Kawi2strokes.com Forum

I want to change the head on my right cylinder because it has a broken fin on it and when I bought the bike the guy gave me a good head that's not chipped. Can I reuse the same head gasket? Ive heard of annealing it with a torch is this OK or do I need to buy a new head gasket?
Also would I need to pull the cylinder to replace the base gasket? Thanks

Yes, reuse the head gasket by annealing it. Heat it red hot all around with a propane torch or equivalent. You can quench it in water to flake off the black oxide, but it's not required.

No need to remove the cylinder or replace the base gasket.

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If it surges, that's normal, upshift.

You can anneal it and re-use it. I take it (the head gasket) and slightly bend one corner and hold it with a pair of needle nose pliers over the gas burner on the stove, let it get red hot (carefully not to get too hot as to melt it) the dip it in a bowl of water- its that easy.
you shouldn't have to replace the base gasket if you're careful when removing the head as not to break the seal between the cyl. and lower end.

Thanks Jim!

You're welcome dog.

Good to see you here, Grant.

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If it surges, that's normal, upshift.

Thanks jim,
you beat me to the answer but it took so long for me to write it (search and pecking) I had to post it anyways-DOH

One other tip for you:
Use Permatex copper spray on your head gaskets. It helps prevent oil weeps.

J

I am getting this oil weeping issue. First one cylinder (annealed and retorqued) and now another one,

Is this just an annoyance, or something to be concerned about?

If oil/fuel can leak out, then air can leak in, and that can be a problem.

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Answers are here: http://kawatriple.com/

I cut O-ring grooves in my heads for Viton O-rings. They don't leak, and I can remove and replace heads any time without buying gaskets, annealing, etc.. If you have a lathe...

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If it surges, that's normal, upshift.