TOPIC:

Need to replace the head gasket on my '83 KZ550 Spectre. Overheated the engine while working for too long in the driveway trying to fix a high idle situation and didn't think about the air cooled nature of the engine - lesson learned. Got some gray smoke and as small amount of oil leaking from head gasket near the #1 cylinder. No compression in cylinders 1&2 when tested with compression tester. Cylinders 3 & 4 are around 150psi cold. I have already pulled the head and am going to clean up the residue left from the head gasket. Need advice on good head gasket to purchase and where. Pictures of head and head gasket attached.

www.partzilla.com/parts/detail/kawasaki/KP-11004-1212.html

Strongly advised to change the base gasket, valve stem seals, and all the various o-rings and seals in the top end at the same time.

I understand what you are referring to with all the other seals and gaskets, but what is the "base gasket"?

the Base gasket goes under the cylinder. Any time you pull off the head you should also pull the cylinder and change the gasket and seals.

The Kawasaki 11004-1212 head gasket from Partszilla is all metal, unlike the original and works great.

You might want to check your head for warp and skim if necessary. Yours runs 9 or 9.5 :1 the gpz run 10:1 with the same head so a light skim wont have you running on avgas, but go light here. Surface finish is important here too.

Older factory gaskets were a one piece type, later revised part number a three piece laminated.

If your block is stuck tight I would not bother changing the base gasket. It can be a serious job just separating the block if the gasket is stuck solid...so if it s stuck them leave it, if it is loose then replace imo.

If the valve guides are bad it will blue smoke on start up then valve guides oil seals need replacement, it iis worth grinding iin your valves and reshimming your head too. Make sure to measure before you take it apart.

Purchased the head gasket from Partzilla and cleaning up the old gasket from the block and head.