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Kawasaki gt 550 cylinder head.

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WULFSTAN
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PostPosted: 16:01 - 04 Dec 2013    Post subject: Kawasaki gt 550 cylinder head. Reply with quote
How hard would it be to change the engine barrel ie this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/kawasaki-gt-550-barrels-/400567372187?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts_13&hash=item5d43ad099b and what would it involve. Would it be just as easy with a whole new engine thanks.
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Last edited by WULFSTAN on 17:32 - 04 Dec 2013; edited 1 time in total
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nowhere.elysium
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PostPosted: 16:13 - 04 Dec 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
It's a pain in the arse. Swapping the engine out completely would be faster and easier, but it's down to whether you like a challenge or not. You could always strip the original engine for parts afterwards, too.

However, in swapping an engine, you've got to take the seller at their word with regards to how well it runs, and the veracity of its history.

Is this the gt550 that's burning oil? I haven't read your previous thread anytime recently, but couldn't it just be knackered rings? That's gotta be a cheaper fix than a whole new set of barrels/replacement engine, surely?
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cdzr
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PostPosted: 16:25 - 04 Dec 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
If your engine is that bad just get another. Price good barrel, rings, gaskets, How is your cam chain? Price a 2nd hand motor.
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WULFSTAN
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PostPosted: 16:29 - 04 Dec 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
nowhere.elysium wrote:
It's a pain in the arse. Swapping the engine out completely would be faster and easier, but it's down to whether you like a challenge or not. You could always strip the original engine for parts afterwards, too.

However, in swapping an engine, you've got to take the seller at their word with regards to how well it runs, and the veracity of its history.

Is this the gt550 that's burning oil? I haven't read your previous thread anytime recently, but couldn't it just be knackered rings? That's gotta be a cheaper fix than a whole new set of barrels/replacement engine, surely?
Wish it was just about it burning a bit of oil no. i took the exhaust off to put some new gaskets in as it was blowing and half the lug? is that the word? came out with the bolt. Ive been a few places see if i could get it welded but no. any ideas what else could be done thanks.
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nowhere.elysium
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PostPosted: 16:42 - 04 Dec 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Judging by a quick scan on eBay, replacing the whole engine would be a cheaper and more time-effective solution.
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WULFSTAN
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PostPosted: 16:45 - 04 Dec 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
nowhere.elysium wrote:
Judging by a quick scan on eBay, replacing the whole engine would be a cheaper and more time-effective solution.
Yes was thinking that myself does anyone know if the later zephyr engine would fit into a 1990 as they seem cheaper.
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cdzr
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PostPosted: 17:00 - 04 Dec 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
WULFSTAN wrote:
nowhere.elysium wrote:
Judging by a quick scan on eBay, replacing the whole engine would be a cheaper and more time-effective solution.
Yes was thinking that myself does anyone know if the later zephyr engine would fit into a 1990 as they seem cheaper.


Is your GT not shaft drive?
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cdzr
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PostPosted: 17:03 - 04 Dec 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Cheap gamble and he says free delivery.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KAWASAKI-GT550-GT-550-ENGINE-KZ-550-F-MODEL-1991-J-REG-GENUINE-KAWASAKI-/160916868475?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts_13&hash=item2577648d7b
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WULFSTAN
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PostPosted: 17:20 - 04 Dec 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Yes the later GTs from 91 onwards had zephyr engines.
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69chris
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PostPosted: 17:24 - 04 Dec 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
WULFSTAN wrote:

i took the exhaust off to put some new gaskets in as it was blowing and half the lug? is that the word? came out with the bolt.


so is it the barrels or the cylinder head you need to change ??

whichever, im going to go against the grain here and say fix what you have,
swapping the top end is (imo) easier to do than change the entire engine, shouldnt take any longer to do either, esp as you wont have to be dealing with crusty engine bolts that will most prob be seized in and faffing about with the shaft gubbins,

go for it, it might even be fun Laughing
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WULFSTAN
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PostPosted: 17:32 - 04 Dec 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
69chris wrote:
WULFSTAN wrote:

i took the exhaust off to put some new gaskets in as it was blowing and half the lug? is that the word? came out with the bolt.


so is it the barrels or the cylinder head you need to change ??

whichever, im going to go against the grain here and say fix what you have,
swapping the top end is (imo) easier to do than change the entire engine, shouldnt take any longer to do either, esp as you wont have to be dealing with crusty engine bolts that will most prob be seized in and faffing about with the shaft gubbins,

go for it, it might even be fun Laughing
Yes sorry its the cylinder head god knows what i thought. So what does changing the head involve.
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nowhere.elysium
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PostPosted: 17:42 - 04 Dec 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
WULFSTAN wrote:
So what does changing the head involve.
Well, I'd personally advise against doing it in situ, so you'd be looking at dropping the engine, at the very least, which would constitute removing the tank, carbs, carb rubbers, driveshaft and engine mounts. From there, plugs out, cam cover off, cams out, don't drop the camchain, replace gasket, fit new barrels, reverse of the above.

