kz400 lower engine noise??

I'm new to the forum and need some help. I have just purchased a '76 KZ400 and it has a knocking at idle. The knocking seems to come from the right side back between the clutch and the starter area, but I'm not too sure. When I rev it the sound briefly increases then disapears. I haven't ridden it yet because I don't want to damage it, and because its 12 degrees F this morning.

I'm not sure if the kz400 has primary chain. It probably has. This is a chain which connects the crankshaft to the geartrain. If that's it then it should'nt be a problem. They get a bit loose and knock at idle but the classic symptom is that the noise goes away when you ride it. It's rare to hear of anyone having to replace one. Mine has been knocking at idle for years and I have 60,000km on it.

Do you have a manual ? Take a look at the engine diagrams and see if there's a primary chain or check out Kawasaki Parts Diagrams in the link at upper right and then ride it ! If the noise dissappears then have fun :lol:

There are a few 400 owners here so hang on a bit and wait to hear what they say.

Welcome to the forum

Post edited by: JR, at: 2007/11/09 08:34

primary chain with out a doubt. no adjustment you kinda get use to it after awhile. balancing the carbs will help a little bit,but it is not hurting anything

REPLACE THAT CHAIN!!!!!!!! i had a 75 kz 400 and it made a noise that i couldnt exactly find in that area...long story short,the chain broke and it went through the cover at the case causing a good bit of damage and shearing off bolts as the chain came out...leaked oil after that,,,better safe than sorry

hydrolazer wrote:

REPLACE THAT CHAIN!!!!!!!! i had a 75 kz 400 and it made a noise that i couldnt exactly find in that area...long story short,the chain broke and it went through the cover at the case causing a good bit of damage and shearing off bolts as the chain came out...leaked oil after that,,,better safe than sorry

hydrolazer, are you talking about the final drive chain rather than the primary chain ?

not the final drive chain to the rear sprocket but the primary in the engine. when mine went the engine would run but the oil lite came on(no oil pressure) but the bike wouldnt go.

wow, i have never heard of a primary chain breaking, on a 400,the only one i ever saw had a screw floating around in there and it went between the chain and the crank sprocket. all of mine make that noise, and have never worried about it.

if memory still serves me,,i found a lot of the little plates from my chain in the cover. i gues the little noises i heard were them coming loose until...........it happened. i would have a look to be on the safe side just to have piece of mind

Sounds nasty. I think that's the only time I've ever heard of a primary chain breaking