KZ900 valve shims Machining

  • slmjim+Z1BEBE
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Re: KZ900 valve shims Machining

25 Jan 2025 06:42
#908275
Nessism post=908255 userid=14026 I look for a used OEM shim, and only use K&L if the size isn't available otherwise.
   Weren't there other vendors selling shims too? How does one discern K&L from other vendors & OEM?  Seems too, that Mama Kaw changed their shim marking protocol some time during Z1 production.

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
An enthusiast's forum focused exclusively
on all things Z1, Z2 and KZ900.

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Re: KZ900 valve shims Machining

25 Jan 2025 07:32 - 25 Jan 2025 07:38
#908277
Kaw-boy 900 post=908260 userid=81101

There is 3 other pages of engine parts...piston rings, rollers, gaskets added.
This bike was also totaly restoted  like a show room bike ! and now...Pristine :)
I am guessing this is the bill for all the previous work done on the bike as there are things like "coat tank" on there plus I see 53.5 hrs service at $80/hr.
It does not take 53 hours to rebuild a Z1 engine, if it does there must have been two guys working on it! I am always suspect of hand written bills on unprofessional letterhead.

The price I mentioned was for a 6 mm overbore and porting pounds of aluminum out of the head.
1978 KZ650B2 w 1197cc Z1 engine
1977 KZ650B1 w 750cc Spectre engine
1979 KZ650C3 w 831cc Hot Rod engine
1978 KZ650C2 w 762cc DFI project
1977 KZ650C1 stock restoration project
1978 KZ650B2 modified project
1978 KZ650B2 Injected Drag 831cc
1980 Z1 Custom Frame Drag 1327cc
1981 Z50R Honda tow bike
Last edit: 25 Jan 2025 07:38 by Injected. Reason: info
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  • sf4t7
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Re: KZ900 valve shims Machining

25 Jan 2025 07:46 - 25 Jan 2025 07:47
#908278
As you stated, that wasn't a bill you had to pay.  Unfortunately now you'll be spending time and money to fix the questionable work done, hopefully it won't be anywhere near the same amount, I'm guessing you can do most of the work yourself.  But when you're done you'll have a cool, sweet running KZ900.

Scotty

1974 Z1A
1015
welded Z1 crank
Andrews 1X Cams
Delkevic 4 into 1
Superbike bars
530 conversion
Last edit: 25 Jan 2025 07:47 by sf4t7.
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Re: KZ900 valve shims Machining

25 Jan 2025 07:54 - 25 Jan 2025 09:21
#908279
@ Injected: Concerning the labour time, I could possibely include the engine and forks polishing, installation of supplied parts from owner, new spokes on rims, paint ??

I don't know much about the bike history as the previous owner had it for one year only and he mentioned that he hadn't ride it much. The restoration was done two years ago, before he got it.

sf4t7 : I'm thinking of bringing the head to a machine shop specializing in high-performance motorcycle head. They are specialised in HD drag racing, Ducati and metric bikes, near montreal.




 
Kawasaki:
S1 250 triple 1973
H1, 500 triple 1975
LTD 1000, 1982
Ninja 1000R 1987
Ninja ZX12R 2006
KZ900 1976.
Yamaha RD 350 1973
Ducati 1098 2007
Harley Softail 2009 For sale !

Mechanic at:
Daytona Motor Montreal.
Kawasaki Center.
Pont Viau Motorcycle.
Chabot Marine & Sport.
Honbec Mtl.
Last edit: 25 Jan 2025 09:21 by Kaw-boy 900.
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  • TexasKZ
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Re: KZ900 valve shims Machining

25 Jan 2025 13:09
#908287
Taking the head to a reputable shop that has experience with these old beasts might be the best choice at this point. Somebody with good skills and much experience will be able to spot potential problem spots much more quickly and certainly than a whole bushel of amateurs. When you get it back and install it, you can move forward with confidence that you will have no problems from that quarter.

This whole scenario is an indication that you should perform all the routine maintenance items with extra care and vigilance.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

www.kzrider.com/11-projects/620336-anoth...uild-thread?start=24

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Re: KZ900 valve shims Machining

25 Jan 2025 14:32
#908289
Thanks Texas KZ,
You read my mind :)  I want do do it right and no worries !. I've read too many story (lot worst than mine) One guy even ground the sterm in place with a grinder....that a nightmare LOL

Here is the machine shop: I dont know that place yet but they have prouven results and solid reputation aurond here.
jprecision.com/metric/

Kawasaki:
S1 250 triple 1973
H1, 500 triple 1975
LTD 1000, 1982
Ninja 1000R 1987
Ninja ZX12R 2006
KZ900 1976.
Yamaha RD 350 1973
Ducati 1098 2007
Harley Softail 2009 For sale !

Mechanic at:
Daytona Motor Montreal.
Kawasaki Center.
Pont Viau Motorcycle.
Chabot Marine & Sport.
Honbec Mtl.

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  • asphalt900
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Re: KZ900 valve shims Machining

Yesterday 16:43
#908298
Good God Injected, of course it takes that minimal amount of time to restore an engine if not more!! What/how do You do Your engines that takes less time?? I see lumps of disrepair everyday, an easy complete 8hr day just cleaning-up a crappy carcass from removal. And that is just blasting the initial crap off. You apparently don't do restorations of the upper crust/drawer. Takes me 5 hours to properly do just a cylinder block and head. Gotta change media along the way, sand to glass, then the real work begins.    
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Re: KZ900 valve shims Machining

Yesterday 17:28
#908299
Good God Injected, of course it takes that minimal amount of time to restore an engine if not more!! What/how do You do Your engines that takes less time?? I see lumps of disrepair everyday, an easy complete 8hr day just cleaning-up a crappy carcass from removal. And that is just blasting the initial crap off. You apparently don't do restorations of the upper crust/drawer. Takes me 5 hours to properly do just a cylinder block and head. Gotta change media along the way, sand to glass, then the real work begins.    
 
I guess I should have specified building the engine with all the finished parts at hand. Your right, I don't do "restorations", all of the bikes I have redone are just lowly riders.
1978 KZ650B2 w 1197cc Z1 engine
1977 KZ650B1 w 750cc Spectre engine
1979 KZ650C3 w 831cc Hot Rod engine
1978 KZ650C2 w 762cc DFI project
1977 KZ650C1 stock restoration project
1978 KZ650B2 modified project
1978 KZ650B2 Injected Drag 831cc
1980 Z1 Custom Frame Drag 1327cc
1981 Z50R Honda tow bike

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