Topic: Yes, a Z1 & H1- unofficial Kawasaki thread - H2 is now a rider!!!

[ekpent]

Two stroke cranks are a whole different animal and principle. I will guess you have sprayed around all the intake areas, boots etc with WD40 or such while running to note any change on your 550 ?

[mrfish2]

Two stroke cranks are a whole different animal and principle. I will guess you have sprayed around all the intake areas, boots etc with WD40 or such while running to note any change on your 550 ?

Yep. I'll find it eventually i guess. Sorry to hijack, going back into the depths of the archives now......

[Stev-o]

In the long run you will be happy to have it all sorted out proper and knowing a rebuilt crank is in there will be key. Old multi cylinder two strokes are a big gamble but a rebuild with receipts will definitely increase its value by probably more than the cost, kind of like a new kitchen or bath to a house.

Totally agree, Eric. I've remodeled the kitchen in the house, now time to "remodel" the H1!   

[scottly]

There sure is a lot of crap in the combustion chamber of the failed cylinder!!!??? Sure doesn't look like it was running lean; maybe the oil injector fed too much oil to that jug? The build-up alone would raise the compression ratio, and an oil-rich mix tends to burn hot...

[Stev-o]

There sure is a lot of crap in the combustion chamber of the failed cylinder!!!??? Sure doesn't look like it was running lean; maybe the oil injector fed too much oil to that jug? The build-up alone would raise the compression ratio, and an oil-rich mix tends to burn hot...

Agreed, doesnt appear to have run lean, I'm still learning about this bike.

From another forum:

"There are seals on each side of each of the crank lobes, so thats 6 seals that stop anything leaking between cylinders. Over time they get brittle and start cracking, if air leaks in the cylinder runs lean and very bad thing happen.... like seizures and holed pistons"

[Stev-o]

The Triples forum is recomending the Wossner pistons. Ever heard of them? German forged and moly coated skirts....

http://www.forged-pistons.co.uk/webshop/wossner-motorcycle-forged-pistons/wossner-street-motorcycle-forged-pistons/kawasaki/2-stroke/500-s-500-h1-500-kh-triple-cylinder-k8247da-3-forged-piston-kit/

[scottly]

I've never heard of them, but that doesn't mean anything.
Do the triples have pressed in cylinder sleeves, or do they have plated aluminum cylinders like some of the Kawi MX bikes?

[Stev-o]

I've never heard of them, but that doesn't mean anything.
Do the triples have pressed in cylinder sleeves, or do they have plated aluminum cylinders like some of the Kawi MX bikes?

Yes, pressed in. 

[Stev-o]

We pulled the motor from the frame of the H1 and full steam ahead on a top end rebuild...



After a close inspection of the frame once the motor was out, the decision made was just to clean it up rather than continue to strip it down and powdercoat. There is minimal rust, the worst spot is under the rear of the seat, I may just spot paint this at a later time. As much as I want to do this right, I have to draw the line somewhere as far as costs go. And want it back of the road!

Cylinders and pistons removed, center piston suffered dentonation and lost her skirt...



Case split...



The center clearly shows the issue and debris was also found in the other two, a clue that points to the crank seals are bad.

The crank was packed up and shipped to Charlie Smith, a well respected Triples Forum member in MD that will rebuild it for me [$395 shipped].  He'll replace the bearings and seals, check the rods and balance it once he has it all together. I'm sure I could have had a local shop do it but after reading Charlie's review's and contacting him, I feel real comfortable sending it to him and I think the price is fair.

On a good note, the trans looks to be in really good shape...





The cylinders were brought to a really cool local shop, the owner has a big shop in his back yard and teaches motorcycle repair for the local Community College!
He comes highly recommended, is a Kawasaki guy and has Kawasaki race bikes.
We measured the bores, determined that .5mm oversize will work and will bead blast, bore and chamfer the ports for $75/hole. He'll also bead blast the heads for me to have a nice clean, matched finish as these are not painted on the H1.

After some piston discussion, we agreed on the Wiseco's and those are ordered [$340 shipped].

[70CB750]

Nice!

[Greggo]

Nice progress Stev-o!  Too bad Cruzinimage doesn't sell H1 pistons, right!?  $400 is steep, but Wiseco's are nice.

[Stev-o]

Nice progress Stev-o!  Too bad Cruzinimage doesn't sell H1 pistons, right!?  $400 is steep, but Wiseco's are nice.

Actually, Cruzin does sell H1 pistons but AFAIK, they are not proven to be reliable in the Kaw.
Plus, the Wiseco's are forged [believe Cruzin's are cast] and Wiseco's come with a shirt coating to aid break-in.
This is worth the extra $200 to me.

[750cafe]

I'll be watching as I need to start some work on my tiny little GT185 project also.
I will be hoping to learn or at least refresh some of my 40 year old memory of the last 2-smoker build that I did.

