Kawasaki

[Fjbj40]

I know for Suzuki we prefer to use nothing other than OEM gaskets, I have always felt that way about all engines I work on.

Anyways I have someone who wants me to do a rebuild on a 82 KZ1000. Needs top end rebuild, carbs rebuilt, electrical work and body parts painted. he has seen my work and I suspect its going to end up being a full rebuild .

Of course he wants to use aftermarket gaskets due to cost, I however recommend OEM. Are the Kawi engines the same way and prefer OEM gaskets? Weird question I know but I have never worked on a Kawi before. Are they as easy as the Suzuki engines?

I read somewhere that head gaskets are a familiar leak area on these engines, I have done some minor research and It seems weird that they use 2 separate head gaskets for the 4 cylinder!

Any areas of concern on the KZ1000's I should have a good look at or be aware of?

Thanks,
Daryl

[eddie21]

KZrider has a thread on the gasket issue. http://www.kzrider.com/forum/2-engin...asket-question

[Nessism]

OEM base gasket.

[Guest]

Many of the first generation Kawi fours used liners that were pressed into the block after being bored instead of being bored in the block. The pressing in some cases caused liner distortion which resulted in excessive oil consumption even when new.
If the engine is burning oil, re-ringing only may not help.

[Fjbj40]

So I have started work on this bike. First step is to rebuild the carbs for a proper assessment of the engine health.

Anyways I have stripped them and put them through the cleaning process, have the bowl gaskets but there seems to be no o-ring supplier that I could find like we have for our Suzuki's.

Anybody have a source other than the dealer for o-rings? Dealer here wants about $35 per carb for the 4 o-rings!

[steve murdoch]

They do mostly early KZ stuff but you might get a contact if they don't have what you need.

http://www.redlinecycle.com/OCIndexmain.html

[rphillips]

I'd think they were the same for the Kawasaki & Suzuki Mukuni 34's. Google cycleoring.com, they will know

[SVSooke]

I'd think they were the same for the Kawasaki & Suzuki Mukuni 34's. Google cycleoring.com, they will know

You would be wrong in that assumption. While they're close the o rings aren't the same.

[rphillips]

That's why I said "I'd think", but I stand behind what I said about cycleoring.com, they will know