smoke from exhaust header

Hey everyone.
I was just working on my 81 kz550 and when i turned it on i noticed white smoke coming from where the #3 exhaust pipe meets the header as well as smoke coming from both exhausts in the back of the bike. Does anyone know hoe to fix this?
Thanks

For the smoke at #3 header - check to make sure the tachometer drive seal (just above the #3 exhaust where the tach cable attaches to the cylinder head) isn't leaking and causing smoke when oil leaking from it hits the hot exhaust. This is a very common problem and one that is very easy and inexpensive to fix. Ed

Thanks Ed. That could be it. I pulled the tach cable out last week to try and fix a bad tachometer. I might not have tightened it back up enough.

I think I have the same problem. Is it just an Oring to fix it? I haven't pulled it apart yet.

djturnz wrote: I think I have the same problem. Is it just an Oring to fix it? I haven't pulled it apart yet.

There are 3 pieces to replace (to do it right). See diagram. They are all still "Active" parts so any online or local dealer can get them for you. Total cost should be just about $10. Ed

Unfortunately, I don't have a Kawi dealer near by and Z1E only had one of the three parts. Partzilla had all 3 and it came to exactly $10 with their July code "meetsister". Thanks Ed.

Parts are in. Unfortunately I need my bike this weekend and I'm apprehensive about taking this apart in case I screw something up and have to order something else. So how easy is it?

I Did order a service manual once but the seller stiffed me and I never got around to ordering again.

It's a pretty straight forward repair, but you may want to wait until after the weekend. I would recommend soaking the screw (marked #120 in diagram) with Kroil or another high quality penetrating oil for at least 1 day (2 or 3 is better) before doing this repair, and be sure to use a JIS screwdriver bit (see kzrider.com/forum/21-tools/532335-budget...ewdriver-tips#532335 ) to removed it. That screw can be difficult to remove, so trying to remove it using a standard Phillips bit will lead to frustration and probably a stripped screw head. The only other issue you might run into is damaging the valve cover gasket if sealer has been used on it. Ed

Uh oh. Mine is an Allen head cap screw. So I guess previous owner screwed with it.

Actually, that may make it easier to remove, but still soak it with penetrating oil; you don't want to break that thing off. Ed

Allen screw is out, cable is off. P/n 92087 won't come out. It just spins but doesn't feel like its moving. It doesn't feel stripped either. I assume it has to come out in order to get the rest out?

The part labeled 92087 does need to come out in order to replace the o-ring (marked 670 in diagram). It doesn't unscrew; it just pulls straight out. You may need to pull it with vise grips or help it out with a small screwdriver behind the hex shape. Below is a picture of the part. I can't remember if I had to pull the valve cover to get mine out, but I did pull it when installing the part. I believe it made it easier to line up the tach gear drive (part shown as 41060) when reinstalling 92087. You do not need to remove the cam. Ed