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I know this has probably been asked a million times but i've just stripped my engine down due to water in the oil i've took the head off and the gasket has loads of gunky sealent round it, is this normal? also should i see a break in the gasket where its gone? Thanks Daz

Are you sure it's the head you've taken off ?

Sounds more like the camshaft cover and it's rubber seal which does have sealer on the little half moon bits.

The head gasket is metal with a very thin layer of a plastic/rubber on each side.
Loads of gunky sealant round the head gasket is NOT normal

Unless it's been bodged with sealant - but you'd have to be a major dink to do that!

Jamz wrote:Unless it's been bodged with sealant - but you'd have to be a major dink to do that!

Given some of the suff I've read recently that would not surprise me on little bit

Jamz wrote:Unless it's been bodged with sealant - but you'd have to be a major dink to do that!

a friend "repired" my other mates headgasket on his pug 106 with instant gasket, lasted nearly 500 miles i herd lol

cargo wrote:

Jamz wrote:Unless it's been bodged with sealant - but you'd have to be a major dink to do that!

Given some of the suff I've read recently that would not surprise me on little bit

ye of little faith!

ha ha yeah its definatly the head i thought it was suspect when i saw it i've stripped car engines down before but didn't know if the squish area was different on bikes. oh well i'll be replacing these gaskets along with new rings chain and tensioner etc. is there anything else i should do? getting the valves lapped in how do you guys resurface the bores as there a bit smooth and glazed? Thanks Daz

Lapping in valves is easy worst problem is getting the little rubber sucker thingy to stick properly...........I use a bit of rubber tube attached to the other end of the valve.
Also I only use the fine paste just to repolish the seat......no doubt for more badly worn seats you'd need to use the coarse stuff as well. Just don't over do it and you'll be fine.
It much smaller and more fiddely than you will have been use to with cars to get the valves out and back in again but the same principles apply just have patiance and get it right.
I use a lead replacment in my fuel. Kawasakis all run fine on lead free fuel and have done since 1973 I believe................... but a little extra protection does no harm either.

Remember to check valve clearances after you rebuild.......................

I use a hone to do the bores only a very light one with oil.........just enough to take the shine off .............no more.
good luck and enjoy

Make sure you get the head skimmed, or at least skim it yourself on a nice flat piece of glass and appropriate grade of sandpaper, you can check it with a steel rule and feeler guages right across the head.

Thanks for your help its been very usefull i can now get on with my build! just passed my cbt yesterday and booked my first lesson on a big bike so hopefully i'll be on the road soon! Cheers Daz