I'd also think carefully about whether or not you have to replace the little things, like gaskets, vitron o-rings, the state of your piston rings and the like. If it's gone bad, it can get expensive. If it goes well, it can be laborious, but relatively painless.
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WULFSTAN
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PostPosted: 17:52 - 04 Dec 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
nowhere.elysium wrote:
WULFSTAN wrote:
So what does changing the head involve.
Well, I'd personally advise against doing it in situ, so you'd be looking at dropping the engine, at the very least, which would constitute removing the tank, carbs, carb rubbers, driveshaft and engine mounts. From there, plugs out, cam cover off, cams out, don't drop the camchain, replace gasket, fit new barrels, reverse of the above.

I'd also think carefully about whether or not you have to replace the little things, like gaskets, vitron o-rings, the state of your piston rings and the like. If it's gone bad, it can get expensive. If it goes well, it can be laborious, but relatively painless.
If i have to drop the engine then might as well just get a new engine in there i feel a lot more confident doing that. Now ive done a cbr 600 engine swap before how much harder is the gt to swap ie being shaft an all that?
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nowhere.elysium
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PostPosted: 17:55 - 04 Dec 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
WULFSTAN wrote:
how much harder is the gt to swap ie being shaft an all that?
Not much; drain the shaft oil out, and undo the union point closest to the engine. Pull out engine, insert replacement engine. That's about it. Check the shaft splines for wear while you're at it, and replace the seals. Shafts are not inherently harder to work on.
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WULFSTAN
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PostPosted: 18:02 - 04 Dec 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
nowhere.elysium wrote:
WULFSTAN wrote:
how much harder is the gt to swap ie being shaft an all that?
Not much; drain the shaft oil out, and undo the union point closest to the engine. Pull out engine, insert replacement engine. That's about it. Check the shaft splines for wear while you're at it, and replace the seals. Shafts are not inherently harder to work on.
Good well ive put a offer on ebay for a engine Thanks for the help everyone.
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ZRX61
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PostPosted: 20:30 - 04 Dec 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
The hardest part about swapping out the barrels on a Kaw is removing the old base gasket, the rest is cake.
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WULFSTAN
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PostPosted: 13:41 - 05 Dec 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Just got a engine for £170 delivered now am planning on fitting the engine by myself is it possible? What tools do I need that would help ie car jack anything like that ? Thanks
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cdzr
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PostPosted: 14:43 - 05 Dec 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Its doable. I lifted mine onto a plank of wood on a milk crate and slid it over and in. You could try putting the engine on its side and lowering the frame/bike onto the engine. You no mates to help you?
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Ichy
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PostPosted: 15:04 - 05 Dec 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
WULFSTAN wrote:
Just got a engine for £170 delivered now am planning on fitting the engine by myself is it possible? What tools do I need that would help ie car jack anything like that ? Thanks


A manual is a good start. A decent set of sockets should be pretty much everything you'll need. You may need an impact wrench since some of the bolts will not have been touched for over twenty years.

I have changed heavy engines by myself by using a mechanics seat to get the engine to the side of the bike but I always prefer to get some help. I have heard of people lying the engine on its side and then putting the frame over the top of it. Never tried it myself.
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WULFSTAN
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PostPosted: 15:23 - 05 Dec 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
cdzr wrote:
Its doable. I lifted mine onto a plank of wood on a milk crate and slid it over and in. You could try putting the engine on its side and lowering the frame/bike onto the engine. You no mates to help you?
Nope no mates Crying or Very sad
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mentalboy
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PostPosted: 15:35 - 05 Dec 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
If you're reasonably well built you should be able to manage to get the lump out on your own - as with most heavy stuff stuck in a fiddly place it is always easier with another pair of hands though.

Once you've done the swap it may be worth whipping the head and barrels off the old lump and prepping it for future replacement, as and when funds/time permit.
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WULFSTAN
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PostPosted: 11:00 - 10 Dec 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
So i got my new engine today If you look at the pictures you will see i have all the luck. Can it be fixed the fella who sold me it seems very helpful i just dont really wanna mess about sending it back.
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Your backside is better enough for you to run again, if need be – bristle up the courage of the cornered rat, put on a bold front, and to hell with them. Bluff my boy – bluff, shift and lie for the sake of your neck and the honour of Old England
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nowhere.elysium
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PostPosted: 11:04 - 10 Dec 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Looks like you're stuck with the 'use two damaged lumps to make one good one' method at this point. On the up side, at least you've got pretty much all the parts you'll need.
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WULFSTAN
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PostPosted: 11:28 - 10 Dec 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
nowhere.elysium wrote:
Looks like you're stuck with the 'use two damaged lumps to make one good one' method at this point. On the up side, at least you've got pretty much all the parts you'll need.
Nah if it can not be fixed it will be sent back.
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davebike
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PostPosted: 12:10 - 10 Dec 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Send it back
The will be a pain to repair

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