.