1982 LTD Gas Tank Interchangability

Hi guys. I have an 82 LTD 1000 K2 that doesn't have the original tank. It's close looks-wise, but doesn't have the connector for the gas gauge.

I'm looking for a tank to swap out. Are all the LTD tanks interchangeable in a given year? When I check parts diagrams and cross-reference by year, it looks like the part number is the same with an A/B at the end. It looks like the A/B is for color, but would like some confirmation from someone who knows.
Thanks
Nick

A 440-Ltd tank for example is not going to work on a 1000.
From the diagrams at Kawasaki.com:
Drect fitment:
81 KZ1000-K1 ... (different fuel gauge from the K2).
82 KZ1000-K2

Probable fitment (the tank, frame, & side covers appear to be the same):
81 KZ1000-M1 CSR ... (same fuel gauge as the K1)
82 KZ1000-M2 CSR ... (low fuel switch)

Possible fitment:
82-90 KZ1000-P Police (same fuel gauge as the K2)(part # supersedes to an active part)

The tank I have is actually OK, so maybe I can pursue getting the correct fuel gauge, so thanks for that suggestion.

Keep an eye on the back tab of the tank, there are two different styles. The J models have a tab that is a press-fit into a rubber grommet on the frame, while the CSR and LTD tanks have a hole for a screw-down attachment. I also saw two different styles of fuel gauges when I was searching for my tank. One has 5 screws, the other has 6 screws. The actual sensors are not interchangeable, however I believe both have the same electrical connector. They seemed to use both styles of gauges through the 81-83 model years. If you are only searching for a new gauge, just match up the number of screw holes and you should have no problem.

Also to consider while you're searching... there was an 1100 model made through these years which has a tank that will fit.

Thanks. That really helps. I pulled the tank off tonight to clean the carbs and found the PO had made a plug to mount to the tank to seal it. It has 5 screws so I'll search for a float gauge and sending unit to match the 5 hole pattern. The wiring harness I will plug the sender into is a 2-prong T-connector.

Ah ok so you have the same one as me. You'll find plenty of the units on ebay, but shop around and watch prices, there's a few gems now and then if you're patient. I had the sender, but my tank was beat up -- kept watching for deals and after a few months I found one that was solid without any dings or rust for $125. Thought for sure I was going to find bondo on the tank, but no, its primered but in perfect condition. I just need to fill in the badge holes and I'm ready to paint. I saw a lot of variation on the price of senders as well, some people are trying to make big money and others are just trying to get rid of parts.

Found a fuel gauge with a 5 hole pattern that should work. Is there a gasket or O-ring required to seal up the connection?
Thanks
Nick

The 5 screw gauge requires an o-ring. The stock 82 part with 6 screws uses a gasket.
You can check stuff like this at Kawasaki.com. Once into the diagrams, click the full part number for other info related to the part. If something is listed as Active, it should be available from the dealer.

I received the 5 screw gauge, plugged it in and tested it. Works fine. Installed in the tank with the float pointed forward as it appears in the parts diagram and it must be hitting something because needle won't move to full. This part number is 52005-1022 and looks like its for a 550. I must have a different tank than I thought and maybe require a different part number. Damn. Maybe I can straighten out the arm and make it work...

Well, as much as I didn't want to modify a nice NOS part, I did just that. It took me a bunch of tries but I was able to modify the arm to fit within the tank by bending it a bunch of directions. It works perfectly on Empty and is pretty close on Full.
Nick