Rookie wrench and a head gasket

I am a rookie with a 83 GPZ750, have done light mechanical clutch,removing swingarm, etc,,, is doin a blown head gasket outta my range or should i go for it?

go for it, get your engine in the right timing marks on engine and take pic of engine to remind yourself were things go!

Just remember, the head isn't stuck - there are just two 10mm head bolts in the cam chain tunnel. :whistle:

thankz,,,nice bike by the way.....got one just like her,,,beautiful lines

souljur412 wrote: I am a rookie with a 83 GPZ750, have done light mechanical clutch,removing swingarm, etc,,, is doin a blown head gasket outta my range or should i go for it?

Diagnosis of a "blown head gasket" is often erroneous, even by somewhat experienced mechanics, and especially by rookies.

Has any confirmation testing been done, such as --
Spray-powder test?
Leakdown test?
Compression test?

Good Fortune!

What??? Have you all been living under Iraq??? you need to replace the head bolts. especially if they are "stretch type bolts" look in your repair manual to see if that is the case. I have seen many a rod thrown due to carelessness of this type. also find a decent torque wrench, and use gloves because of the lead.

souljur412 wrote: I am a rookie with a 83 GPZ750, have done light mechanical clutch,removing swingarm, etc,,, is doin a blown head gasket outta my range or should i go for it?

Get a Kawi service manual.

It's doable.

For sure get the Kawasaki Service Manual, and before you go pulling out any bolts you need to very carefully identify the symptoms and run some more diagnostics. These bikes don't normally blow head gaskets, so pulling the head may cause more problems than it solves - and cost you money for no gain. Ed

Lmao, last time I seen a stretched head bolt on a stock engine was-wait for it, wait for it. I can't remember! Wrapping yourself in plastic wrap defeats the purpose of working on bike. Lol . But hey all jokes aside be careful!

I have used the stock head nuts and bolts over and over and over and over and over and over again without any issues whatsoever. Save the money and just re-use your stock nuts and bolts. The only time you need to upgrade is if your making a hi po motor. As mentioned get a manuel, be patient and do a lot of reading of the manuel.

replace not upgrade, once they stretch they stay stretched.

donthaveakawman wrote: What??? Have you all been living under Iraq??? you need to replace the head bolts. especially if they are "stretch type bolts" look in your repair manual to see if that is the case. I have seen many a rod thrown due to carelessness of this type. also find a decent torque wrench, and use gloves because of the lead.

:blink: :whistle:

Definitely NOT Stretch to Yield Head Bolts. They are Studs. they can be used again, No Worries. UNLESS someone way over torqued them. Then more than likely they would have the threads pulled out of the engine case.


Do a check, as Patton suggested. Make sure of your issue before pulling it apart.
Make Sure you have a copy of the Factory Service Manual. It will tell you how to repair the complete Motorcycle.