TOPIC:

I registered my '79 KZ650b3 this week and now its time to order the more expensive parts and get it on the road. Up first is a necessary oil change (last change was perhaps in 2000). I reviewed the parts diagram and list before pulling the plug and filter apart after warming up the engine for about 10 minutes. I also decided to loosen both bolts before starting the engine so there were no hot exhaust pipes in the way.





I didn't find part number #28 (spring) in the filter assembly. To me it seems to keep the filter elevated above the oil filter plate to allow oil to move about on all sides of the filter element and keep it in place. I replaced the filter and put the assembly back on the bike leaving out part #27 (washer). I plan on replacing the spring and washer on the next oil change, OEM still available for about $3.

Question: how critical is this #28 spring to the overall scheme of things?

You need the spring to keep the filter element in the correct position. I highly recommend you put it back in rather than waiting. You should be able to pull the filter without having all the oil drain out, but I've never tried it. Ed

Thanks Ed. The bike hasn't moved as of yet, needing new tires and exhaust work this coming week. I'll order the spring and get it back in there by the end of the week. And reuse the oil for my lawnmower.

Pulling just the oil filter off would probably trigger a flood - haven't tried it either, but worth a try to confirm.

I just rebuilt my motor and changed out the oil at 100 and 250 or so them changed out only the filter at 400 then a final change at 576 miles w/ Mobil 4t.

Lost only maybe a pint of oil when I changed out the filter only. Hope you have the same luck.

If you haven't fired up the engine yet then you may not lose any oil at all. If you do just catch it in a clean container and pour it back into the engine.

As for changing the oil four times in 576 miles, all I can say is WOW! One time would have been plenty if you kept the internals properly clean during the build.

You'll probably lose about a pint of oil as previously stated. It definitely beats running the bike with the filter not working properly though

A pint isn't much and I have a quart and a half on the shelf. Thanks for the heads up.

When I got the bike and brushed off the dirt and cobwebs, chestnuts, I found a spring on top of the block. I have it in my shop and wonder if it's the oil filter spring. I recall it had a taper to it, and the diagram looks like it is not a straight spring. I'll check later and post a picture.

The oil filter spring is straight; it has no taper at all, and it is pretty strong. According to Kawasaki.com it is still an "Active" part so any local or online dealer can order it for you. Partzilla.com lists it at $1.96, so if you have a local dealer order it to avoid shipping charges, don't let them overcharge you for it. Ed

www.partzilla.com/search/?q=92081-1018&x=7&y=10

I have 3 springs that "came with the bike", none are the right diameter for the oil filter valve. My local dealer has it listed for $3.13 (12.75 shipping) and I will be over there next weekend for mounting tires.

Nessism wrote: If you haven't fired up the engine yet then you may not lose any oil at all. If you do just catch it in a clean container and pour it back into the engine.

As for changing the oil four times in 576 miles, all I can say is WOW! One time would have been plenty if you kept the internals properly clean during the build.

The first change at 100 was largely to get the witches brew of oil I had going 3 0r 4 tbsp. of STP, Assembly lube, WD-40 and 10-40 Valvoline. Had enough file ins from the pistons and cyl walls too so I really wanted to get that out asap too. Probaly a little over kill but I did find a good sale.

Probaly a good idea for us to replace that spring anyway ...... my coils on each end were worn flat and close to half of them was worn away.

Just for the record. I replaced the spring and junked the Fram filter I had placed in there the prior week with a KN 401. About a pint of oil (1/2 cup) came out during the exchange.