water level drop

banditharry · Post by **banditharry** » Sun May 13, 2012 12:14 pm

as tou guys probably no i have just rebuilt my engine, been trying to get some miles in on it but yeterday found that the water level dropped? toped it up to make sure that it just wasnt an air block but ran it again and it dropped loads. (half the rad) top end was built off the bike and all sealed up nicely and it only smokes on start up, no white smoke after its warm?

do you guys seal up the bottom gasket as well, because im sure thats where im loosing it from?

And is there a drain for the crank? so i can chack theres no water in there before i rebuild..... again... doh

Cheers guys

Luders · Post by **Luders** » Sun May 13, 2012 2:52 pm

No drain from the crank and I just use grease on the base gaskets. It certainly does sound like you have an issue with either the head or base gasket though.

Do you notice an over pressureisation on your cooling system?

Do you have coolant in there?

I would be inclined to flush it through and just try water and see if you can detect an odour or any discolouration. That will be a dead give away that you have a water leak somewhere in the top end.

KR-1R · Post by **KR-1R** » Mon May 14, 2012 12:49 am

.
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MY OPINION

confirm cylinders are same height - especially if secondhand or multiple sources or after replating

Follow the manual and bolt cylinders to cases getting cylinders as concentric as possible to pistons (crank mid stroke) and dowel pin(s)

I would not use grease to base gasket - its there to bond/seal - ok its 30-60 minutes harder to remove next time - but its your guarantee

ONLY USE KAWASAKI BASE AND HEAD GASKETS not generics

JanBros · Post by **JanBros** » Mon May 14, 2012 6:59 am

I always use silicon based sealant on the base gasket's.

I agree with KR-1R to check the height of your cylinders, but I don't agree on the original base gaskets : I've been using self made cerial carton gaskets for years and never had problem's with them. Now I've made them out of paper that's used for packing bearrings/gears etc because I needed very thin ones and they and they are 100% ok.

banditharry · Post by **banditharry** » Mon May 14, 2012 6:41 pm

just had a look and the base gasket has split, levels look spot on with the head still on the barrels so im guessing it was that. ill seal it all up and give it another go guys. cheers for the knowalge............ again. haha

Luders · Post by **Luders** » Mon May 14, 2012 9:24 pm

Had it split when you removed it, or could you see it pushing out at the front where the water jacket is?

I think genuine base gaskets are about £5 each, so it's up to you. I buy genuine for peace of mind.