Tach Cable Leak

Apologies if this is in the wrong forum, I have a 78 KZ650 C2 with a leak right where the tach cable connects to the engine. Thanks to the some previous posts and help from Z1 Enterprises, I'm going to order the parts to fix this thing. I was just wondering, and please pardon the stupid question as I'm really not mechanically inclined, do I need to drain the oil before I pull off the tach cable?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

No

bloglos wrote:

Apologies if this is in the wrong forum, I have a 78 KZ650 C2 with a leak right where the tach cable connects to the engine. Thanks to the some previous posts and help from Z1 Enterprises, I'm going to order the parts to fix this thing. I was just wondering, and please pardon the stupid question as I'm really not mechanically inclined, do I need to drain the oil before I pull off the tach cable?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

It's not necessary to drain the oil before dealing with the tach drive.

On large Kaw fours, it's necessary to remove the valve cover to access the tach drive.

It's usually the seal and 0-ring(s) that need replacing.

Good Fortune!

Where the tach drive is properly installed with good external o-ring (between housing and engine) and good internal seal around geared drive shaft, it should not leak at all, even without the tach cable attached.

With engine running, should just see the slotted end of the shaft spinning around with no oil leakage whatever.

Stopping the leakage by packing the cable attachment cap (with o-ring, gasket, sealant, etc.) actually allows the same leaking oil to go up into the cable instead of seeping out from the cap area, which treats the symptom but isn't the cure. At least that's the situation with the large fours.

Here are a couple of links to some good info about dealing with tach drive:

kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...d=2&id=215073#215685

kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...d=4&id=387077#387088

Good Fortune!

Thanks for all the help. Here is one last stupid question. On the oil seal. Does the side with the tiny circular spring face towards the engine or outwards away from the engine. The old seal was so rotten I couldn't make out which way it went.

The spring and seal lip face in toward the engine, holding the oil in.