what should my exhaust valves look like?

  • Bama704
  • Bama704's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 202
  • Thanks: 28

what should my exhaust valves look like?

20 Sep 2021 11:29
#855532
I took my Kerker exhaust the other day and wanted to take a picture of what I was looking at.  Looking at these pictures, do you see anything that appears off?  

Cylinder 1 exhaust valve looks different than the other 3.  Since the exhaust is off I'd like to know if I should also take the head off and replace valves.  Or possibly run a can of seafoam in the tank.

 
1977 KZ900
Carbs are late model 1975 28mm

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • zed1015
  • zed1015's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 3130
  • Thanks: 1736

Re: what should my exhaust valves look like?

20 Sep 2021 11:37 - 20 Sep 2021 11:53
#855533
Might be running lean on that cylinder or that valve is not seating fully.
What do your plugs look like, Check compression and valve clearances.
There is also at least one valve seal passing oil.
AIR CORRECTOR JETS FOR VM CARBS AND ETHANOL RESISTANT VITON CHOKE PLUNGER SEAL REPLACMENT FOR ALL CLASSIC AND MODERN MOTORCYCLE CARBURETTORS
www.kzrider.com/23-for-sale/611992-air-c...lide-mikunis?start=0





Last edit: 20 Sep 2021 11:53 by zed1015.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Bama704
  • Bama704's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 202
  • Thanks: 28

Re: what should my exhaust valves look like?

20 Sep 2021 12:38
#855536
All plugs look awful, black and sooty.  I have to change every 200 miles.  I'm getting ready to pull the carbs, ensure float height and drop the pilots down 1 size so this would be the opposite of lean for how the plugs look.  I already have your air corrector jets in, and the funny thing is that the bike runs great all through RPM range.  

I checked valve clearances last year and replaced a few.  Will have to recheck compression.  Why do you say at least 1 valve seal is leaking oil?
1977 KZ900
Carbs are late model 1975 28mm

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • zed1015
  • zed1015's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 3130
  • Thanks: 1736

Re: what should my exhaust valves look like?

20 Sep 2021 12:51
#855537
wrote:
All plugs look awful, black and sooty.  
 Why do you say at least 1 valve seal is leaking oil?
Valve stem is 2nd pic is wet at the guide which will be oil from the leaking stem seal.
Don't touch your pilots they won't be your problem if they are stock size.
Your black soofy plugs are likely to be oil fouled due to worn inlet guide seals or possibly rings but i'd go for stem seals considering the exhaust one is leaking and the inlet ones are subject to oil being drawn down them and into the cylinders on the inlet stroke.
AIR CORRECTOR JETS FOR VM CARBS AND ETHANOL RESISTANT VITON CHOKE PLUNGER SEAL REPLACMENT FOR ALL CLASSIC AND MODERN MOTORCYCLE CARBURETTORS
www.kzrider.com/23-for-sale/611992-air-c...lide-mikunis?start=0





Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • SWest
  • SWest's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • 10 22 2014
  • Posts: 23357
  • Thanks: 2889

Re: what should my exhaust valves look like?

20 Sep 2021 13:31
#855540
I had the same problem and it was the valve guide seals.
steve
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Nessism
  • Nessism's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Posts: 7682
  • Thanks: 3062

Re: what should my exhaust valves look like?

20 Sep 2021 17:12
#855552
Looks too rich.

What kind of gas mileage are you getting?  Pod air filters with big fat jets?

 
Ed
Carb O-ring Kits : www.kzrider.com/forum/3-carburetor/61807...-o-ring-kits?start=0

www.kzrider.com/forum/faq-wiki/618026-new-owner-things-to-know

1981 KZ750E2
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/604901...z750e-project-thread

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Bama704
  • Bama704's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 202
  • Thanks: 28

Re: what should my exhaust valves look like?

20 Sep 2021 17:40
#855554
Thanks for the insight, I will start looking at the fsm and see what doing new valve guide seals entails. 

