Head Stuck

Valve head wont come off. Any ideas how to get the top end off without hurting anything? Got the Valve cover off no problem but it seems to really be on there. I watched a lot of videos and most peoples come loose with a couple hits from a rubber hammer. I don't want to break any fins.

Those Harley heads can really be stubborn. Same with BSA's. (Hint - Add your bike's year & model to your signature line so we can give some meaningful feedback.) Ed

Here is how I did it.





But proceed at your own risk. Always a little bit of risk involved.

Just as big a concern is not stripping the cap bolt holes when assembling. My understanding is that some service manuals may have the wrong torque for the cap bolts on certain models. Someone here can chime in and tell you which. I used a factory service manual with no issues.

Kz1000 '80 I got the 12 head bolts off but the top end wont budge. Very odd.

what about the 2 6mm bolts on the ends ? you should never hit with a hammer kawasaki provided pry points for removal.

Got those too. Where are the pry points?

DobbinsCMA wrote: Kz1000 '80 I got the 12 head bolts off but the top end wont budge. Very odd.

On mine there are some small bolts pointing upward that are easy to miss.

DobbinsCMA wrote: Got those too. Where are the pry points?

Those would be shown in the factory service manual. Best money to ever spend.

Tap the head with a soft mallet on the cam chain tunnel casting fore and aft of the head with a slight upwards movement.
This will rock the head and break the seal on the gasket.
This method has never failed and there are also no fins there to damage in that area.

They are not in the manual. I am guessing they are below the exhaust on either side?.

Like this?

DobbinsCMA wrote: They are not in the manual. I am guessing they are below the exhaust on either side?.

If your are referring to the pry points, the pry points are for the cylinder block not the cylinder head. They are at the bottom of the cylinder block at each side of the block. The jugs get cooked on there as well. So you may need to use that once you get to it if you are going to take the block off. Would be very careful with these slots. use an exact fitting screwdriver or other pry tool that will fit. And be gentle when prying, otherwise you will enlarge the slot.