How I changed the crankshaft seals on my 1970 Kawasaki H1 500 triple

In this video I show you how i changed the crankshaft seals in my 1970 Kawasaki H1 500 triple. I used my Sykes Picavant bearing extractor, Permatex Ultra grey gasket sealer. The inner crankshaft seals came from CruzinImage in Japan, New engine seals and gaskets came from Z Power Kawasaki UK and friction reducing oil from ZX1 Extralube. The job was delayed half a day when i hit my thumb while truing the crankshaft with my 2kg copper hammer! but i was seen by the excellent staff at my local A&E. Thanks to my son Stephen who helped with the tracking shots at the end of the video, check out his Instagram at stephen_millyard.

[@grubbytech]

There’s no way I’d have put the circlips back in without a rag over the crank cases. You’re a braver man than I Gunga Din.

[@davidelliott5843]

Pops into the shed and rebuilds his bike engine. All done it a few hours. Yes really. Allen is the master.

[@dobermanguy9437]

The guy is an awesome technician would let him work on my bike anytime his skill just amazes me

[@roryvonbrutt7302]

guru‼️®️™️

[@MarkCox-oz3nc]

​@@dobermanguy9437😊

[@bustjanzupan1074]

He should use the torque wrench 4 the bottom end tightenint nuts ...

[@thatoldbob7956]

Beautiful, cleanliness, every tool at its place, not a scrap, not a dirty spot in the shop. I love these type of videos. Congratulations.

[@RufioMini]

The only channel where I bother to watch the ads as I like to think it helps Allen a tiny bit. Thanks for the information and entertainment as usual.

[@nickoteen3329]

Get rid of your TV licence, and just watch this channel. No doom and gloom here, only positive can do attitude. Well done, your a proper role model.

[@saloader3290]

I did just that 2 years ago ...never regretted it !!

[@ukcadjockey]

using my surface pro, i watched this amazing video, and it was perfect, i'm well pleased with that.

[@harleydavidson6851]

BEST DAM DECADE OF MY LIFE! Nothing BEATS the SIGHT! SOUND! & SMELL! Two Strokes 4 EVER! God Bless... 😊😊

[@thewatcher5271]

Wow, That's The First Time I Saw You Make A Mistake! But Since It Was Just Your Thumb & Not The Bike, It Doesn't Count! What A Great Bike! You Are Livin' The Dream, Man! Thank You.

[@theravedaddy]

Im surprised you resisted the urge to add another couple of cylinders while you had it apart. :)

[@Jonathan_Doe_]

A 5 cylinder would sound amazing! It’d probably be quite a tricky crankshaft build/balance though!

[@jmrico1979]

No extra cylinders added? what is this heresy!!

[@theravedaddy]

@@Jonathan_Doe_ Allens been there, sold that!

[@AllenMillyard]

@@Jonathan_Doe_ ive made around 10 five cylinders based on the triple

[@awdrifter3394]

Only because he hurt his thumb this time. :)

[@mowtown75]

There is something quite satisfying about watching you pour new oil, into a freshly built engine, or indeed assemble machined or cleaned parts, such as the sound the head makes as you place it over the bolt stems. Love your work Allen, please dont stop making these videos.

[@happytimesagain3458]

Wow blown away by this video!! This is why I cut the cord on my cable TV last month after 35 years!! Nothing even close to this on US cable channels!! KZbin is lucky to have you!! Just subscribed!! Thank You for sharing!!

[@1957kwick]

I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve watched one episode without you using that barbecue for something to do with motorcycles.🛠🇺🇸😂

[@victoryfirst2878]

Allen, I can tell you my trick for putting bearings on using a incandescent drop or inspection light. Just put the bearing on the bulb and in a few minutes the bearing bore expands and just drops onto the journal of whatever you are putting together. Worked for me a many a years. I love the rotary phone that you use. Nothing like old technology that still works fine. The attention to details using the brush to apply the sealer is just great. This keep excesses at bay from clogging the oil holes and other things. I was always impressed with the Japanese attention to details on assembly fit and finish. The copper annealing method is something a lot of people miss and have a slow leak and or seep too. This brings back some real nice memories of how much fun I had with my 750. Man oh man did this bike fly for sure, but a bit squirrely in the braking department at high speeds. Thank you for bringing me back to 1977. That was a great time for a many of us young men. Something the young generation does not understand. Nice video Allen !!!! Peace and stay virus free fella too. VF

