O-rings: Best ones to use & installing...

I will likely R&R the cylinder head on my J-motor over the winter. Along with the head-gaskets and center gasket, there's special rubber o-rings positioned at the four outer-most cylinder stud locations, intended to provide the seal against oil leakage where the oil flows through the head gaskets to valve-train components in the head. Three of the four have done their job.

The special Genuine Kawasaki O-rings have an oval-shaped cross section, and I'm wondering if anyone has tried using viton or silicone O-ring alternatives?

Otherwise, regarding the cleaning of rubber parts. Should special attention be given to these special O-rings, before placing them and squashing them with the head? Also, would a light application of "sealer" help the O-rings seal best? I want the longest-lasting assembly possible, this time around.
Thanks in advance for suggestions.

daveo, there is a thread going, about cleaning O rings in the carburetor section
Pete

Changed subject for clarification.

If you can't find something else you want to try, I believe the genuine article is still available. Ed

www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDetails.aspx?i...Head&item=92055-1148

no sealer and use GENUINE orings.

650ed wrote: If you can't find something else you want to try, I believe the genuine article is still available. Ed

www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDetails.aspx?i...Head&item=92055-1148

Wondering exactly what O-rings the professional engine builders are using, and the recommended process for installing them.
Thanks!

I'm no pro, but I wouldn't use anything but a kawasaki o-ring. precise sizing is critical for them to seal. installation is easy, clean the seat area install new o-ring.

I wouldn't worry about them being "Kawasaki" parts just the correct Part No.
Kawasaki is not in the o-ring manufacturing business, they source these from an o-ring manufacturer to their specifications, if a reputable o-ring supplier has the correct Part No. I'd use it without hesitation... they probably made the part for Kawasaki :ohmy:

Well, it should be Genuine Kawasaki, meaning they sourced the part, not made it like most parts they used. Buying aftermarket, or using O-rings that come in some gasket kits is a bad idea ( most of the time). You can buy metric size O-rings a lot of places ( www.mcmaster.com ) or your local hardware store, but Kawasaki parts will be the correct size, diameter, and firmness to seal.

The point is that O-rings are such an inexpensive part, and if they don't seal the work and cost to replace them is so high - its best to get part that you know will work. That said Z 1 Enterprises has done a very through job of sourcing the correct parts as well and they have the correct equivalents as well as many OEM originals.