Valve seals on 76 900LTD

Hi Folks,
I have a 76 900 LTD that had been sitting for about 25 years. I got it running last year, and this year it smokes when I start it. It appears it needs valve seals. I'm not a rookie at these bikes as I've had a 75 Z1 since 76. I do most of the work myself, tune ups, carb sinq, brake work etc, but I haven't had to replace seals before. My question is, do I have to take the head off to replace the seals, or can I pressurize the cylinder to remove the springs retainers, etc, and replace the seal, or would I be wasting my time trying to do it that way?
This bike only has 5000 miles on it. Is it possible to bring the old seals back to life with a chemical additive?
Brian
PairOfZ1s

Hello Brian:

Beg, borrow, or steal a valve spring compressor tool. With that tool, it is fairly simple. BUT, while you have the top end apart, you may take a look at all those rubber bits the have to do with cam chain adjusters/etc. I suspect you'll find they need to be replaced also. And no, it is not possible to breathe new life into old rubber.

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the reply. The other rubber you referring to is in the cam chain roller assembly?
I didn't think there really was a magic potion for bringing rubber back to life, but I thought I'd ask, or hope.
Any idea where to get the valve sprint compressor?

Well, search this forum and there will be threads on how to build one...if you are particularly handy and have access to welders, etc. I am not overly handy nor do I have a well stocked garage. I tend to buy my tools :laugh:

Try this, it doesn't get much less expensive.

cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Valve-Spring-Com...fPartsQ5fAccessories

I looked at the valve compressor on ebay, the price doesn't bother me. Would that tool work without taking the head off? Thanks

PairOfZ1s wrote:

I looked at the valve compressor on ebay, the price doesn't bother me. Would that tool work without taking the head off? Thanks

No, you must pull the head.

Hi Mike,
Thanks I just read more posts from others about attempting to change the seals without removing the head, and I come up with the same answer from everyone. Don't bother trying, removing the head is the easiest part. I 'll look into the valve compressor and take the head off, instead of screwing around. Thanks for your help.
Brian

good choice and when you have the valves out and are ready to remove the valve seals get a set of hose pliers they will make you life alot easir pulling the old valve seals out i think the ones i use are 3/8's they do a great job of grabbing them and alow you to pull them out easy.

Mcdroid wrote:

...take a look at all those rubber bits the have to do with cam chain adjusters/etc. I suspect you'll find they need to be replaced also....

Valve stem seals and other cam chain related parts (especially the rubber and part-rubber items) may be found at Z1E.

Click here for the valve stem seals

Good Luck!