[@enduser6982]

I use a hotplate and a pot of oil to put bearings on

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@enduser6982 I use a drop light with the shield removed. The rough service incandescent bulb of 2 hundred watts works perfect. Just place the bulb inside a safety can with a flip lid top, foot activated. Just place bearing on bulb and wait 2 to 5 minutes and just place onto journal. Hold for few seconds and your done. V

[@routmaster38]

These great vids are addictive and I lose weight missing meals watching.

[@ododargo]

yea my dull sunday sat at home nursing a broken hip and sholder is now way better watching a master at work

[@jpkalishek4586]

at least you didn't smack your thumb with a 4 lb+ hammer (~_^) did you highside or something?

[@ododargo]

@@jpkalishek4586 i was out on the path an just tripped up in my floppy slippers

[@homerfj1100]

What a coincidence! Really!. My hip was broken and the shoulder was dislocated over a year ago. Still waiting for ops (slowed by Covid).

[@FixItStupid]

Heal Soon

[@jpkalishek4586]

@@ododargo oops well, don't do that. it hurts I do try to be helpful (~_^) Heal fast!

[@catbreath007]

Yours is the most used BBQ in the UK !!

[@jimclarke1108]

How else do you build a hot bike ))

[@Stu-SB]

And never seen a bit of meat lol

[@radioguy1620]

reminded me of re building my CB 160 Honda back in 1971, I had the engine case in mom's kitchen sink and the hot water made the bearings fall out . bit of a surprise but no issue.

[@peterdoe2617]

@@radioguy1620 I once heated up my BMW R75/5 gearbox in my parents oven to get the bearings out. Glad they where on vacation. Man, that oil stinks! LOL

[@ShedTorque46]

As a mechanical engineering lecturer, I really admire these videos Allen, also the attention to detail.

[@kevinbrislawn5918]

His explanation about his details make sure his audience is riveted

[@alexmorgan3435]

A squashed thumb doesn't even stop him! Just awesome dedication, skill, knowledge. A pleasure to watch your videos. Thank you for making.

[@419ma-chyan2]

Japan cannot identify a so beautiful individual, too. I am very glad that I have you maintain it carefully.

[@neodutch]

Well done to Tracey for her outstanding camera work.

[@AllenMillyard]

It was my son Stephen 🎥

[@neodutch]

@@AllenMillyard Figured that when I spied the ST parked on the road side.

[@billville111]

I enjoy his video so much I'm not even disappointed it went together with the same amount of cylinders as when he took it apart.

[@jamesallen4050]

Ha! I was just thinking about changing the bearings of my triumph triple crankshaft, and at precisely the same time, this notification came up!

[@stevekimball7931]

This man is a National Treasure.

[@PeterGort]

"line them up, just by sight", as always, you make it look so easy!

[@ParaBellum2024]

To within a thou!

[@Hopeless_and_Forlorn]

Yeah, but we BMW owners get the additional pleasure of shelling out hundreds of pounds for the special tools needed to do complex maintenance tasks such as checking the oil level in the final drive or inspecting the spark plugs..

[@bjrnhjjakobsen2174]

"and it fits perfectly"😀

[@robplazzman6049]

His press squeaks !!!!!! He’s not perfect, I’ve sussed him ! Seriously, confidence and getting on with it, the secret of life.........

[@Stephane1995]

Finally, something us mere mortals can imagine doing ourselves

[@Stephane1995]

Okay I take that back

[@jospi2]

I'm sure you could do that hitting your thumb with a hammer thing.

[@leifvejby8023]

@@Stephane1995 Yes, untill we attempt doing it!

[@steeplejock]

Yeah, 'imagine' being the operative word...

[@ryancraig2795]

I'm (fairly) sure I could take the engine completely apart, though I don't have a hydraulic press for dismantling the crank. Putting it back together, with no pieces left over and everything working right?...

