Just snagged a gr8 deal on an ZL900 eliminator. Crank case has a broken piece thats protruding inwards. I want to flush the motor out (thinking diesel) by pumping it continuously thru the top and slowly turning the motor until the cam chains look good.. any ideas on this?

What oil do u recommend for Washington summers?

Also, ive heard these bikes can give problems starting - not sure if this is true.. worth getting iridiums? Any experience here?

And lastly - Ive also read they can suffer from over charging. Apparently i need to volt test the sense wire to alternator - is this a common problem on the A1 models?

thanks!

 

That sounds spendy.

I ran amsoil in the OMRRA events and also street use.

Not really sure if the starting concerns will be solved with the plug change, but I do like the iridiums on all of my rides so far.


Welcome to KF

 

Agree on the diesel flush. You can either do a static flush (engine non-running; fill and flush) or add about 2 cups to the oil in the crankcase and idle for about 10-15 minutes. There are also some flush-specific products on the market, but plain 'ol diesel has worked fine for me.

Will pass on the "oil thread" question.

Iridiums? IMHO, they give you a more consistent spark over time (less electrode wear)...they don't necessarily provide a hotter or "better" spark. If you need a hotter spark, check your heat range rating, but BE CAREFUL. I would (instead) focus on the quality of the spark/charging/electrical system.

Welcome, Fsta!!

 

gr8 guys thanks. Yeah I was hoping to get by with a jbweld fix but after looking at the damage the head cracked all the way down to the jugs - thats why i was thinking of a flush but now that the heads coming off (LAST bolt wont budge!) ill be down low enough to clean it with something else, maybe some good old sprays with brake cleaner..

Ill prime the oil system without spark/fuel for a few swings before firing her up.

I found a complete head (without cams) on ebay which is on its way! what a bargain. Now I can grab all the good rockers from it. Any thoughts on swapping rockers on these heads / premature wear?? @ least one of mine is beyond use, surprised cam isnt scuffed! looks like so1 hit it with an arc welder!

the replacement head i got with the bike has a tiny dent on the right side where the chap must have dropped it which can be filed down, its only about 1mm near the half moon recess at the top.. ill torque my cams down in both heads and see if they both turn nicely.. either hang onto it or sell it

Rear shaft bolt also bust from the drop, had a tricky time trying to get rear wheel off without stands which i will do 2moro / first shaft drive for me so new territory.. once the wheel is off ill unscrew it with a pipe wrench and hobble down the road for a high tensile replacement..

Cleaned carbs off today and checked float heights, all seem good. Diaphragms seem to operate well, no binding on the chimneys either.

Sorry for the long post but its turning out to be a little bit more of a job than anticipated, all small things for now.

Anyone running the after market cone individual air filters? The airbox is fine but the airfilter doesnt engage entirely perfect inisde the housing. From what i can figuure is the filter was forced in without seating and has lifted the plastic into a bulge leaving a section of "open" air into the carbs.. cant see way to remedy this very easily..

thinking of popping on the aftermarket ones.. will leave some space - just wondering if the airbox has any other purpose? i see there are a few mounting holes on it, possib;y for fenders?

cheerio!

so far the most active kawa forum ive found

 

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