Oil leak
- Yetanotherkzrider
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Oil leak
28 Jun 2016 20:12
After rebuilding the top end a few weak ago I've developed a new oil leak. It doesn't seem to be coming from the base or head gaskets, and the only oil is on the left hand side fins, and front of the engine. Not sure what to do.
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- SWest
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Re: Oil leak
28 Jun 2016 20:22
A better pic of the head and barrels?
Steve
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
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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- Yetanotherkzrider
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Re: Oil leak
28 Jun 2016 20:28
The yellowish spots are pools of oil sitting atop the fins. There's a small gap in the front where the head meets the jugs. Maybe that's part of the problem? There's also oil on the front of the alternator cover. Maybe the alt cover is leaking, and the oil is blowing upward and onto the fins.
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Re: Oil leak
28 Jun 2016 20:35
Could be the tach drive or the O ring around the cam chain tunnel.
Steve
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
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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- Yetanotherkzrider
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Re: Oil leak
28 Jun 2016 20:42
Makes sense that the o ring could have slipped up a little, and it would explain that gap. I did replace the tach seal but I'll take a look at it to make sure.
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- missionkz
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Re: Oil leak
28 Jun 2016 20:48
Hmmm, Looks like classic, cam chain channel O'ring leak to me.
Bruce
1977 KZ1000A1
2016 Triumph T120 Bonneville
Far North East Metro Denver Colorado
1977 KZ1000A1
2016 Triumph T120 Bonneville
Far North East Metro Denver Colorado
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Re: Oil leak
28 Jun 2016 20:50
I had one leak almost immediately. I now use a Cometic one piece head gasket. No leaks. 
Steve
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
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: Oil leak
28 Jun 2016 22:17
Me too. 3000 miles now and bone dry.
Bruce
1977 KZ1000A1
2016 Triumph T120 Bonneville
Far North East Metro Denver Colorado
1977 KZ1000A1
2016 Triumph T120 Bonneville
Far North East Metro Denver Colorado
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- daveo
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Re: Oil leak
29 Jun 2016 14:02Yetanotherkzrider wrote: Makes sense that the o ring could have slipped up a little, and it would explain that gap. I did replace the tach seal but I'll take a look at it to make sure.
The gap between the head and cylinder block at the front (and rear) of the motor is equivalent to the compressed head gasket thickness, and is no reason for concern. My engine has no oil leaking from that gap.
Before doing anything else, I would wash off the leaked oil with an old gas dipped paint brush when the engine is cool, and observe closely for it to show up while riding. That will help you identify the exact cause without speculating.
1982 KZ1100-A2/1170 sleeper 😀
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