L1 Head Gasket Change

[JamieNeve]

Sorry mate, so exactly what stage are you at now?

I'll let you know where to go from there

Jamie

[TurkishJordo]

Literally just got to remove the engine mount bolts and out the lump comes - I've removed everything including radiator etc, the oil cooler looks very fragile so I'm going to undo that at engine end, it looks like it's about to crumble into ash lol!

[Miles]

Just keep an eye out for the shim on the back engine bolt when you remove them

[TurkishJordo]

Shim?

[Miles]

Yeh there's a shim on one of the back engine mounting bolts, the lower one

[TurkishJordo]

Bare with me *pulls out manual*

[TurkishJordo]

Can't figure out the purpose of that shim?!?! Hahaha!

[Miles]

No me either and I'm sure a lot of people never bother with it but I always have. Mr Kawasaki put it there for a reason. No idea why though

[TurkishJordo]

Manual isn't making much sense, I'll have a look at it tomorrow!

Do any of you bother with distilled water, or just use tap water mixed with coolant?

[Dominik]

Depends on the qualtitiy of the normal water. If it has a low ammount of minerals you can use it. However distilled water costs a penny so why not take it...

The pre-owner from my zxr lost this shim and I removed and fixed the enginge this winter without any problems...

[Miles]

Yes as far as I can see it makes no difference as I used the bike many a time without. It's only because I'm in the middle of a nut-and-bolt rebuild that I noticed that there should be a shim.

Just a heads up if it falls out

[TurkishJordo]

Yep it fell out haha, no idea where it even goes!:p

[Miles]

Between the engine and frame on the lowest engine bolt. Brake pedal side

[TurkishJordo]

Engine is back in, found it by the back wheel afterwards, can it go back in without taking engine back out?

Only problem is trying to get chain on the front sprocket without loosening back wheel, may have to do just that..tomorrow lol

[Miles]

Yes you can put it in after the engine is back in