TOPIC:

So you identified an issue with the gooey shit on the steel plates and have since corrected that issue. Why wouldn't you put it back together and test in the same configuration? If you start screwing around with the plate set up you'll never know which was the problem. Always one thing at a time. If you change more than one, you may set yourself up for consequences down the road.

Nice catch on the inspection of the plates. And by going with the thick piece of Glass Kudos to you. Not everybody knows that glass is flat enough to use for lapping when you don't have a lapping plate to work with.

Thanks Kawboy, yes after I posted that I had decided to stick with the original set up. Mainly as you say eliminate one thing at a time and Kawasaki must have done that for a reason.
If when I put it back together I still have an issue then will deal with it as it arises.