Cam Cover Rubber End Caps

Hello all,

I was just replacing the (4) rubber cam cover end caps on my 77 1000 with new ones from Z1 enterprizes....I am having alittle trouble keeping them in place as the top pan is torqued down, they seem to want to squeeze outwards....I tried to put RTV on them and also tried to put them in without anything on them with the same results..... Anybody have this trouble before???? Its almost like they are a little bit too high and get squeezed just a bit to much.....

Thanks

1045

try some yamabond or better yet throw them in the trash and get some aluminum caps from APE just a dab of silicone and they are good to go and will not blow out like the stockers.

I too am dealing with your frustration. I just replaced the caps on my 80 kz1000 and the same thing is happening. I couldnt get one of them to stay in. I put it in backwards with the lip on the inside. I heard about this little trick from and old kz rider. Maybe not the best solution, but it works. By the way, that was over the weekend, and today tuesday I had another try to slip out and I did the same with it as well.

I like the idea of buying aluminum ones! Good Call!

I guess I don't understand the problem, as the way they are made they have a kind of lip that holds them from moving outward from the head. They will squash down some, as this is how they are supposed to seal. Use Yamabond #4 or equiv, don't use silicon. They should seat nice and neat every time. They always did for me, but it's been 20+ years since I replaced a 1000 plug. Did a 650 a week ago though the same way and it worked just the same way. Use Yamabond #4.

APE fully machined billet aluminum cam cover plugs for the Kawasaki. Won't blow out or suck in as the stock rubber plugs do on this model. Fits all Z1, KZ900, and 1000s except J Model. Bright blue anodize finish.

99278 Set of 4 $33.00

www.firedogracing.com/APEKZ.html


Ron, the rubber plugs have a lip on one side only. Obviously, you know how they set in the half moon slot. When the valve cover is tightened they love to come out. Alot of times they slip out because the valve cover is warped(sorry for the bad news). Anyway, putting the lip on the inside looks hideous but works. Functionality or form?

Above I put the link for the aluminum caps.

Later,
cgray34

Not owning a KZ900/1000 I had never noticed the difference before, but this problem doesn't happen of the KZ650 because a cam cover bolt runs through the center of each plug. Ed

I used ThreeBond 1104, and had no problems, no leaks.

Thanks for the responses, I will try and bond them in place and let it dry before tightening down top pan, shouln't complain as it only took 30 years for the old ones to start leaking..........


1045

All,
don't forget that the APE plugs need to be fitted, i.e the tops may have to be decked a little to get them as flat to the top of the head as possible...otherwise you might leak...
K

All,
don't forget that the APE plugs need to be fitted, i.e the tops may have to be decked a little to get them as flat to the top of the head as possible...otherwise you might leak...
K

All,
don't forget that the APE plugs need to be fitted, i.e the tops may have to be decked a little to get them as flat to the top of the head as possible...otherwise you might leak...
K

I have never heard that before. Been making those for 20 years. We hold that dimention to +/- .001" Should not ever need to be cut to have leak free fit.

Jay