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Low compression, oil out the breather. kz900/1000
- MadShad
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1980 KZ1000 G (z1 classic), fresh paint, new tires, super clean.
I bought it non running, heard it fire on ether.
It's has a frankenstein motor in it, 1976 kz900 bottom end, later model kz1000 cylinder block, a kz900 head (6mm studs) and unknown internals.
I put tires on it went through the carbs, points etc. and got it fired up and running well enough to test ride.
I did a post test ride rejet, coil relay mod and rode it about 40 miles today.
The bike idled and rode well, I could ride at highway speeds no problem, no smoke out of the exhaust, no strange noises. Once the engine was hot it would die at idle and be very hard to restart. There was also a steady stream of oil smoke coming out the breather tube that had been mounted high and rear under the seat. I put a makeshift catch can under the seat and collected about a tablespoon worth of oil in about 40 miles.
While the engine was still warm I did a compression test and the results were not good.
#1 cyl. 130 dry, 150 wet
#2 cyl. 95 dry, 150 wet
#3 cyl 55 dry, 90 wet
#4 cyl. 130 dry 150 wet
Best case in my novice head is rings, hone all around and valve work needed on 2 and 3. This repair would be a pretty big job for me but is kinda next in line on my vintage bike education. The scary part for a novice like me is that it's a complete unknown as far as the internals, guess I won't know until it's open.
Any advice before I tear into this thing? I just want to make sure I'm thinking about this correctly before I create a huge project.
Shelbyville, Indiana. '80 KZ1000
No more of that talk or I'll put the leeches on you, understand?
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- 650ed
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1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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- missionkz
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#1 thing to do "right now" if no.
Bruce
1977 KZ1000A1
2016 Triumph T120 Bonneville
Far North East Metro Denver Colorado
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- MadShad
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This combined with the higer compression readings "wet" is what lead me to think rings instead of valves, although I've not checked valve adjustment.
I'll check on leakdown equipment tomorrow,
Shelbyville, Indiana. '80 KZ1000
No more of that talk or I'll put the leeches on you, understand?
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- SWest
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- 10 22 2014
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Steve
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- MadShad
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At this point if the problem is confined to the head I'll feel a little better about it.
I'll post pics and results.
Thanks again!
Shelbyville, Indiana. '80 KZ1000
No more of that talk or I'll put the leeches on you, understand?
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- TexasKZ
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A genuine Kawasaki factory service manual will be invaluable for either job, even on a Frankenbike.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
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- Nessism
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- MadShad
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I was due to get one that would require a bit more work, the things learned on the previous bikes gives me the confidence to tear into this one.
The bike is in great condition, it was priced well and I doubt I'll ever find a better keeper for the money I have to work with.
I'm sure I'll have tons of questions. The bike deserves to have the money spent and the work done. This is my first "big bike" and if it runs this well wounded I'll love it when its fixed.
My Factory service manual in the mail.
Shelbyville, Indiana. '80 KZ1000
No more of that talk or I'll put the leeches on you, understand?
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- MadShad
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Shelbyville, Indiana. '80 KZ1000
No more of that talk or I'll put the leeches on you, understand?
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- Nessism
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MadShad wrote: What diameter valve shims does the 900 head take?
Z1 Enterprises sells shims and has information about size.
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- SWest
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MadShad wrote: What diameter valve shims does the 900 head take?
29mm. jetsrus.com/valve/valve_shims.html
\Steve
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