KZ550 engine rebuild -which o rings

Hi,
i am rebuilding my KZ/GPZ engine. I lapped the valves , put new valve seals in and gonna replace the gaskets.
I have the 2 oval orings which go between head and cylinders. Are there between crankcase and cylinders also orings that need to be changed?

If yes how many and where? I think there are at least two right around the oil lines. Does someone know the measurements?

What else regarding the oil lines is essential`?

Thanks

Regards Dave

Are you trying to rebuild the engine without using a Kawasaki manual for guidance? Ed

I do have a manual.

two oval O rings on the oil feed nozzles on block/cylinder head, also two O rings around oil feed nozzle at cranckcase/block . You should replace these and get a manualwhich you will likely need when setting cam timing, valve clearances, tourqing down head etc.

I asked because my Kawasaki KZ650 manual is specific about installing new O-rings, how many, etc.. I'm surprised your manual isn't clear on the subject. Ed

ok..check the exploded parts diagrams , all the kz550 have the same oil nozzle O ring arrangement. The later models had an uprated part number (which can and should be retrofitted) the cylinder head nozzles have raised shrouds around them .oil leaks are a common problem here.

I am using zr550 zephyr cylinders because they are mostly in better condition than GPz/kz cylinders here in germany. Can I use the old oil feed nozzles from the GPz? Or is it for some reason better to use the new ones with ears?

I bought the original base and head gasket. Should I put on the base gasket a sealant?

Does anybody know what size the orings between crankcase and cylinders have? I would like to buy Viton rings at a hardware store.

Why not just use the genuine Kawasaki o-rings? That way you will know they will fit and they will last 30+ years. Considering they only cost around $8 for all 4 why take a chance by using unknown parts? Ed

I don't want to wait for kawasaki to get the rings. Viton is a better material.

How long would you need to wait? I usually get special order parts in about 4 days.

Regarding Viton, it is good material, but how much better than the original material can it be in real life terms? My original o-rings still don't leak and they are 37+ years old, so I can't see a practical advantage offered by Viton.

Good luck finding metric o-rings of the correct size and profile for both the nozzle and studs at your local hardware store. Hopefully they will be close enough so they don't leak and require an engine tear-down to replace. Ed