83 KZ1100 A3 restoration (eventually)

Over my few years of membership here I have posted a few questions for working on my 1100 (thank you everyone for the help). I figured I should start a working thread for the bike since my ultimate goal is a full resto. I haven't started any restoration quality work to it since I've bought it, but it will forever be on my list. When I first got the bike the head gasket was leaking oil and #3 spark plug threads are slightly messed up. I am currently on a tight budget, but I previously bought all the gaskets I should need. Base gasket, head gaskets (2 of the 2 piece), valve cover gasket, center o-ring, cam end caps, and valve seals. I am going to try to clean up parts like I'm actively restoring the bike when I take them apart. This way it will be easier when I am ready to do a full disassembly to get the frame cleaned up.

Is there any parts I am missing for doing the top end? I should have all the tools needed.

The first one you might have seen before. It's one of the first pics I ever took of it. The second is a few years old, but reflects how it sits right now pretty well. I started to put some side cases from a goldwing on. I have since decided to take it off, but I have to buy a new turn signal first. It is really convenient to store a quart of oil in though since it does leak :laugh:

Thanks for sharing M_A_T_T

I was brushing up on the R&R procedure for the head and realized I don't have a valve spring compressor. Is there a way to remove the keepers besides using the tool referenced in the manual? It's just the "regular" kind. It looks like I could modify a big c-clamp if I had too.

A large Harbor Freight C-clamp and modified piece of PCV pipe will work. Here is an older thread about valve spring compressors including some photos of what I'm talking about... kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/197012-valve-spring-compressor

Realize of course that you can purchase one for $24 shipped... www.amazon.com/OrionMotorTech-Compressor...5?crid=2SCT8VEEH8INU

For gaskets, you will probably need an oil pan, transmission cover and alternator cover gasket. They usually tear when dismantling. You might also want to pick up the dampers that go under the top cam chain idler.

hardrockminer wrote: For gaskets, you will probably need an oil pan, transmission cover and alternator cover gasket. They usually tear when dismantling. You might also want to pick up the dampers that go under the top cam chain idler.

If he is only doing the top end this time around, he shouldn't need those gaskets, and the J engine does not have a cam chain idler sprocket. If you mean the rubbing blocks, I would be tempted to inspect the old ones before replacing them, especially if he may go back into the engine at a later date. . I bet a cam chain adjuster gasket would be a good idea, though.