engine re-ring

hey all, got a 76 900 and she startin to smoke a little. Gettin ready to tear the bike down and have the head reworked,new guides seals and valve job. So the question is can i replace just the rings in the engine to help seal it up a little?? I know the cylinders and all that are prolly worn a bit but will it help at all?? I only ride her bout 2000 miles a year so if it would help a little id do it.

I think whenever you re-ring you need to hone the cylinders. I did this myself, and honing your cylinders costs less than new rings cost by far, so I think it's a good idea.

Head/valve job most definitely....

Re-ring.... what's your compression and leak-down measurements?

BTW... New OEM seals, don't use after market seals for they just don't seem to hold up as well... Now I'm sure there are some out there but the ones I used originally (full engine seal and gasket kit) didn't hold up...

Babbitts.com were the cheapest I could find @ $9 each.... Pay the little now to save yourself from having to go back in later... When a head gasket is $50, it's worth the extra $$$...

OMR

Hey,OMR, where are you getting a head gasket for that price? Dealer price here is 130 for both pieces! I think Z1 is about 25 for both pieces albeit aftermarket! David

@ Z1 of course....

I converted over to the single gasket but they do have the two piece as well, pretty much the same price... $49.76

The gasket I received is a Wiseco gasket... Same as what came in my Wiseco cylinder/piston kit for my 1015cc upgrade.

www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=2901

OMR

since you are spending the money to get the head done, mic the bores to make sure 1, the bores are std and 2, to see if the cyl will take a rering.
you do need to hone the cyl, to break the glaze and put the propper cross hatch pattern in so the rings will seat properly

Yes i will most definately be honing the cylinders. The bore is standard, i just got done tearing it down,its a little slow in the auto dealership where i work lol. What should the compression be at or around. Im sure its down a little i can just tell by the way it kicks over,ive owned her for a long while and know how it USED to feel!! Man id just do 1015 kit but really dont want to ya know. Well anyways guess cant check compression now anyways lol.

120 lbs/sq inch is OEM stock KZ900 spec.
100-120 is acceptable but you'd be on the down swing in performance & longevity....

On a new engine/head build, you'll see ~ 140 lbs/sq inch.

Harbor Freight Tools.... Leak Down Tester