1978 KZ650 starter motor gasket - pictures included

Members, my starter problem manifested itself by kicking over and then screeching. Push the button again and it rolls over then screeches. When the screeching begins, the starter stops turning over. I thought it might be a stripped tooth on the planet pinions #19 on the drawing and so I removed the unit for inspection but everything does seem to look okay. The output shaft #20 seems to spin fine now but it did not a first because of some debris in teeth. I’m not sure if the debris is something that fell in as i disassembled the unit or not, but it is clear now. See below questions,

Do you master mechanics suggest I should look elsewhere while I have this unit apart?
The gasket #16 is shot and needs replacing. The picture shows what is left of the gasket. I cannot find a part # online. Can anyone send me this part # or cut me a gasket for a fee? I would cut my own but in 7 years or peddling with these old bikes, I’ve never had to buy the gasket supplies and they’d just go to waste in the storage box. I can provide measurements.

Thanks ahead for any help offered. LexPaul

The problem you describe is indicative of a starter clutch problem rather than a bad starter. The only thing I question is when you state "the starter stops turning over." It seems much more likely that the starter still turns over, but the starter clutch is slipping so the engine does not turn over. If the starter stopped turning I don't believe you would hear the screeching sound.

The starter clutch has several components. The starter clutch gear tends to wear unevenly (see 1st image below) and this can cause the problem you describe. Now take a look at the second image below. To rebuild the starter clutch one should at least replace the 3 springs (10) and the starter clutch gear (14). When the unit is disassembled one also needs to check to see if the starter clutch (9), the 3 pins (11), or the 3 rollers (12) are damaged or worn. If so they should be replaced. Ed

I would say that you are spot on with, the starter still turns over, but the starter clutch is slipping so the engine does not turn over. I will break this down further and see what is up. Thank you very much.

Gasket part# anyone?

Here's a link to KZ650-B2 parts info. Ed

www.kawasaki.com/Parts/PartsDiagrams/1978/KZ650-B2