break-in period after replacing head/base gasket?

Hey all,
So I just replaced the head on my 550. While I was in there I replaced the base gasket. I reused the old piston rings when I buttoned everything back up. Do I need to do a break in period, even if the rings aren't new? I'm assuming yes, but I'm not sure what that entails (rpm limits? for how long?)

Thanks

I would have to say no, others will chime in shortly. You did't hone the cylinders or replace the rings there is nothing to break in.

I think you need to re torque the head after a good run in. but not so much a break in. The only thing is that the rings may not be positioned exactly where they were prior so some seating may have to take place.

bountyhunter wrote: I think you need to re torque the head after a good run in. but not so much a break in. The only thing is that the rings may not be positioned exactly where they were prior so some seating may have to take place.

Is it recommended to rearrange the piston rings to the patterns suggested in the Kawasaki service manual, before reinstalling the cylinder block?

daveo wrote:

bountyhunter wrote: I think you need to re torque the head after a good run in. but not so much a break in. The only thing is that the rings may not be positioned exactly where they were prior so some seating may have to take place.

Is it recommended to rearrange the piston rings to the patterns suggested in the Kawasaki service manual, before reinstalling the cylinder block?

Yes, they do specify the pattern. But, some of us lesser skilled mechanics have them wander a bit while we are fighting the cylinder back on..... :laugh:

If all you have done is renew the gaskets then use the bike as normal .
Just re-torque the head after the first heat cycle and then a few hundred miles later.
Ring gap positioning isn't crucial as they rotate around the piston/bore in use and periodically line up anyhow but to assemble them staggered is regarded as good engineering practice,

You might have a problem. To re use rings is generally a no no. If you do, a cross hatch is recomended. Now it's together hopefully they will seat. Check for blow by from your breather tube. It can run but you might start burning oil. I did it in my terrable twentys, glazed the rings and it didn't run quite right and I was burning oil. A friend suggested my running ATF in it for a short while. I did and the white smoke made me dump the ATF and put in new oil. Maybe it helped but I still burned oil untill I did a 1015 overbore. You might try to put in some Marvel Mystery oil if you do have blow by. I've used it on things that have sat for years. It seems to work. Good luck.
Steve

Thanks all. The bike seems to be running well so far - no smoke or noticeable oil loss. We'll see...

Good for you. Glad to hear it.
Steve

swest wrote: You might have a problem. To re use rings is generally a no no. If you do, a cross hatch is recomended. Now it's together hopefully they will seat. Check for blow by from your breather tube. It can run but you might start burning oil. I did it in my terrable twentys, glazed the rings and it didn't run quite right and I was burning oil. A friend suggested my running ATF in it for a short while. I did and the white smoke made me dump the ATF and put in new oil. Maybe it helped but I still burned oil untill I did a 1015 overbore. You might try to put in some Marvel Mystery oil if you do have blow by. I've used it on things that have sat for years. It seems to work. Good luck.
Steve

If you are putting the same used rings in the same used bores I do not see any problem if everything was in spec and not damaged.

I read a lot of conflicting opinions about whether it's OK to reuse old rings. I took a chance and so far so good.

One thing I don't understand is what people mean by the rings "seating." Rings are constantly moving up and down the cylinder with the piston. What does seating mean in that context? And why/how would they fail to seat?

Seating is when the rings wear the cylinder wall to match their circumference for a perfect seal. Rings that don't seal properly glaze the walls and then you have an engine that burns oil.