Magneto/stator oil filled, KZ440

I'm assuming my magneto/stator should not have any oil in it and a seal needs to be replaced... Am I correct thinking that? 82 KZ440 LTD with 16k+ miles.

Don't assume. Lots of bikes use a wet stator. Check your manual and search for an answer. I think the 400/440 uses a wet stator but I'm not positive.

Some models have oil behind the generator cover as there is no oil seal on the end of the crankshaft. Those models usually have a hole in the crankcase for the oil to drain back into the oil pan. I did not see an oil seal for the 440 & from eebbaayy photos, there's a rather large opening at the bottom, which I guess is for the oil to drain back down or to make sure oil gets to the starter clutch. ???

eb - 440 - see pic #7

The full service manual shows no crankshaft seal on the magneto/stator/starter clutch side . Searching in parts lists on

www.cmsnl.com/kawasaki-kz440_model12616/

Sorry, no seal, so you have wet stator = no seal needed
But all parts inside the stator cover should have a oil layer on the surface.

Kz's that have a starter clutch attached to the alternator usually (probably always) have a wet alternator. The oil is for the starter clutch. The alternator does not need oil. The KZ's that have the starter clutch inside the motor cases usually have a bone dry alternator compartment.

The 400/440 have the starter clutch on the alternator, so they will have some oil in the alternator area. It should not be full, just wet. Most of the oil should drain back to the crankcase when stopped.

Thanks for the replies guys. I had a leak from a poor JB Weld fix on the original cover and swapped a good cover on. Wanted to be sure I didn't need to do more work while I was in there. Info much appreciated!

This nice and useful info for me. Thanks guys