Yes Im a total newb

Okay.. so I have my valve cover off... but actually need under that as well, to replace the gasket. My manual hasn't arrived yet.. basically I need to replace the gasket underneath as well.. i have attached a pic and you will see the black.. you can see how far I have gotten, but I need to replace that gasket, so im wondering how to do that. Im thinking its going to be complicated. Heck while I have it off.. perhaps I will soda blast it too. I have to get the old valve cover gasket off anyway, cause its baked on. I dont want to use a razor blade.. in case i nick it.

Any help is very much appreciated.

thanks
jij

I am totally guessing on your bike, but are you talking about the cylinder head gasket? Number 11004 in the picture below. This is from a 1983 kz750 spectre.



What leads you to believe you need to replace that gasket?

If you provide more information on your bike, perhaps in your signature, it will be easier to help you out.

Kawasaki provides excellent part diagrams here: kawasaki.com/DefaultFrame.aspx?strConten.../VICHOOSEVEHICLE.ASP

Dissasembly is pretty straight forward as shown in the picture, just make sure not to drop the timing chain in the crank case. I have to emphasize to MAKE SURE TO ADJUST TIMING CORRECTLY. If they open during Top Dead Center than your valves bend and bust...that would be no bueno. The smarter we are the cooler we are.

In the book you get will have step by step on adjusting the Cams so you'll be alright.

Are you under the impression that you need to replace any gasket(s) other than the one the valve cover sits on? Ed

a couple of things, first be aware that the engine should be turned so that the timing mark is on 1-4 "T" for removal of the cams and head. This is under the 6" or so cover on the right side of the engine. Turn with the 17mm nut, not the 13mm nut on the end of the shaft. You look and will see the permanent case mark, straight up, and then the marks on the rotor. Then also you need to look under your carbs, there is the chain tensioner, and the cap and wedge need to be removed before reinstalling the valve cover. But you will be removing the whole unit for pulling the cams out, if your doing the head gasket, or valve clearance as the shims are under the followers/ buckets.

An aerosol gasket remover will do wonders to soften up those old gaskets, worth every penny they charge. I use a loctite product, think its called paint chisel or something

yes unfortunately there is oil leaking out that's why I need to under it to change it . and by leaking I mean enough to start smoking at intersections and makes it look like its on fire. when I bought the bike ,buddy already ordered the gaskets and gave them to me . I have attached a picture. hoping my cct arrives today too so I can change everything in one swoop. thanks everyone for the comments and I hope I get this done right .... I have noted everyone's comments and will do what everyone said.

thanks for the help

Since your getting this deep into it, I would suggest you clean up everything and make sure all of the valves look OK. Be very careful about dirt getting into the cylinders. Check your valve clearances as well and adjust as necessary. Make sure your cam chain isn't warped. Good luck!

I hope I can do this correctly, should be interesting. I will follow everything you guys post, and hopefully with that... i wont break anything

Just throwing this out there. Were is the oil leaking from? From what you describe, since its smoking, that means is coming somewhere in the front and leaking onto the exhaust. So what I'm thinking is, it might be simply leaking from the tachometer cable gear seal? Very common. That is where the cable attaches to the head on the front of engine. It may be a simple matter of changing that seal and o-rings and you're done. A lot easier than taking the engine apart if this is the case. Not doubting you. Just something to confirm before moving forward.

Ill go outside and take a picture... hopefully that will help... cause your right.. i dont want to take apart the whole engine if I dont have too.

pictures of the mess ....