'75 KZ400s blowing smoke

[TowMaster]

As said, I have a 1975 Kz400s that was kinda handed down to me, I've had a son of a gun time restoring it all pretty, only to have a rod bearing seize, then the hunt was on for a new crankshaft, etc... So, she's all back together and I got her running. Shut her off after a few minutes, and started her up the next day...now she's just pouring white smoke out of the exhaust. Novapor from breather, and compression check shows 150psi plus or minus 2psi. So, Can't be the rings either. It's only the right side getting oil in the combustion chamber. At first I forgot that sides o-ring in the head gasket...so i had to pull it back apart and I got some new orings (couldnt find the originals ovular ones anywhere, but got some that should be more than fine, and replaced both sides with these). My next hunch was a sticking valve...and my right cyl. intake valve was too tight, but now it's good. I've read other bikes as maybe having a leaky valve stem? Please, I need help before I throw this thing in my pond!!!!
Thanks, Justin

P.S. every so often it will start up and idle nice and no smoke, but inevitably the RPM's will speed up on their own and bring on the smoke....

[MFolks]

Ask over here as they have a bunch of Kawasaki twin engined riders:
THE KAWASAKI TWIN OWNERS FORUM :: Index

[TowMaster]

No luck over there, in fact, a worse response. It's not like my problem is specific to the bike, at least I don't think...

[MFolks]

Valve guides can wear, but I believe what your seeing is the result of valve stem seals getting hard and not controlling the oil.Kawasaki made a lot of interchangeable parts to save money on these bikes.

Try going to some websites that might be able to help you:

1.Z1 Enterprises, Inc. - Specializing in Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Parts
2.APE
3.Redline Cycle Service, Inc. - Homepage
4.DYNOMAN PERFORMANCE - motorcycle performance products
5.KZ Zone

[TowMaster]

I got the head off, and the side that has the oil leak has horrible carbon deposits all over the valves and combustion chamber...not cool. So I tried pulling the valve keepers off to get to the valve seal, and quickly learned I had no idea what I was doing. Is there an easy way to get those suckers out? I've heard of using nice big basic c-clamps to get em off, but I haven't had any luck. My parts store only has the overhead style compressor which I've been warned against, any suggestions?

-Justin

[StarGate]

You're going to have to have a valve spring compressor of some sort. I made my own from a large c clamp and a deep-well socket. It took some welding and cutting but it works pretty good. I had some pics of it but can't find them atm.

[TowMaster]

Well, got a wierd valve keeper tool from my uncle and went to start on her...but I don't think that will be entirely necessarry. I saw a mar in my right cyl(the one thats gettin oil), and its bad enough i can feel it well with my finger. But the compression is flawless???Odd. What can i do gentleman? I would probably bore it and get oversized rings, but where in the lord am I gonna get those??? And do I need to go that far?

[TowMaster]

FINALLY got those valves out, but the seals aren't dried up or cracked or anything, they really seem perfectly fine. i think my problem is from the little o-rings that go inside the clown-shaped head gasket. The ones that go around the little oil-galleys. After i first pulled the head i couldn't find the one that went on the right cylinder, which is the leaker. So I got some that I thought would be fine from McMaster-Carr...but I still had the problem. is there anywhere I can find these little buggers? I couldn't find them at z1enterprises or the like.

[MFolks]

Try plumbing supply stores and car speed shops. Sometimes you get them for free.

[TowMaster]

Do I need to bust out the calipers and measure all the dimensions of those holes though? they' re rather ovular ringlets.

[StarGate]

Did you call Z1enterprises and talk to Jeff or Rob or you just didn't see them listed on the site?

[TowMaster]

I just didn't see them on any of those sites MFolks was kind enough to provide links for. I'm taking it I should call and talk to Jeff or Rob, ha.