Eric

[ekpent]

Sounds like you have a good experienced team on it Steve. Would not trust just any ole' place on a 2 stroke triple from people who probably never even owned one. Sure that guy on the forum is a guru with your crank.  A little patina on that frame is good, once you start doing too much it will never end   

[Stev-o]

Sounds like you have a good experienced team on it Steve. Would not trust just any ole' place on a 2 stroke triple from people who probably never even owned one. Sure that guy on the forum is a guru with your crank.  A little patina on that frame is good, once you start doing too much it will never end   

My feelings exactly, Eric.  I surely could have gone the cheap route but may have regretted it down the road?
I like this bike, it's place in history, don't mind investing in a solid motor rebuild, plan to keep it in the garage next to the Z1 and the K4 for years to come.  Unless someone wants it more than me and makes a crazy money offer....ha!

[ekpent]

Properly rebuilt etc they can start getting into that crazy money, it will be a good investment having it done correctly by the right people.

[toytuff]

In the long run you will be happy to have it all sorted out proper and knowing a rebuilt crank is in there will be key. Old multi cylinder two strokes are a big gamble but a rebuild with receipts will definitely increase its value by probably more than the cost, kind of like a new kitchen or bath to a house.

Totally agree, Eric. I've remodeled the kitchen in the house, now time to "remodel" the H1!

You mean "bathroom". 

I feel your pain, or dismay if you will. Still working on the Brutale but getting closer to the end. Given the bike I would do the same to the motor. Always an increase in value.

Getting a very nice collection going Steve.   

tt

[Stev-o]

In the long run you will be happy to have it all sorted out proper and knowing a rebuilt crank is in there will be key. Old multi cylinder two strokes are a big gamble but a rebuild with receipts will definitely increase its value by probably more than the cost, kind of like a new kitchen or bath to a house.

Totally agree, Eric. I've remodeled the kitchen in the house, now time to "remodel" the H1!

You mean "bathroom". 

I feel your pain, or dismay if you will. Still working on the Brutale but getting closer to the end. Given the bike I would do the same to the motor. Always an increase in value.

Getting a very nice collection going Steve.   

I have no pain, tt.  With as many project bikes as I have bought, one needing a motor rebuild was bound to happen.

I did the kitchen remodel two years ago, the master bath is this year.  We're still in the design stage...

[70CB750]

Ha, design stage is the hardest of remodelling - at least in my house.   

Discussing what and how it needs to get done.

[Stev-o]

Ha, design stage is the hardest of remodelling - at least in my house.   

Here too, my wife and I rarely agree on the same finishes.  After looking at literally hundreds of bathroom pics, we have agreed on Travertine stone tile, so that's a start.  But what shape and price point?!
And what color granite??

[ekpent]

Ha, design stage is the hardest of remodelling - at least in my house.   

Here too, my wife and I rarely agree on the same finishes.  After looking at literally hundreds of bathroom pics, we have agreed on Travertine stone tile, so that's a start.  But what shape and price point?!
And what color granite??

just say "Yes Dear" and all will be good. Works for me. Happy wife-Happy life !!

[Stev-o]

Ha, design stage is the hardest of remodelling - at least in my house.   

Here too, my wife and I rarely agree on the same finishes.  After looking at literally hundreds of bathroom pics, we have agreed on Travertine stone tile, so that's a start.  But what shape and price point?!
And what color granite??

just say "Yes Dear" and all will be good. Works for me. Happy wife-Happy life !!

I can't do it, Eric, I may end up laying tile that I don't like. Diana has good taste but sometimes makes choices based on (cheap) prices, not always a good idea.
Isn't  a marriage suppose to be about compromise?
For the kitchen floor, I brought home 3 tile samples and let her choose, that worked out good.

[toytuff]

Ha, design stage is the hardest of remodelling - at least in my house.   

Discussing what and how it needs to get done.

If you only knew how right you are!

This bathroom remodel was over a year (maybe longer) talking about it. Years ago I repainted the inside of the house. You know, different colors in every room deal. Painted the ceiling's white also. Took us six (6) months to pick out the Behr paint! 

I could never do it again so I'm glad it's done. 

tt

[Stev-o]

Ha, design stage is the hardest of remodelling - at least in my house.   

Discussing what and how it needs to get done.

If you only knew how right you are!

This bathroom remodel was over a year (maybe longer) talking about it. Years ago I repainted the inside of the house. You know, different colors in every room deal. Painted the ceiling's white also. Took us six (6) months to pick out the Behr paint! 

I could never do it again so I'm glad it's done. 

tt

HA!  Good to here I'm not the only one.  We've been talking about colors for the living room for over 6 years! [since we moved in].  Luckily, it really doesnt need it, but I dont care for the basic white. 

[toytuff]

Ha, design stage is the hardest of remodelling - at least in my house.   

Discussing what and how it needs to get done.

If you only knew how right you are!

This bathroom remodel was over a year (maybe longer) talking about it. Years ago I repainted the inside of the house. You know, different colors in every room deal. Painted the ceiling's white also. Took us six (6) months to pick out the Behr paint! 

I could never do it again so I'm glad it's done. 

tt

HA!  Good to here I'm not the only one.  We've been talking about colors for the living room for over 6 years! [since we moved in].  Luckily, it really doesnt need it, but I dont care for the basic white.

Trust me, you are not alone.

tt