83 KZ1100 shaft head and base gasket leak

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22 Jan 2018 18:52 #777606 by jdvorchak
My KZ1100, with 27k miles, is leaking oil from the head gasket and the cylinder base gasket. The entire engine was covered with a light film of oil/road grime when my son brought it over. He rides the heck out of it trying to keep up with his crotch rocket buddies. So I rode it to breakfast today and it runs great. Then took it to the car wash to clean the engine so I could spot the source of the leak. Dried it off and rode it about 5 more miles before I put it on the lift. I can see fresh oil on the front of the engine from the center of the head gasket and center of the base gasket. I should have taken some photos.

Here is what I've done so far.
pulled the spark plugs. All a look lean but #4 carboned up. No sign of burning oil. I'll have to address this later.

re-torqued the head nuts, all but one between 2 and 3 on the 3 side, were still tight. That one was only slightly loose. About 1/16 turn to torque to 29 ft lb. The two outside bolts were also a little loose but not leaking there.

All valve cover bolts were loose but it's not leaking from the valve cover.

Plan to run compression test tomorrow to see what's up if anything.

Ok long winded but here is my question:
If replacing the head and base gasket would you guys go ahead and just do rings and have the valves gone over? If compression is good and the bike does run well with no smoke would you just replace the gaskets and leave well enough alone. I probably will sell the bike in the next year so longevity is not a concern.

Thoughts?

Don't fix it until it's broken.
John

83 KZ550M1
83 KZ1100LTD

Also own:
2010 Harley Ultra Classic Limited, 2008 Harley low rider 71 CB350/sidecar

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22 Jan 2018 18:56 #777607 by jdvorchak
Replied by jdvorchak on topic 83 KZ1100 shaft head and base gasket leak
I forgot to mention that I did the valve lash summer of 16 about 3k miles ago. Still anxious to see what compression check shows.

Don't fix it until it's broken.
John

83 KZ550M1
83 KZ1100LTD

Also own:
2010 Harley Ultra Classic Limited, 2008 Harley low rider 71 CB350/sidecar

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  • SWest
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  • 10 22 2014
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22 Jan 2018 18:56 #777608 by SWest
Replied by SWest on topic 83 KZ1100 shaft head and base gasket leak
Common leaks. I'd change the valve guide seals while in there.
Steve

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22 Jan 2018 18:58 #777609 by jdvorchak
Replied by jdvorchak on topic 83 KZ1100 shaft head and base gasket leak
Thanks Steve, What about the upper end rebuild or just replace gaskets?

Don't fix it until it's broken.
John

83 KZ550M1
83 KZ1100LTD

Also own:
2010 Harley Ultra Classic Limited, 2008 Harley low rider 71 CB350/sidecar

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  • SWest
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • 10 22 2014
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22 Jan 2018 19:03 #777610 by SWest
Replied by SWest on topic 83 KZ1100 shaft head and base gasket leak
You'll see when you get in there. Be sure you get all the carbon dust and crud out of the bores. It will scratch the hell out of them.
Steve
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22 Jan 2018 19:12 #777613 by jdvorchak
Replied by jdvorchak on topic 83 KZ1100 shaft head and base gasket leak
Good tip. I have in the past spun the pistons to TDC and wire brushed them then vacuum up the dust. Never thought about the carbon scratching the bores. It just made sense to me to clean it up thereby reducing the crude falling into the crank case.

Don't fix it until it's broken.
John

83 KZ550M1
83 KZ1100LTD

Also own:
2010 Harley Ultra Classic Limited, 2008 Harley low rider 71 CB350/sidecar

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22 Jan 2018 20:07 #777615 by Nessism
Replied by Nessism on topic 83 KZ1100 shaft head and base gasket leak
Unless compression is low I'd reuse the rings considering you are going to sell the bike. I'd replace the valve stem seals as Steve mentions. Stay away from Athena gaskets unless you like to redo the work.
The following user(s) said Thank You: jdvorchak, SWest

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