Low Compression

Z1 does indeed sell the correct shims for your bike. They will also have gaskets for you, along with other stuff. Good Idea to save a bit on freight and get a couple of oil filters or something to fill an order.

Are the 29 mm shims the correct ones for the 1976 KZ 900 ?

BIGKEVIN wrote: Are the 29 mm shims the correct ones for the 1976 KZ 900 ?

You are correct. 29mm

BIGKEVIN wrote: Are the 29 mm shims the correct ones for the 1976 KZ 900 ?

Yes, 29 mm valve shims are correct for 1976 KZ900.

Click here > 29 mm valve shims at Z1E

Good Fortune!

OK, thanks. What is the correct part number for the valve cover gasket ? I am going to replace that also, but I dont see one for a 1976 KZ900.

BIGKEVIN wrote: OK, thanks. What is the correct part number for the valve cover gasket ? I am going to replace that also, but I dont see one for a 1976 KZ900.

Click here > Z1E's KZ900 valve cover gasket

Good Fortune!

Thanks for the info Patton. I will be ordering my shims and valve cover gasket later today.

Before installing the new gasket, hopefully the mating surfaces (head and cover) may be restored to an as-new clean condition.

When doing so, the new gasket may be installed "dry" without any resulting leakage past the gasket.

But do use a light application of sealer on the curved and flat edges of the cam end plugs, to prevent oil seepage past the plugs.

Be sure to thoroughly clean the cam plugs before applying sealer to them.
And also clean the recess where they fit into the head.
Any oil residue on the metal parts will prevent the sealer from properly adhering.

Good Fortune!

Thanks for all of the information Patton. I should be getting the parts Saturday or Monday.

I got the shims the other day and got them all installed. I checked the valve clearances and they all seem to be loose. Is the clearacne supposed to be taking when the cam lobe is pointing straight up or pointing directly away from the valve ?

You want the cam lobe should be pointing away from the bucket.

OK, I measure all of mine with the highest point of the lobe pointing straight up, which is not pointing directly away from the bucket. Anyone know what the valve difference is between straight up and pointing directly away from the bucket ? I guess I need to take all of the measurements again ?