my new 1978 kz650 fuel leaking

Hey i just purchased my 78 kz650 its in almost mint condition new paint job onlything wrong with it is on the valve cover it looks like there is a small leak on the seal is this important to fix right away ? im guessing i just have to take off tank then unbolt valve cover and put a new gasket on the valve cover does this sounds right ? also is there anything else i should check before i start riding it ?

A leak from the valve cover would be oil, not fuel. If it is small it shouldn't be a big deal and can be fixed at your convenience. Here's some info that you should read and consider before working on your bike (see link below). Ed

kzrider.com/forum/10-new-members/589649-...r-savannah-ga#594587

Awesome thanks alot i already had the service manual but probally would have stripped every screw i tried to unscrew so ill get the right bit right away can you buy a gasket for the valve cover or do you have to use that liquid gasket stuff ?

You can buy the gasket; eBay is a pretty good source. Be sure to get the correct one for your year bike (they are not all the same for KZ650 models).

DO NOT USE LIQUID GASKET STUFF! Use a new gasket and put it on dry - no sealant. You will be able to remove and replace the valve cover many many times without needing to replace the gasket, and you will have no leaks. Ed

great thanks alot

I just ordered one off ebay along with a rear left signal light i need to fix. Is the bike okay to run for now because its gonna be 14 days for delivery

Also when i drive slow or spin my front tire it makes kinda a grinding noise like the front break pads are rubbing the disk but the tire still spins freely when i spin it i can get it to rotate a few time with one spin what should i do to stop this ?

When is the last time the brake fluid was changed? If not in recent memory, you should flush the system really well with fresh brake fluid. Use DOT-3 or DOT-4 NOT DOT 5. Nasty old brake fluid can clog up orifices in the master cylinder. Ed

i just bought the bike so not too sure is it hard to flush braking system any instructions you can link me to ?

Also will i damage my engine going for a little cruse with the valve cover leaking a bit of oil ?

Also how many km should i get on a tank on this bike im at 180km so far think there is a bit of gas left it i kinda wanna run it till the bike cuts out that way i know for future how many km on a tank anyone have any idea ?

The manual best describes how to flush/bleed the brakes. You'll see when you get it how useful it is.

A LITTLE oil leak from the valve cover won't hurt the engine. Just be sure to check the oil level before each ride. Do you know how to do that?

The fuel economy varies a LOT between bikes and riders. You may want to just ride until you need to switch to reserve and use that as your measure. Don't stray too far from gas stations when doing this. Reserve should take you at least 10 miles. Ed