Replacing Valve Seals

Hi Guys

Looks like I smoke a bit on startup, so I am thinking on replacing the valve seals. Never been there before.

Can anyone point me to an article or video showing what this entails?

I assume cams come off and shim buckets.... then just pull out the seals?

Thanks
Chris

Um, no.

To remove the valve seals you have to take the valve springs and keepers off. Then you can pull off the old seal. The problem is that at this point there is nothing to hold the valves in place.

I have used compressed air to hold the valves closed when replacing valve seals in automotive work. Never done it on a bike engine but it should work the same, otherwise you have to remove the cylinder head to do the job.

You may be better off pulling the head anyway, if the seals have gone bad it may be time for a valve job too.

Tyler wrote: Um, no.

To remove the valve seals you have to take the valve springs and keepers off. Then you can pull off the old seal. The problem is that at this point there is nothing to hold the valves in place.

I have used compressed air to hold the valves closed when replacing valve seals in automotive work. Never done it on a bike engine but it should work the same, otherwise you have to remove the cylinder head to do the job.

You may be better off pulling the head anyway, if the seals have gone bad it may be time for a valve job too.

+1

I've used compressed air too to keep the valves from dropping on my 350 Chevy engine when replacing seals, but I've never done seals on my bike (yet). Ed

The factory Kawasaki service manual states that you must remove the cylinder head in order to replace the valve guide seals.

Now you wouldn't want to try something that your factory Kawasaki service manual doesn't have in it.

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

+1 on Service Manual ,no matter what you do.

This youtube video shows a guy changing the valve stem seals on a 1980 cb650 without taking off the head, using the rope trick.


I've wanted to try this ,but im still skeptical lol. I assume it is the same logic as when kz650ed used compressed air on his chevy engine to keep valves up?

Thanks Guys

I think its an opportunity to pull the head and lap the valves. Winter project for sure.

Chris