[@oscartravis5740]

The tinny hooligan engine sound is just how I remember hearing motorbikes growing up, a sonic blast from the past

[@ridefast0]

I just bask in the glow of the quality of engineering in all of Allens videos. I was just thinking that the left thumb was looking nice for a change, then he hit it with the hammer! Reminds me of the time I removed my left big toe nail by dropping a TR7 front bumper (the weighted one) onto it. The language was unrepeatable and I never did that again either.

[@steve23464]

Watching these videos and taking in the mastery of Allen's passion it's easy to overlook the amazing camera footage. Well done on both!

[@jimbd6556]

true, the camera job is also a masterpiece

[@Guy_Kerr]

Amazing work and the confidence in being able to put the gudgeon pin circlips in without any rags stuffed down the crankcase in case they fall in there is astounding! Good to see that even geniuses are human though and can sometimes hit their own thumbs, I guess we've all been there at some point, painful! Great stuff Allen!

[@Shane-zx4ps]

In every video in which I have watched numerous times is the words,it worked out just perfect, and just by eye. The guy is master, as the Japanese call in the motor industry a Takumi.

[@andystafford4463]

I was just about to lobby my local MP about the lack of posts on you tube by the honourable Allen Millyard and then this was posted!!! and it's a 500 triple OMG!!

[@nathanboeger9329]

The phone acting, top notch! I love your attitude of persevering. You are my hero.

[@ryancraig2795]

Your videos are so satisfying to watch, Allen. I felt highly accomplished after managing a valve adjustment on my vstrom. Disassembling a crankshaft? Yeah, no.

[@julianp2868]

One of the distinctive sounds of the 2 stroke era. Kawasaki were always behind in the engine stakes but they always looked good. Funny when you think back on those days and what influenced your thinking of loyalty to a brand of machine, I can remember even now and picture them as yesterday, all the bikes dotted around the drive where I lived.

[@ralfrainfurth6034]

Thank you for the video, the, Tipps, the beautiful bikes. You are a specialist. I also like the pictures in your garden, the animals, because life is everything

[@groovedodger]

It looks and sounds lovely. It did well not to sprout extra cylinders while on your bench .

[@howardosborne8647]

One extra cylinder lacks ambition and in Mr Millyard's presence would count only as the work of amateurs. I'm amazed it didn't sprout another 2 or 3 cylinders.😂

[@nickainley8067]

The way you explain what you are doing is faultless Allen,I was looking forward to watching this all day and was blow away again,thankyou sir😊

[@jong9787]

annealing the copper gaskets is so smart, never thought of it, great tip.

[@Trevor_Austin]

It looks like Mrs. Millyard is better with a camera than Mr. Millyard is with a hammer. Joking aside what was really great to see is that these classic still have have a life for the foreseeable future, providing you can find a competent engineer. I’m sure videos like this help.

[@chrischappell9824]

Allan that thumb bandage looks like something out of a cartoon. You must take care of yourself old Friend, so many "garage builders" look forward to your videos. As always a gorgeous bike.

[@iainbrown4945]

Soothing to watch , as well as encouraging me to get on with stuff

[@AllenMillyard]

brilliant

[@mrsmith4662]

True craftsmanship and precision. Beautiful job.

[@glenminnick3724]

Those old 2 stroke triples were so fun to ride! Wish i could ride anything Millard builds!! Cool shit!

[@spgoo1]

I always hate it when the made in Japan doesn't line up nicely inside my engine!! Such attention to detail!

[@spgoo1]

Hope your thumb's getting better, mate!

[@stoneyilks]

Always amazed by Allen's knowledge, just the little things. Looks at ruler "Tap it once in the high spot and it will be aligned". Bosh!, "Perfect". 👍🏻

[@philipdecatanzaro1822]

This brings back memories of 50 years ago. I tore my bike down a couple of times. My charcoal 70 H1 didn't go much farther than 10 K miles before it had to be torn down. Acceleration was hard when the crank seals were failing. I had the worst trouble with my oil pump. It never seemed to prime properly.

[@Peasmouldia]

I love the exposition in the phone conversations, someone needs to do a montage of them. Priceless...

[@NoName-zn1sb]

That waiting for the rotary dial to cycle, though...

[@michaelhayward7572]

Properly set up 2T. Very little exhaust smoke. Superb.

