1976 KZ900: Dynamo Stator Cover Oil????

Hey all,

Ok, I've already searched and reviewed all postings on this subject and there still seems to be confusing yes/no answers to this question... :S

So I'll ask this question again regarding the 1976 KZ900, hopefully to slim it down in mixing different KZ models for an answer...

In the Kawi shop manuals, in removing the Dynamo stator cover, there is no mention of having to drain the oil first so I would assume there is no to little oil in this engine case... Keep in mind, can be a miss print as well.

NOTE: I realize this is a wet system but to what extent is my question...

In cracking open this left side engine case, I had a significan amount of oil in the left side Dynamo Stator case... ~1/2 quart or more. I retightened before draining completely so there can be more...

NOTE: Bike has been leaning on kick stand to the left side of the bike as normal...

NOTE 2: This is a new engine rebuild so the bike hasn't been started in over 20 years.... Cases had been split and such where all O-ring seals and gaskets had been replaced.

So here goes my question, If anyone has knowledge with a 1976 KZ900, was to crack the bolts on the left side Dynamo casing, oil coming out yes or no!

If so, significant amount or just a drip or two?

Thanks,

OMR

Significant amounts.

i dont know if this helps, but on my bike about a quart or a little less comes out....i had to replace grommet and redo wiring, so the next time it has to come off, i can just unplug wiring...

That's what I believe as well.... Thanks!

Here's why I say this...
NOTE: I could be wrong.... :ohmy:

In review of the attached OEM images, there really isn't an oil seal between the engine cases and Dynamo Stator compartment/case...

Any others for confirmation?

Thanks all....

You should empty the block or damn close, with it on the sidestand, and the cover removed.

Old Man Rock wrote:

That's what I believe as well.... Thanks!

Here's why I say this...
NOTE: I could be wrong.... :ohmy:

In review of the attached OEM images, there really isn't an oil seal between the engine cases and Dynamo Stator compartment/case...

Any others for confirmation?

Thanks all....

is part number 2 on lower right a gasket?.....

keith1 wrote:

Old Man Rock wrote:

That's what I believe as well.... Thanks!

Here's why I say this...
NOTE: I could be wrong.... :ohmy:

In review of the attached OEM images, there really isn't an oil seal between the engine cases and Dynamo Stator compartment/case...

Any others for confirmation?

Thanks all....

is part number 2 on lower right a gasket?.....

are we talking just removing cover?

Kawasaki is "not" consistent across their models

750 twin, and 900/1000 models have no seal between the crankcase and stator, 650/750 models have a seal between crankcase and stator.

The amount of oil that will drain from the stator cover depends on how far your bike leans when on the side stand. If a 750 twin is on the centerstand no oil will drain from the cover, I don't know if the 900/1000 is the same way, but I'd be surprised if it isn't.

I don't have a motor torn apart to look at, BUT, I think there are two windows under the crank journal that allow oil to enter the stator cover. I think the reason is to pull some of the heat out of the alternator assembly, which would make the stator live longer. My 0.02 cents worth, ride safe, Steve

shighley wrote:

I think the reason is to pull some of the heat out of the alternator assembly, which would make the stator live longer. My 0.02 cents worth, ride safe, Steve

Nope, notice that all the bikes that have oil inside the stator cover also have the starter clutch inside the stator cover

The starter clutch requires lubrication, and the oil has to have a way to return to the crankcase.

naw... As mentioned, all gaskets and O-ring rubber seals are new throughout the motor.

The question is not one of leaking oil out of the Dyno cover nor in the Dyno wire grommet, tighter than a drum thus no oil leaks.

How this came up is I received my head back from cavanaughs (Valve P&P) and in going through the motions of installing my APE degree wheel for CAM degreeing and in studying the Dale Walker DVD, Dale had istalled his degree wheel on the left side of the crankshaft.

With this in mind, I cracked open the Dyno case and a significant amount of oil (1/2 quart)started coming out... I realized nope, don't want to go this route for I have a motor filled with all fresh oil and buttoned her back up
before dumping it all out...

Degree whell now installed on the right side ignition plate area.... :laugh:

OMR

The Engine Oil Flow Chart diagram in the 1977-1979 KZ1000 FSM definitely shows a few drops of oil going into the dynamo area.

The FSM for 1973 Z1-KZ900 doesn't show as much detail in its Engine Lubrication System diagram.

Neither FSM otherwise mentions oil in the dynamo area or references anything about outcoming oil upon removing the engine dynamo cover.

Am thinking minimal oil enters the dynamo area (as depicted in the 77-79 FSM) on all the large fours from Z1 at least through 1979 KZ1000, because the engines are so similar.

Logically, it seems to me that if no oil was intended to be underneath the dynamo cover, there would be no need for the gasket between it and the engine, and no need for the rubber grommet underneath where the wires exit from the cover.

Good Luck!