KZ550 Head Gasket

  • missionkz
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Re: KZ550 Head Gasket

14 Jul 2015 11:17
#680820
CAUTION:
If you do measure valve lash on the bench... only install one cam at a time and make sure you prop the head up from the bench on each side by and inch or so... other wise you'll drive the valves right into the table top and bend one!!
Bruce
1977 KZ1000A1
2016 Triumph T120 Bonneville
Far North East Metro Denver Colorado

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Re: KZ550 Head Gasket

14 Jul 2015 11:52
#680822
missionkz wrote: CAUTION:
If you do measure valve lash on the bench... only install one cam at a time and make sure you prop the head up from the bench on each side by and inch or so... other wise you'll drive the valves right into the table top and bend one!!
Yes! The valves willhit if both are installed whie bench-shimming.

10mm ratchet wrench works great for me on those bolts, and nuts. They are easier to get to with the exhaust removed, which is what you have to do anyways. No oil cooler on your model, right?
'85 GPz550(ZX550-A2)

GPz550 Base Manual --> tinyurl.com/ze5b3qo
GPz550 Supplement Manual --> tinyurl.com/h34d2o6
GPz550.com --> www.nwsca.com/scripts/gpz_forum_2005/default.asp
First Race Win GPz550 --> tinyurl.com/o5y3ftp

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  • SWest
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Re: KZ550 Head Gasket

14 Jul 2015 13:54
#680832
At least buy Viton valve stem seals. The ones in there are dried out and will leak after a while. Good time to lap the valves. You can see how well they seal or not. If you're going to replace the base gasket, I'd put in new rings. You could reuse them like I did but I'm still burning a little oil. I'm putting in my new Wiseco's soon so it didn't matter.
Steve.
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229

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  • missionkz
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Re: KZ550 Head Gasket

14 Jul 2015 17:38
#680876
Are the aftermarket valve stem seals as purchased from vendors such as found on the NET like Z1 Ent. Inc... inferior?
Wish I would have know that if yes.

I just looked... holy crap those Vitons seals are EXPENSIVE!!!!
Bruce
1977 KZ1000A1
2016 Triumph T120 Bonneville
Far North East Metro Denver Colorado

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  • nickleo373
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Re: KZ550 Head Gasket

14 Jul 2015 17:43
#680877
I'll pick up valve seals for it too. I figure I'm already further into this bike than I was planning to go so I may as well do it all. I pulled the cylinders off today and got rid of the old base gasket. Anyone have any tips to get the cylinders back on when my new gaskets come in the mail? Also am I supposed to use some kind of sealant on the base and head gasket?
1981 KZ550C LTD
"If you ain't first, you're last"

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Re: KZ550 Head Gasket

14 Jul 2015 19:16
#680892
If you are going to reuse the rings, you need to hone the cylinders first. How many miles?
Steve
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229

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Re: KZ550 Head Gasket

14 Jul 2015 19:23
#680894
The bike just rolled over to 10,000 last week right before I took it apart
1981 KZ550C LTD
"If you ain't first, you're last"

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Re: KZ550 Head Gasket

14 Jul 2015 19:32
#680898
Run a hone or bottle brush through it.
Steve
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229

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Re: KZ550 Head Gasket

14 Jul 2015 19:40
#680901
Am I looking to repair any scratches or just clean any debris out? I was feeling the inside of the cylinders when I removed them and they are completely smooth.
1981 KZ550C LTD
"If you ain't first, you're last"

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Re: KZ550 Head Gasket

14 Jul 2015 21:06
#680915
That's the problem. When you disturb them, the rings aren't in the same places. A hone will make the rings seat like on a new bike. If you don't, there's a good chance you will burn oil and have lower compression.
Steve
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229

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Re: KZ550 Head Gasket

15 Jul 2015 12:02
#681007
Ohh got it. That makes sense. I was referred to a machine shop by the guy who repairs my cars. I'll give them a call tomorrow. I got an email from Z1 saying my versah gasket kit was out of stock until early August at the soonest. I found another kit from Niche Cycles in St. Petersburg, FL. Does anyone have any experience with them? Are the Versah gaskets a better quality and worth the wait?
www.nichecycle.com/ncs/categories/engine...lete-gasket-set.html
1981 KZ550C LTD
"If you ain't first, you're last"

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Re: KZ550 Head Gasket

15 Jul 2015 12:52
#681010
I have a thread on gaskets. I'd buy only the ones I need. Also the Viton valve guide seals. The vesera gaskets are the ones with the green base gasket. If it is don't buy.
Steve
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229

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