[@AllenMillyard]

Properly set up they don’t smoke, with modern oil the pump can be backed off really lean with no problems

[@Jonathan_Doe_]

Allen Millyard Not only is it putting out very little smoke, it sounds amazing! Someones actually paid to put a Yamaha RD350 through a compliance test London for the London ULEZ. It passed! ...because 2 strokes put a lot of oily fumes, but set up right, they barely produce any NOx thats the current obsession!

[@AllenMillyard]

@@Jonathan_Doe_ That is so true

[@scottwheaton9689]

@@AllenMillyard Allen,love your dedication & mechanical know how that’s 2nd to none! Question,approx how far would you rec I can back off on oil pump adjustment on my stock 1975 H1F? I run proper 98 octane leaded fuel along with top of the line semi syn or full syn Belray or Amsoil injector oil. I read to reduce oil smoke that Kawi legend Tony Nicosia used to unhook the throttle cable from the oil pump letting sit seated in idle position all the time and then added only 1-1.25 oz injector oil per gal fuel which reduced oil smoke a lot on the stock Kawi 500’s he was testing. He said he drag raced a lot with that setup along with also doing a lot of very spirited street riding including some fairly long distance high speed cruising too with not 1 oil related issue and much less oil use & smoke too. So please let me know what you rec I set oil adjustment to reduce smoke or if you think I should simply do what Tony did setting pump to idle position all the time & maybe to be safe add a min of 1.25-1.5 guality injector oil per gal of leaded 98 octane fuel ? BTW, I have been wrenching & riding many different mfg’s bikes for over 50yrs but as far as Kawi street bikes go I have owned 1-350 triple,5-H1’s,1-73 H2,2-76 KZ900’s & 1-77 KZ1000 with 1 900 & the 1000 being bought brand new. Thanks in advance for your help & Happy Safe Motoring to you in the UK! (?)I am located in the USA. Scott

[@jayurban4313]

Allen, old bean, you warm my heart watching your meticulous work. I owned one of the first H1's in Savannah GA in 1969. I rode that machine everywhere - all the time, rain or shine! At 12K miles, the piston slap told me I would soon need to visit the top end for a rebuild. I bought the parts from Cycle World on highway 17 where I bought the bike and did the work my self over a weekend. I opted to install new clutch plates at this time also. Constant wheelies stretched the heck out of every chain I put on it, as well as the drive and wheel sprockets! Oh what fun I had as a young man of 18 spinning wrenches on my own bike. Watching your video just now brought back SO many memories I had of tinkering on my first Kaw. Thank you so much for your very thorough videography!! BTW, where do you find so many Kaws in such excellent condition?

[@johnfrench9608]

Thanks Alan for this video. I have made a mental note "do not hit my thumb with a 2KG copper hammer"!

[@AllenMillyard]

It’s still healing

[@markbarber7839]

The rotary phone was a nice touch.

[@tomnewhard9275]

Allen, you would be surprised how many people don’t know what a JIS screw driver is!

[@christianlords1340]

I dont

[@BattlecatRed]

I didn't. Had to Google it. No wonder I've messed up so many screw heads...

[@andygilbert1877]

I do now, have known for a while. But...wish I knew in the 70s when it would have saved so much butchery! :)

[@strokenumber3]

My favorite bike was my KH250. Last time I saw it was when I was being loaded into the back of an ambulance, it was lying on the floor very broken ....

[@rdyam]

Just watched this at 9:00am Monday in Australia, and I know I'm going to have a good week! Thanks Allen :)

[@tomr8761]

Imagine trying to get some of Allen's bikes registered in Australia! And it seems in the UK spares are readily available and a fair price.

[@rdyam]

I'm hoping to get a bog standard US spec 1978 Triumph T140V (No Aus compliance plate) registered here in South Australia, it'd be easier with one of Allen's creations! :)

[@vistavette1663]

You know he's amazing when he pours in the oil without a funnel

[@michaelbdoherty]

Shhhh the multiple cylinder two stroke street bikes brings back memories. Your braver then I, I always stuff a clean rag in the bottom end incase the "gudgen" lol pin clip decides to drop into the bottom end. You didn't show checking the top end tolerances? Time constraints I guess. I thought I heard a little piston slap? Hmmmmm . Great video on the lost art of two stroke rebuilds. 👍

[@leehaelters6182]

M&C Doherty, do you mean the piston and bore diameters?

