QuestionHi Mark
I Started breaking down my motor to replace gaskets. everything came apart nice. When I got the cylinders off I found that the old gasket between the crankcase and the cylinders is hard and I'm having a real hard time getting it off. I don't want to scrap it cause the chance I might scuff the surface and prevent the new gasket from sealing. Any ideas? Also, is it ok to get a little cleaner in the crank case "Brake cleaner?"
I dont want to break down the moter any farther than removing the cylinders. I dont trust my skills well enough yet. Is ther a way to flush the crank case with out breaking it down? The shop I bought the gasket kit from tells me that those gaskets are suposed to go on dry. Would this be true?
AnswerHi Ray,
Q: I don't want to scrap it cause the chance I might scuff the surface and prevent the new gasket from sealing. Any ideas?
A: I use angle air tool with 3-M pads to remove gasket remnants from gasket surfaces.
Q: Is it ok to get a little cleaner in the crank case "Brake cleaner?"
A: BC is fine. Evaporates quickly and will not harm parts.
Q: I dont want to break down the moter any farther than removing the cylinders. I dont trust my skills well enough yet. Is ther a way to flush the crank case with out breaking it down?
A: There's nothing to removing the cylinders. Hardest part is compressing piston rings upon re-assembly, which isn't hard, really. Piston crowns should be decarbonized with cylinder installed. Remove cylinder and clean cases with Acetone or other quick drying solvent. The cylinder base gasket and oil o'rings should be replaced. Measure cylinders and pistons per service manual while apart. Torque head fasteners to specs. New gaskets mean valve clearances will change. Check and adjust. Warm engine to operating temperature, shut off and allow to cool to room temp and retorque head fasteners.
Q: The shop I bought the gasket kit from tells me that those gaskets are suposed to go on dry. Would this be true?
A: Yes. You can use a bit of Kawasaki Bond around the rubber camshaft end cap plugs. Don't use Permagasket on your motorcycle. If oil seeps from cam ends, replace old cam end caps and apply Kaw Bond.
Respectfully,
Mark Shively
