Loosing oil fast, thinking head gaskets
- cthomas
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
-

Registered
- Posts: 4
- Thanks: 0
Loosing oil fast, thinking head gaskets
11 Jul 2017 10:15
I have a 1983 KZ1100 LTD and I have been losing oil very quickly recently, I have been having to re-add oil basically every week. I don't see anything leaking under it so I think I am burning it. There is oil residue on the top of the engine so I think it is the head gaskets. Where can I get these gaskets online, i cant seem to find for my specific bike, do other models work?
Please let me know what everyones thoughts are! I really wouldn't know how to fix this either, I have a basic idea. I will add pictures asap
Please let me know what everyones thoughts are! I really wouldn't know how to fix this either, I have a basic idea. I will add pictures asap
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- moneypit
-
- Offline
- User
-

Registered
- Posts: 389
- Thanks: 35
Re: Loosing oil fast, thinking head gaskets
11 Jul 2017 12:49
www.z1enterprises.com/gasket-set-kz1100-81-83-top-end-set.html
Chances are that your valve seals are shot. Are your plugs oily?
Chances are that your valve seals are shot. Are your plugs oily?
2-76 kz900
St Paul MN
St Paul MN
The following user(s) said Thank You: GPz550D1, cthomas
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- baldy110
-
- Offline
- User
-

Registered
- Posts: 2272
- Thanks: 512
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- cthomas
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
-

Registered
- Posts: 4
- Thanks: 0
Re: Loosing oil fast, thinking head gaskets
11 Jul 2017 15:39
@baldy110 just looking through the viewing window on the engine case, not to mention that my oil pressure light goes on when i try and start it to alert me
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- TexasKZ
-
- Offline
- Platinum Member
-

Registered
- Posts: 8405
- Thanks: 2789
Re: Loosing oil fast, thinking head gaskets
11 Jul 2017 21:55 - 11 Jul 2017 21:58
The oil pressure light is supposed to come on when you turn on the key and may stay on a second or two after starting. It does not indicate oil level.
Are you checking with the bike on its center stand and after the engine has been off for a while?
Burning oil in the cylinders will not leavr residue on top. Perhaps you could post a picture or two.
Are you checking with the bike on its center stand and after the engine has been off for a while?
Burning oil in the cylinders will not leavr residue on top. Perhaps you could post a picture or two.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD slowly moving toward resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/620336...amateur-build-thread
1981 KZ1000 LTD slowly moving toward resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/620336...amateur-build-thread
Last edit: 11 Jul 2017 21:58 by TexasKZ.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Z1Driver
-
- Offline
- User
-

Registered
- love the smell of triple smoke
- Posts: 301
- Thanks: 55
Re: Loosing oil fast, thinking head gaskets
12 Jul 2017 02:32
If it's oily on top would it be valve cover gasket?
Blue 1975 Z1B
Red 2009 Concours 14
Red 2009 Concours 14
The following user(s) said Thank You: cthomas
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- TexasKZ
-
- Offline
- Platinum Member
-

Registered
- Posts: 8405
- Thanks: 2789
Re: Loosing oil fast, thinking head gaskets
12 Jul 2017 06:50
Maybe. There are several possibilities, which is why it is best to identify the source before randomly replacing gaskets that may be fine.
One method is to carefully clean the engine, then cover it lightly with baby powder or foot powder. Start the engine and let it idle until warm. Shut it off before it overheats. The leak should be pretty obvious as it discolors the powder . Wash off the powder and repair the leak. Be happy.
A couple of pictures may help one of the experienced folk around here narrow the possibilities.
One method is to carefully clean the engine, then cover it lightly with baby powder or foot powder. Start the engine and let it idle until warm. Shut it off before it overheats. The leak should be pretty obvious as it discolors the powder . Wash off the powder and repair the leak. Be happy.
A couple of pictures may help one of the experienced folk around here narrow the possibilities.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD slowly moving toward resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/620336...amateur-build-thread
1981 KZ1000 LTD slowly moving toward resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/620336...amateur-build-thread
The following user(s) said Thank You: cthomas
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- cthomas
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
-

Registered
- Posts: 4
- Thanks: 0
Re: Loosing oil fast, thinking head gaskets
12 Jul 2017 07:05
I will post pictures as soon as I get home! thanks for the help so far
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- cthomas
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
-

Registered
- Posts: 4
- Thanks: 0
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- 650ed
-
- Offline
- User
-

Registered
- Posts: 15334
- Thanks: 2832
Re: Loosing oil fast, thinking head gaskets
12 Jul 2017 20:04 - 12 Jul 2017 20:10
That is not a cylinder head gasket leak. The head gasket is considerably lower than the oily area shown in your picture. Take a close look at the engine. You will see that the cylinder head sits on top of the cylinders and that joint is where the head gasket is. The leak shown in your pictures appears to be from either the cylinder head COVER gasket or possible the cam end plugs. Both of those are about a million times easier and cheaper to fix than a leaking head gasket. Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
Last edit: 12 Jul 2017 20:10 by 650ed.
The following user(s) said Thank You: cthomas
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Z1Driver
-
- Offline
- User
-

Registered
- love the smell of triple smoke
- Posts: 301
- Thanks: 55
Re: Loosing oil fast, thinking head gaskets
13 Jul 2017 02:30
Amen on that one.
Blue 1975 Z1B
Red 2009 Concours 14
Red 2009 Concours 14
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Moderators: Street Fighter LTD