[@droceretik]

You dare to question the engine building skills of the great Allen Millyard? Heretic!

[@billmoran3219]

Once again another very informative build and great editing , thanks again Allen for your time and effort and just being an awesome ambassador for all motorcyclist.

[@zoebettina]

Allen's videos always put me in a meditative state. Great stuff

[@AllenMillyard]

Love that!

[@simonfreer7950]

A true master.... makes all that look like childs play

[@anthonycate4524]

Unintentional ASMR, very satisfying to watch, and listen too. Really lovely work. Cheers.

[@beakittelscherz5419]

For more motorASMR watch RRC Restauration.Its awesome!

[@geraldworkman3771]

Wow, I'm sure you have heard this before; but simply amazing the quality and ingenuity you exhibit. I thought my 73 Yamaha TX 500 was a complicated nightmare. I really enjoyed the Kaw Z-1 6. Keep up the great video's, looking forward to the next one.

[@matsamuels9197]

Best channel on KZbin bar none. I could watch this masters at work all day long. Genius

[@slartybartfarst9737]

Just completed three 2 stroke twin crank rebuilds and now feel confident to tackle the kawasaki triple crank in fact thanks to Allens excellent video work with advice on scribing the webs and using a set square on the press I can see how a 4, 5 or 6 cylinder crank is feasible. I also found using the bed of a lathe or mill as a flat surface to place a crank on and "see" any misalignment or check with feeler gauges for differences between webs before wielding the copper hammer helped me. 6 Hours to do the first crank 3 for the next then 30 mins for the last one. Thanks for your brilliant videos Allen Putting the con rods on with "Made in Japan" all one way is now compulsory (made me chuckle as I did it, and I thought I was obsessive! ) and I kept my thumb well clear of that hammer, it was making me wince so I think you saved me an A&E visit too!

[@AllenMillyard]

I always like my rods facing the same way it’s just looks wrong when I see one mismatched 🙈

[@allanblackesq]

Another very informative video from you Allen, I have put a good hydraulic press on my wish list, along with a decent size gas barbecue, tig welder, and a larger milling machine! You honestly prove you can do anything if you put your mind to it.

[@bigred8438]

The bottom case half is a great casting.

[@davidsmith5766]

I am pulling one of these out of a garage next weekend been sitting since 78 fingers crossed it's can be saved

[@jong9787]

never thought the excess squeezed out gasket sealer would clog the oil galleries, thanks for that tip.

[@spottydog4477]

14:20 Allen: Puts piston in , then pin followed by circlip *Me: Put piston in, then pin and drops circlip down the crankcase*

[@slartybartfarst9737]

Always stuff the crankcase mouth with tissue or rag before wielding circlips, dont ask me how i know!

[@rizreid8670]

@@slartybartfarst9737 been there. Fortunately we'r young just once, rt ?

[@glynprice3815]

I reckon that barbecue only gets used for important bike work. I also believe you to be the Millyard gargantue brain, is this true?

[@_zzpza]

I'm beginning to think BBQ may pip lathe or mill in terms of tool to get first for the home workshop.

[@dbc105]

Those are fantastic old bikes. Great vid. DC

[@mikebates8420]

I love the rotary dial telephone at 7 minutes. Great video, makes crankshaft work seem so easy.

[@gilbertreeves2084]

Allen..You bleed red..throws my theory you were a relative of a vulcan (spock).You make engine building look easy...Cheers1

[@franktechmaniac7488]

7:03 Everybody under the age of 25 - that kind of telephone was used for 40 years..

[@davestrain9529]

an you were mostly confined to the kitchen..8 feet! LOL

[@beakittelscherz5419]

No joke,- I gave mine yesterday to a kindergardener to use it as show and tell to the kids! Now I feel like an old hag. lol . I found a package with Mon Cherie Schnaps chocolate cherie thingies with a thankyou note... &ate them ALL! and then had to go to the Doctors cause my pills where empty ! I had a chocklate mouth but was somewhat Wthell-idcare-Corona -fucked up ... but happy. Even the doc didnt gave a fuck and just handet me the receipt as I went out the door with the paper towel roll that stuck somehow to my Ass. I just sat one effin minute on the edge of the diagnosis bench ya know? Total Clowns Day Yesterday... .lol . So... shit just happens guys! Yáll get better &stay healthy;-) Greeting from Germany :Beware The Telephones ,-they are tricky...

