Z1b Oil Cooler Upgrade/Relocation

Ok so here we are on my quest for "kaizen" (continuous improvement).

I'd like to upgrade the oil cooler as well as it's location.

Here's where it is currently, behind the side cover, as done by the previous owner years ago and seemingly a not uncommon placement back in the 70's/80's:


The stock mounting bracket is taken over by the rickman fairing stops (at the top of the photo):


Anyone have any suggestions? I kind of like the look of the oil coolers mounted on the tail... behind the rider, but I don't really want to drill holes in my plastics.



I'd like to look into upgrading the cooler to a derale or lockhart period piece as well as braided lines too.

any ideas are greatly appreciated.

Why not either use the same mounting bolts for the fairing bracket or weld appropriate tabs the the bracket itself?

Later, Doug

I was thinking that... taking a oil cooler bracket and bending it out a bit so it fits over the steering stop bracket. unless I just cut an oil cooler bracket down the middle and widen it 1/4" so it fits perfectly.

It would be better in the wind up front. That's where I had mine. Too bad I didn't remount it and lost the fittings in the fire. Now I have to find some.
Steve

If your engine is stock ....8.5.1 comp. You don't need one. If u want for looks then u need to play with it till u get an idea of a bracket.
By the way nice looking motorcycle.

thanks!

I'm on my first overbore, still doing the break in process. The weather here in KY is starting to get hot so I'd like to make sure I'm keeping
things cool (without overcooling obviously)

Overbore....? U talking about .5 or 1mm over....and is it at same as original 8.5 to 1 comp. If so then it will be ok.
I drove my 77kz1000 in South Texas for 12 years ...over 56k miles. Use to take it to the drag races and run it hard on the streets. Only thing ever needed where the valve seals.

For reference, here's a pic of the Lockhart oil cooler with its mounting components as supplied by the manufacturer:


Mounting options include eye bolts directly to the cooler or to a simple plate onto which the cooler is attached.

Eye bolts directly to cooler:


Eye bolts to plate to cooler:



Bare braided hoses are prone to rub against and damage painted and metal parts.
Would recommend using the type of braided hoses that have a soft clear covering.

The black rubber hoses virtually disappear when routed under the tank along the frame rails.

My Lockhart oil coolers don't have a means to regulate the extent of cooling, but I've not experienced -- or never noticed -- an over-cooling condition.

I concur with others' opinions that a cooler isn't necessary with stock engines supplied by Kawasaki without them. But back in the 70's, they were a very popular aftermarket accessory.

Good Fortune!

appreciate the advice and the pictures!

I've seen people use bypasses for the oil coolers so as to not use them until the oil temps reach certain levels... but that's some next level stuff I don't really want to bother with.

It seems I remember reading somewhere that these engines actually had very low oil preessure, something on the order of 5-10 PSI ????
IF and I repeat IF that is correct.... it would seem to me that a cooler would be counter -productive??
Not saying I have all the answers!!....I bet Patton, 650Ed , SWEST or Jeff or Larry knows and will respond!
Curiosity Piqued!
Ed

The primary purpose of oil is for cooling. On some motors a cooler is a must. The more that's done to it creates more heat. A stock 8.5/1 motor can get along fine without one. The more ponies it puts out, the more need for a cooler.
Steve

The low pressure is more than enough to lube the roller bearings throughout the motor (including needle bearings where the rods' lower ends attach to the crankshaft).

There's a large volume of oil being pumped at 2.8 psi.

I don't know how many gallons per minute. But learned the hard way when starting the engine with a detached oil hose. Which poured what seemed like at least a quart onto the garage floor within a second or two. :pinch:

Good Fortune!