Find the Cylinder Head Gasket at the Best Price
Tips, addresses and recommendations for finding a spare part when it is no longer available from the manufacturer
Saga of the restoration of the sports car Kawasaki ZX6R 636 model 2002: 13th episode
In my eagerness and great confidence in the seriousness of the after-sales service of Japanese brands, from which spare parts can be obtained in 24-48 hours, I did not test "small" when removing the cylinder head of my Kawazaki zx6r during a complete restoration. A very small thing ... Detail. Before putting my hands in the engine, I didn't check for an essential part: the cylinder head seals! Oh c # n ... And then, while the valves are de-scalded and I can close the cylinder head, I have no seal.
Regardless, I found that on our 6 ZX636-R 2002 the original cylinder head gasket could no longer be ordered from dealerships: production simply stopped. “Better” is even bigger, in Europe there is no one left in the warehouse. Result? Instead of spending € 50 on a Kawasaki cylinder head seal, you would have to pay almost € 100 on a third-party facility with no full control over delivery times. Bad news! Who said that the manufacturer is always more expensive?
I am trying to go back to the adaptable usually available in Bihr via Athena. In theory, this is a word. Again, it is not possible to have it individually in what might be considered an “official supplier”.
Cylinder head seal order: follow the net
I find one on eBay that I order. I take all necessary precautions and measures, blinded by everything by contacting the seller, en french in the text. He gives me all his insurance and of course deducts me a round sum of 90 euros including express shipping. Ouch. He is due to arrive from England in a week.
Remember: before proceeding with disassembly, make sure you have all spare parts
The quick relief "egg" pressed when ordering the cylinder head seal drives me crazy: after 3 weeks of waiting (maximum 5 days theoretically with express shipping paid at time of order) there is still no print or return. The seller simply cancels the deal: he did not have the details and therefore could not keep his commitment. However, he assured me that there is no problem, that he has it and that he is sending it to me. Bad grade and conflict later, back to square one. I've lost a crazy amount of time and will soon check the adage that time is money. Oh, rage.
We forget eBay, hopeful sellers and exotic solutions, I go back to the concrete and the safe, I went to the source room. I am contacting a supplier of engine seal repair kits usually distributed by Bihr in Italy. Bihr still doesn't retail, where Athena, let alone it, does it without any problems and at a very reasonable price, but still keeps me waiting around 15 days. And I don't know why, Italians and punctuality or expected seriousness are always two, according to my experience. What to do? I keep digging, it can always make a good hole for my disappointed hopes and for a bike in case ...
Cylinder head seal manufacture: custom made
We're going to have to have this damn piece! In parallel with my steps (I am multitasking) I am discovering and communicating with telephone technicians who can recreate the cylinder head hinges. They are modeled after the original one (which I thankfully kept) and can change its thickness. They even suggest decreasing it, if desired, in order to increase the compression of the engine (competition). Perfect when these seals are nowhere to be found and if you're in no rush. This is none of my business. On the other hand, one of them asks me for the initial thickness, leaving me unanswered. Not sure if calling Kawasaki France they know how to answer me even if the customer service and maintenance are excellent!
Better yet, about this know-how I discovered: “Aprotec” (the address in the pro directory) literally bluffs me about the extent of its capabilities in terms of custom-made parts. Seals, pistons, camshafts, valves, shirts, segments, bushings, connecting rods, it looks like a miracle worker for old restorers. This is the address to keep in the corner of your head or the best documented spot on the francophone motorcycle planet.
A custom cylinder head seal is a good thing if you make sure you do it well. Otherwise, this is a definite source of trouble and we can weaken the block. The price stays in the nails: about 150 euros all inclusive, but there is an expectation. Between sending the HS print I need, how I make a new one, and how I ship it back to me, it will easily take 1 to 2 weeks. It remains only to make a decision. Again, the financial arguments and future use of the motorcycle take precedence. Just like reliability. Not to mention, the meter is running in a garage with community participation and my location is over € 150 per month.
Evaluation
The data are as follows: rates range from about 60 euros excluding shipping costs at * Athena * to over 100/150 euros or 200 euros for a print on order. Taking a look at the Bihr website can find complete seal covers for the high engine, low engine and the entire 6 ZX636 R 2002 engine. On the other hand, prices are going up and we fluctuate between 320 and almost 500 euros depending on the suppliers.
The case opens, however, the possibility of a complete repetition of the engine and even more, even if its contents are not described in great detail. From what I can see, it also provides disassembled crankcase seals and more. Among other things, I think it shows: the exhaust line seals needed to wind it up, the spark plug shaft seals, mess and even a low engine seal. Bonus? As usual with this supplier, packages are available and available ... the next day (in case of ordering before 16:00). An order I place at my Accessoirement motorcycle equipment and accessories store in Boulogne-Billancourt.
Better yet, I will be eligible for a special discount as I have been working with them and have known them for a long time (loyalty pays off!). A hell of a discount that allows me to save big. Very big. Thanks a lot and a big sigh of relief later, the order has been placed. Will you be lucky to come back? Almost, but not for long.
That's when I think I changed: the costs are too high, you know? The one that encourages you to do better, to take a step forward in your ambition. Come on, I'm ordering a complete high level motor kit. In theory, more than € 300 worth of crack, but for a good reason: I will have everything, everything, but then everything to remake the engine. And even if it means I have it, I will use it. But it really stings in terms of price: this is the price I wanted to put all-inclusive in order to be able to roll around with the bike. No doubt it will hit my budget seriously after that ... Provided it's worth it / coup. In the meantime, I can consider closing the engine and moving on to the next steps. To be continued on Friday ...
Conclusion
Lesson of the day in terms of rehabilitation: sometimes it is better to spend and spend more in order to lose less ... I place an order at a certain discount: it sometimes serves to work in a store that sells parts and accessories for motorcycles. Who do we thank? "Thank you boss, thank you boss."
