Reed Valves and Vacuum Switch assembly

So I was able to work a little more on my engine today (82 KZ1000 CSR) and fell into cleaning mode again. So I have the air suction valve covers off and see all of the carbon on the reed valves.

The manual says to remove the covers and pull the valves up out of the valve cover. Then check the reed valves for cracks, folds, etc. It then says to check the sealing lip coating around the perimeter of the assembly. What coating are they talking about. The valves just look to be coated with carbon deposit (which, by the way, they say to wash off with solvent).

Is the black stuff on the reed valves the coating or carbon deposits? I am supposed to wash off any deposits between the reed and the reed contact area with solvent. Does that mean unscrewing the reeds and cleaning them separately? Not sure what the manual is telling me to do.

And maybe this will make all this work for nothing, because I plan on installing K&N pods. I have read on some other topics that when pods are used, I am to either plug the air suction valve covers or run a tube from one to another. Have also seen billet block plates to remove the covers entirely.

So when I install pods, do I still need the vacuum switch assembly, or do I just block the air suction valve covers, put a crankcase filter on the breather, and cap the carbs where the 2 tubes connected from the vacuum switch?

And if I get the air suction block off plates, do I leave the reed valves in or just remove them since they would not be in use anymore.

I have read the manual on this topic over and over again trying to figure out what I should do, but I think you guys would know better.

Thanks.

Most riders here remove the "Smog Gear" Kawasaki designed & installed on the bikes for cleaner emissions. It's not a re-breather or EGR valve like cars have, but it's supposed to work by injecting filtered air down the exhaust system for continued combustion inside the exhaust pipe.

Here's two places for block off plates:


www.tpoparts.com (This comes in a kit with instructions,vinyl caps & vacuum caps)
www.kzzone.com/billet.html

Easiest to just leave the reed valves in.

Good Fortune!

Why are you going to install pods?

Thanks for the info guys. Appreciate it.

I know there is a big debate about pods vs. airbox. Obviously everybody has their own opinions on the subject. I think for my bike I will like the look of the pods better than the airbox (I don't really like the chrome airbox covers...or the idea of airbox covers of any color really). I also have the time and means to adjust my carbs for the 4 into 1 V&H exhaust that were already installed on the bike and the K&N pods I am going to install. I've heard from enough people that say putting pods on theirs and adjusting the carbs does not take away any of the performance, so that is the route I will take. I will be working with a local garage owner who has been specializing in KZ's for years (Klemme's Performance), so I know it will get done right.

I have until next Spring to get her ready anyway, so I am just going to take my time and enjoy getting to know her inside and out.

It will be a long Fall and Winter though...lots to think about I guess.

Hey MFolks - those Ape Billet Cam covers are bad ass! Thanks for the link brutha. I am ordering those tonight.

Also was thinking about ordering one of those tapped low profile breather cover. It says it fits KZ1000 up to 1978. You think there is much difference in size between that one and my 82?

Just ordered some aluminum billet cam end plugs yesterday. Can't wait to start putting her back together.

Thanks again MFolks.

Contact www.aperaceparts.com as I'm not familiar with the sizes.

Pods are what most of the threads seem to be about. There are many opinions. But one thing is for sure, don't get rid of your stock airbox or carb jets. You may very well be happier with this than the pods once you've ridden and tuned.
Then maybe you will be happy with the pods. Some of the riding I just did with the side wind and weather/ altitude changes, with the same carbs as you, I would never put on pods. But that's me. All I did was Gas it up, lube the chain, adjust the air pressures a bit. That's riding.

Thanks MFolks.

Motor Head - I will definitely be keeping my airbox, just in case. I guess I won't know until I've tried them. I know the bike ran fine with the airbox when I bought her, so I can always go back to that if tuning becomes too much of an issue.