TOPIC:

Going to remove my cam chain tensioner from my 77' KZ1000A. Is there anything that has to be done prior or to the motor before removing? Can't seem to find anything in the manual. Appears to be held on by only 2 bolts.

Just two m6 bolts.

Don't turn the engine, if you do then stick a rod in the hole to press on the cam chain tensioner guide whilst turning engine over a couple of times by hand, so any slack in the chain is on the tensioner side.

Not sure about the z1000A but the later 'auto' tensioners aren't too good and can stick, so clean up and lube the cross wedges.

Why are you removing it?

Just trying to clean up everything Tyrell. This was a non-running bike I purchased several months ago. Has been sitting idle for over 20 years and had seen better days. There a fittings behind, besides the tensioner for the oil cooler. I'm removing those fittings to change out the o-rings and the one closest to the tensioner ( has the oil pressure switch ) won't allow the bolt to be removed with the pensioner in the way. And of course, this would be a good time to replace the tensioner gasket too.
I'm aware of the 2 bolts to remove the tensioner. I'm assuming that when removing the tensioner, Do Not turn the motor. Does the motor have to placed at a certain location before removing the tensioner? The ignition housing has been removed ( cracked due to bike wrecking on the right side ). I'm assuming not, just make sure you don't release the lock nut on the tensioner?

Just removed the tensioner, easy peasy. Even with it out, still can't seem to break loose the phillips head bolt on the oil fitting that holds the oil pressure switch. Can't get a socket on it and don't want the strip it with a screw driver. Will perceiver.

Be very careful with that bolt. It is JIS, not Phillips.

Maybe a 1/4" box wrench with the proper screwdriver bit, will have enough leverage to break it loose. Push down when turning, otherwise it may "Cam Out".

Tap the screwdriver with a hammer to help break it loose it usually helps

kzdcw wrote: Just removed the tensioner, easy peasy. Even with it out, still can't seem to break loose the phillips head bolt on the oil fitting that holds the oil pressure switch. Can't get a socket on it and don't want the strip it with a screw driver. Will perceiver.

There are NO Phillips head fasteners on a KZ motorcycle. You will have problems if you are trying to tackle it with a Phillips screwdriver - so DO NOT do it! Use a JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) bit and you will have better luck. If it still is stubborn soak it with Kroil for a couple days and you will be amazed that it comes out without a problem.

See: forums.kz650.info/index.php?topic=12936.msg127665#msg127665 for details.

Ed

Trying to use a Sears Craftsman #3 Phillips but can't get a good angle on it break loose. I'm soaking it in ATF/Acetone mix. See if that might help. I wonder if investing in JIS 1/4" drive bits might be a good choice or get a real long JIS screw driver?

Look at the link I provided. It tells you how to make a JIS bit from a Phillips bit. Ed

Ed, Read your Link provided. Ground down the tip a little off a #3 Phillips. Fit the JIS head much tighter. Came right out and maybe soaking it with Mixture of Acetone/ATF helped too. Appreciate the Tip and a good learning experience from the Senior Tech Staff

I'm glad it worked for you! I ruined several of my JIS screws before finding out (on this website) they were not Phillips, so I try to pass the JIS info along. Ed