77 i think kz400

I have what I believe to be a 77 kz400 based on the engine and frame numbers however when I purchased the bike with no title I was told it was a 78. Before double checking the year I ordered a 78 cylinder head to replace the cylinder head I trashed trying to remove the carb boots(broke all 4 bolts off clean and then tried extracting them very unsuccessfully and messed up the mounting holes) my question is is a 1978 kz400 cylinder head compatible with other cylinder heads of engines from different years. I've found a kind of mix of answers searching hoping someone has a clear answer for me. Thanks

Partzilla has the original Kawasaki parts fishe system. You might want to compare part numbers to see if everything's the same.

Rather than break bolts or other fasteners, next time you find a stubborn one simply soak it for a couple days with Kroil. After the soaking it should come out without too much fuss. No joke, this stuff really works. Ed

What Nessism said.

Also I believe in '78 the KZ400 got an oil line from the oil pressure sensor to the head; this is a hard line with banjo fittings. If that is the case, the '78 head will have a fitting that the '77 won't. I suppose you could plug it with a bolt if necessary.

Check out kz400.com if you haven't already - lots of good info there.


EDIT: Or you could use the '78 head with the oil line (also from a '78) and get improved top-end lubrication, which was the reason for the change. If you go that route, you'll probably want to check part numbers to ensure the '77 oil pump is appropriate. I don't know if the oil pump was modified for '78.

I'll have to look into using the line with the 77 was.t sure that was possible. At this point I. Thinking of just dropping it with a mechanic this is getting a little above my paygrade.

Yeah I was an idiot. Should have stopped after the first break but i was pissed and stubborn. Oh well mistakes make you smarter I guess. Wont do it again that's for sure.

Kylemac13 wrote: Yeah I was an idiot. Should have stopped after the first break but i was pissed and stubborn. Oh well mistakes make you smarter I guess. Wont do it again that's for sure.

That is called experience. Most of us on here have been thru it; It makes the best teacher.
As for swapping parts, the early and late KZ400/440 heads are different animals.


.