[@Supercell725]

Watching this master craftsman at work is such a pleasure.

[@Gkuljian]

This is a most nostalgic reminder of my 500 triple days. Those were exciting days.

[@cgoodwin2875]

For the life of me I cant understand why there isn't a barbecue in every engineering workshop.

[@joonatansaarinen8715]

My dad said you remind him of hes uncle jarno saarinen. He rode tt and gp in the 70

[@neodutch]

Everyone needs a friend like Neil.

[@ramishrambarran3998]

Mr Millyard ! Yeah right ! That barbecue grill has never seen a piece of meat !................Sykes-Pickavant & The great sound of a Kawasaki triple !

[@jimvanalstyne1713]

Great video as always! Back “in the day” most of the guys I rode with had kawasaki triples. I still have my 72 H2 and an as found 70 H1. Watching Allen working on that motor brought back so many memories! Thanks Allen for all these videos and your vast knowledge of everything two wheeled. I have a question. Why does a 1970 H1 have points and not CDI? Over here in the colonies ( Canada), the only H1 to have points was the 1972. Just wondering.

[@JSBIRD69]

Greatest hazzards of working with Allen.... 1. Having too much fun with the finished product. 2. Smashing the crap out of your thumb. Allen is a repeat offender.

[@theodcast791]

The things you can achieve with the right brains and tools I keep watching your vids and ain't come across one vid I dint love

[@mediagrant]

The guy is just a genius on all levels.!!!

[@TheFlyingBusman]

Even legends bust a thumb occasionally!

[@aldntn]

Its possible to ride an H1 and keep the front wheel on the ground. I never knew.

[@AllenMillyard]

yes easily they are not as wayward as the legend suggests, infact they are quite tame

[@laurencew5220]

@@AllenMillyard compared to a viper v10

[@bigoneforyoutolove]

That is the cleanest H1 i have ever seen. I hope to own one some day. Thanks for the great videos!

[@tphvictims5101]

Every video of yours amazes me. I had a 3 cylinder kaw. I loved it. The Harley owners didn’t 😉

[@davehoward22]

You actually own a standard bike!?

[@sparty94]

old bikes need lots of love in regular intervals.

[@weimaraner2]

Those Kawasaki triples sounded so good.

[@alanh4471]

Allen. Most viewers understand the time it takes to produce these videos - and we really apricate them. If you do more, hopefully your subscribers will increase to a level that you can earn some 'useful' income from them. Your work is such a difference from (what we would assume to think), that a sterile level 4 virus robotic assembly line system, could do all this work! And yet we see you in the garden, grass and a garden hose and a BBQ... Just great stuff. Always a pleasure to watch. Maybe look a future project and start popping in the Patron question. Maybe ask viewers what they would like to see built or restored.

[@AllenMillyard]

Thankyou for the feedback, I enjoy making my videos and am hopefully encouraging a few to have a go at home 🙂

[@stevestace3921]

You can tell a persons age experience and ability, when they do not need to use a torque wrench or other power tools. Everything by touch feel and sight. Great engineer and video.

[@raybrensike42]

Now I know what it would be like to live in a perfect world. Amazing. A real classic. Sounds perfect.

[@szkola-inwestowania-walen]

You are a master at what you do. Greetings from Walen School.

[@bobbelsekwol]

Love the sound of the old 2 strokes.

[@lawsonhollenbaugh3626]

WOW ALLEN, THAT WAS AN AWESOME VIDEO, I LOVE THOSE TRIPLE 500 s YOUR ATTENTION TO DETAIL IS PERFECTION. !!

[@johncunningham4820]

Those Triple Two-Stroke's make a Really lovely mellifluous sound under load . The Suzuki's also made that sound .

[@damianchytutos9334]

Allen you are a Master, and creator of beasts on wheels, Congratulations!!!! Greetings from Argen-china 😂😂😂😎💪

[@vincentscott6168]

It's often said Alans bikes are a work of art, the real work of art is Alan himself.