Camshaft oil leak

  • Feanor_twh
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Camshaft oil leak

25 Sep 2022 07:06
#874490
I have a significant oil leak at the plug that covers the end of the camshaft. I tried to pull it out to see if I can replace the o-ring or something, but it won't come off, and I don't want to break anything.



I've searched extensively on the forum and even disassembly diagrams but I can't find out if that plug can be removed as is or if it is necessary to disassemble the head cover.

How can I unmount it?
(1976) Kawasaki KZ400-D3. All original, but: electronic reg/rec (Oregon Motorcycle Parts), new handlebar controls (w/ PASS/HORN/lights switch, LED dash lights (superbrightleds.com), Dynatek coil (3ohm), MAC mufflers, HEL brake hoses, rubber fork boots, 4.00 rear tyre (Dunlop K70), chromed chainguard

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  • gd4now
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Re: Camshaft oil leak

25 Sep 2022 09:00
#874497
I have never pulled a 400 top end apart, but in looking at partizilla   www.partzilla.com/catalog/kawasaki/motor...covers-76-77-kz400-d
there is  clear silicone used as a gasket between the head and the cover which covers the cam end cap..  I do not know if you have to pull the cover off and clean and re-due the silicone gasket or if you can just leave the cover on and attempt to seal up the cam end cap; 
1977 KZ650 B1
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  • Scirocco
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Re: Camshaft oil leak

25 Sep 2022 10:42 - 25 Sep 2022 10:44
#874509
Apply liquid gasket on the cylinder head cover o-rings.

 

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Last edit: 25 Sep 2022 10:44 by Scirocco.

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  • Feanor_twh
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Re: Camshaft oil leak

26 Sep 2022 02:52 - 26 Sep 2022 02:54
#874546
Thank you all for your comments. However I still don't know if that plug can be removed without open the head. I drive the bike daily and I plan to open the engine soon to check several things (balancer chain, timing chain, joints...) but I would like to fix it temporarily so I can use the bike while.

I had thought about sealing with gasket paste from the outside, or maybe silicone (if the plug can't be removed)
(1976) Kawasaki KZ400-D3. All original, but: electronic reg/rec (Oregon Motorcycle Parts), new handlebar controls (w/ PASS/HORN/lights switch, LED dash lights (superbrightleds.com), Dynatek coil (3ohm), MAC mufflers, HEL brake hoses, rubber fork boots, 4.00 rear tyre (Dunlop K70), chromed chainguard
Last edit: 26 Sep 2022 02:54 by Feanor_twh.

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Re: Camshaft oil leak

26 Sep 2022 04:26
#874549
The plug can´t be removed without open the head, so do a temporarily liquid sealing from the outside.
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  • Wookie58
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Re: Camshaft oil leak

26 Sep 2022 05:35
#874552
The plug can´t be removed without open the head, so do a temporarily liquid sealing from the outside.
Give it a good wash down with brake cleaner first, this will give the best chance of sealing 
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Re: Camshaft oil leak

26 Sep 2022 08:05
#874563
It is understood. Luckily I didn't force it...

I'll clean and seal, thank you all.
(1976) Kawasaki KZ400-D3. All original, but: electronic reg/rec (Oregon Motorcycle Parts), new handlebar controls (w/ PASS/HORN/lights switch, LED dash lights (superbrightleds.com), Dynatek coil (3ohm), MAC mufflers, HEL brake hoses, rubber fork boots, 4.00 rear tyre (Dunlop K70), chromed chainguard

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