oil pump check out

[snojet71]

The 2 kawi's that I just brought home cleaned up nice.  Now checking mechanicals before fire up.    How reliable are the oil inj. pumps?  do I need to check them out first or is there high probablility that they are good and go for a test fire? Oh, forgot,,,,its been about 3 years since last run.   thanks,,,,,,

[jimvw57]

If they are Invaders, you definatly want to leave the oil injection on there. It also provides lube to the center bearings ad the center seal on the crankshaft.

I have yet to have an oil pump fail on me, not saying it doesn't happen, just has not happened to me.
Make sure the oil lines are properly bled to get any air bubbles out, You could run a little pre-mix and watch the oil level to make sure it is pumping oil.

[snojet71]

Thanks,  one is an 81 LTD and other is 82 Intruder.    Why do you say "if they are invaders"?  Something different there?  thanks again. 
I havent had anything apart, why would they need a bleed? 
After I am sure they run well, then I may start changing all gas and oil lines.  guess I will need to start reading the service procedures.   Greg

[jimvw57]

Invaders (liquid cooled) use a Labrynth type of center seal. It uses oil to do the actual sealing which is fed from the oil pump. That is why there are 3 oil lines going to the crankcase.

The Intruder uses a regular center seal and different bearings which get their lubrication from the oil/gas mix. thus there are only 2 oil lines going to the crankcase (under each carb) If you feel the need to eliminate the oil pump, it can be done easier on an Intruder, but then you have to mess with mixing gas and oil, getting the right mixture, fouling plugs, seperate gas cans, etc. Much more of a pain in the ----.

I will stick to filling the oil tank and filling the gas from the pump.

If the oil tank runs low, you could get air bubbles in the oil line. That is one reason to go with lines you can see through. Also need to make sure the correct lines are on the correct output ports from the oil pump. the center seal port puts out more oil than the other 2 which will cause plug fouling, smoke, and could burn out the center seal if connected wrong.

[snojet71]

Good info.  Thanks, I will stick with the injection....Liked it 30 years ago, and I will like it now.    So , does my LTD have 3 oil lines or 2?    Greg

[jimvw57]

LTLD is a liquid cooled motor, should have 3 lines under the carb mounting area

[gixxer6]

The oil pumps are rock solid.  However, I have had a few of them leak around the drive shaft seal.  This didn't seem to affect the operation, but it made a heck of a mess!