Nessism, don't know about the gas mileage, I don't keep track.  Yes on the pod filters but I'm at stock jetting except 2 sizes larger on the mains.  I'm not looking for a debate on pods vs airbox.
1977 KZ900
Carbs are late model 1975 28mm

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • z1kzonly
  • z1kzonly's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Sustaining Member
  • Posts: 2825
  • Thanks: 529

Re: what should my exhaust valves look like?

20 Sep 2021 19:48
#855560
It's apart! Bite the bullet! Get a professional valve job. The smog head had nitrated vales, the blackish looking ones. These are low 12,000 miles. Ground valves with a lot of meat on them. Plus they had iron valve guides for long life. It's all crazy money the past couple of years! Years ago, I gave stuff away!
Livin in "CheektaVegas, NY
Went thru 25 of these in 40 yrs.
I SOLD OUT! THE KAW BARN IS EMPTY.
More room for The Old Girl, Harley 75 FLH Electra Glide,
Old faithful! Points ign. Bendix Orig. carb.
Starts everytime!

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Rick H.
  • Rick H.'s Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 840
  • Thanks: 241

Re: what should my exhaust valves look like?

20 Sep 2021 20:15 - 20 Sep 2021 20:30
#855562
wrote:
Thanks for the insight, I will start looking at the fsm and see what doing new valve guide seals entails. 

Nessism, don't know about the gas mileage, I don't keep track.  Yes on the pod filters but I'm at stock jetting except 2 sizes larger on the mains.  I'm not looking for a debate on pods vs airbox.




I didn’t see Ed start a debate on pods versus stock air box. What I read was someone looking for advise with a potential problem and when he didn’t like the response he got somewhat put out.  Plain and simple, Ed asked a question , he didn’t request or initiate a debate. 
Rick H. 



 
Rick H.

1977 Kawasaki KZ-1000A1
Last edit: 20 Sep 2021 20:30 by Rick H..
The following user(s) said Thank You: SWest

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Bama704
  • Bama704's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 202
  • Thanks: 28

Re: what should my exhaust valves look like?

21 Sep 2021 06:44
#855571
Thanks Rick, you are not wrong.  Somedays are better or worse and unfortunately yesterday wasn't my finest.  I took it a certain way based on the countless posts I have seen on pods vs stock airbox.  

I am here, as most are, to gain as much knowledge as possible.  Nessism, sorry to clap back at you based on 1 question.  
1977 KZ900
Carbs are late model 1975 28mm
The following user(s) said Thank You: Rick H.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • slmjim+Z1BEBE
  • slmjim+Z1BEBE's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Enjoy Life! IT HAS AN EXPIRATION DATE!
  • Posts: 1332
  • Thanks: 816

Re: what should my exhaust valves look like?

21 Sep 2021 06:55
#855573
wrote:
It's apart! Bite the bullet! Get a professional valve job. The smog head had nitrated vales, the blackish looking ones. These are low 12,000 miles. Ground valves with a lot of meat on them. Plus they had iron valve guides for long life. It's all crazy money the past couple of years! Years ago, I gave stuff away!
Mmmm... purdy!

Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE
A biker looks at your engine and chrome.
A Rider looks at your odometer and tags.

1973 ('72 builds) Z1 x2
1974 Z1-A x2
1975 Z1-B x2
1993 CB 750 Nighthawk x2
2009 ST1300A

www.kawasaki-z-classik.com/index.html/
A Forum tightly focused on all things Z1 and Z2.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Dr. Gamma
  • Dr. Gamma's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Posts: 1230
  • Thanks: 689

Re: what should my exhaust valves look like?

21 Sep 2021 10:16 - 21 Sep 2021 10:20
#855587
They all look nice and shiny sitting on the bench before you run them.
 

Run them for awhile and they all start to look like this!!!!!!!
 
If your exhaust valves and ports have that nice light tan color to them. It tells you your jetting is pretty close!!!!
1972 H2 750 Cafe Racer built in 1974.
1976 KH400 Production Road Racer.
1979 Kz1000 MK. II Old AMA/WERA Superbike.
1986 RG500G 2 stroke terror.
1986 GSXR750RG The one with the clutch that rattles!

Up in the hills near Prescott, Az.
Last edit: 21 Sep 2021 10:20 by Dr. Gamma.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Nessism

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Powered by Kunena Forum