www.zxrworld.co.uk

Hi Guys

I recently purchased a ZX-4G as something to tinker with & have a bit of a laugh on when finished ( didnt fancey a bigger bike after owning 2 gamma 250's in the early 90's I know how much fun can be had )
After much spannering, spraying, cleaning & swearing the ZX4 is all ready for the MOT, or so I thought..... I gave it a quick run up & let it idle for a while it was only then that I noticed a small amount of steam comming out of the exhaust & a creamy glaze over the oil inspection window, after removing the oil cap there is a little amount of cream on top of the oil, it does smell of exhaust ( sweet smell ), then I got a lump in my throat...... bloody head gaskets gone.
I didnt notice any water overflowing but then again it was only running for about 15 mins. The guy I bought it off said it had been standing for a year so I dont know when it had an oil change last, Is it worth changing the oil & seeing if it creams up again or just drop the engine & pull it apart???

I fancey having a go at the gasket myself if its gone, do the cams have to be removed or can you move the chain & get the lot off at once??

Regards

Dave

Its normal for the cap to get a bit creamy, and for the window to mist up aswell. It probably just needs a nice long run to clear the inspection window.

Best way to tell if the HG has gone is to do a compression test. As far as i know it just a case of taking the chain off then the head, dont need to have the cams out

Thanks for that will get a compression tester tomorrow

its cams out if the head's coming off ..

but tbh, if its been stood for a while it might be fine after a few miles, give it a good run and if it doesnt blow all the coolant out its probably fine

probably condensation if its been stood ages, if it was me i'd change the oil and go from there.

Just a quick update, did a compression test this afternoon, all 4 gave readings just above 150 plus no signs of water escaping even when the enigne was hot + no bubbles when the rad cap was off........ (sigh of relief ) looks like an oil & filter change will do the trick.

Thanks for all the advise

Cheers

Dave