Loosing oil fast, thinking head gaskets

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11 Jul 2017 10:15 #766675 by cthomas
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

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11 Jul 2017 12:49 #766690 by moneypit
Replied by moneypit on topic Loosing oil fast, thinking head gaskets
www.z1enterprises.com/gasket-set-kz1100-81-83-top-end-set.html
Chances are that your valve seals are shot. Are your plugs oily?

2-76 kz900
St Paul MN
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11 Jul 2017 14:23 #766700 by baldy110
Replied by baldy110 on topic Loosing oil fast, thinking head gaskets
How are you checking the oil?

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11 Jul 2017 15:39 #766705 by cthomas
Replied by cthomas on topic Loosing oil fast, thinking head gaskets
@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

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11 Jul 2017 21:55 - 11 Jul 2017 21:58 #766736 by TexasKZ
Replied by TexasKZ on topic Loosing oil fast, thinking head gaskets
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.

1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
Last edit: 11 Jul 2017 21:58 by TexasKZ.

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12 Jul 2017 02:32 #766739 by Z1Driver
Replied by Z1Driver on topic Loosing oil fast, thinking head gaskets
If it's oily on top would it be valve cover gasket?

Blue 1975 Z1B
Red 2009 Concours 14
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12 Jul 2017 06:50 #766756 by TexasKZ
Replied by TexasKZ on topic Loosing oil fast, thinking head gaskets
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.

1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
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12 Jul 2017 07:05 #766757 by cthomas
Replied by cthomas on topic Loosing oil fast, thinking head gaskets
I will post pictures as soon as I get home! thanks for the help so far

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12 Jul 2017 19:37 #766821 by cthomas
Replied by cthomas on topic Loosing oil fast, thinking head gaskets
Oil leaking?
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12 Jul 2017 20:04 - 12 Jul 2017 20:10 #766822 by 650ed
Replied by 650ed on topic Loosing oil fast, thinking head gaskets
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)
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Last edit: 12 Jul 2017 20:10 by 650ed.
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13 Jul 2017 02:30 #766829 by Z1Driver
Replied by Z1Driver on topic Loosing oil fast, thinking head gaskets
Amen on that one. B)

Blue 1975 Z1B
Red 2009 Concours 14

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