Oil Leaking from behind timing advancer.

Hello All,

Got my 83 KZ550F running smooth after buying in rougher shape. Took the bike for a short drive yesterday and after parking the bike and returning I found some oil dripping out from under the timing advance cover on the RHS. I took the cover off, and found a small amount of oil behind the cap. cleaned it up, ran the bike and there was a little more showed up. I haven't pulled the advancer yet, but does anyone know if there is a small seal behind there? can it be easily replaced, or is this a journal type bearing where there will be no solution but a new steel case?

Thanks for any guidance.

There is an oil seal on the right hand side of the crankshaft (see diagram below). I am not positive, but I believe it has a ridge running around it which makes it difficult if not impossible to replace without splitting the crankcase. Hopefully I am wrong about that and someone on this site will correct me. According to Kawasaki.com the part is still "Active" so any dealer can order it. Partzilla.com lists it at $5.48. Ed

www.partzilla.com/search/?q=92050-081&x=6&y=6

On my 750 twin, I replaced the clutch and didn't change the seal when I put the right side engine case back on and the old seal started leaking oil into the timing advancer.

I am not as familiar with the 550s and I am the 650s. But I think there is an oil pressure switch behind the points plate. At least IIRC some of the 550 models/years have one. As an aside some have an oil level sensor.

Anyway if your bike does have the pressure switch behind the points plate check it, as it could be the cause of the leak.