Cam Chain Replacement

I have a new cam chain ordered from Z1 and need info on replacing the old one. Can I just break the old, attatch the new and feed it through, or do I have to break the engine cases? I will have the engine pulled to replace the starter clutch at the same time.

Yes if it's a chain with a masterlink simply link it to the old chain, turn the crank pulling the old chain around and the new one with it. There's rumor of bad news running masterlink camchains, but that's complete bull. Running a masterlink camchain presents no problems more than running a masterlink drive chain to the rear wheel, and everyone does that without worry.

Tearing the engine down to install an endless chain is so much more work I would definitely get one with a master link. Properly installed, they should be good to run.

I bought the endless chain and a masterlink. The kicker is the riveting tool, more than all the parts together.:dry:

I replaced the cam chain on my 79 KZ1000 MKII
engine by using a master link.

I peened the master link with a flat center
punch. I used the head of a sledge hammer as
an anvil. It took two people. One to hold the
sledge hammer head while I mushroomed the
master link with the punch.

There ain't no way that thing is ever gonna
come loose.

Bob

Bob_79KZ wrote:

I replaced the cam chain on my 79 KZ1000 MKII
engine by using a master link.

I peened the master link with a flat center
punch. I used the head of a sledge hammer as
an anvil. It took two people. One to hold the
sledge hammer head while I mushroomed the
master link with the punch.

There ain't no way that thing is ever gonna
come loose.

Bob

If you choose to go Bob;s route make sure you take it easy on the chain. If you pound too much it will create a tight spot in the chain.

I can't believe any of you guys....

A cam chain is endless for reason!!!!!!!!!!

XENU

FastKaw1 wrote:

I can't believe any of you guys....

A cam chain is endless for reason!!!!!!!!!!

XENU

The reason it is that way at the factory, 1 they have the engine apart and are starting from scratch 2 a endless chain is one less step needed in the assembly process 3 no chance of error by the person building the engine.

other wise it would be a linked chain

FastKaw1 wrote:

I can't believe any of you guys....

A cam chain is endless for reason!!!!!!!!!!

XENU

Just like the drive chain to the rear wheel. They are all endless from the factory too and I don't see everyone buying a $400 endless factory chain ever. Master link works just fine.

The tool, chain, masterlink, and idler wheel all came in yesterday (Thanks Jeff!). I am just waiting on the gasket kit and I will be all set. I can't see any problem with the master link as long as the link is properly riveted. There should be no lateral force therefore no issues.

Be careful, I just finished up replacing a cam chain and some rollers. I split my original chain, connected my new one to the end of it and began feeding it throught by turning the crank. I got it all the way through and diconnected the old chain from the new chain. But when I was getting the new chain set up so I could join it together, I dropped it. I was pretty colorful for a couple of minutes than I had to tear off the head, pull the chain out of the bottom of the engine case with a magnet. Then carefuly thread sone thin mechanics wire down and around the crankshaft (yes this was as much fun as it sounds) so I could pull the cain through again. I was able to get everything back together, and long stroy short, DON'T DROP THE CHAIN!!! :pinch:

Ever see a motor after a cam chain comes apart? I have.
Guess what, There NOT much left to save. Not even the case haves.

So you saved a hundred bucks and some time. Now. Bang the chain brakes.
Your choices are, by a new rebuild motor $$$$$ or look for a old motor that
need a cam chain.

Now, if you have a motor that needs a cam chain, it's a GOOD bet it also needs
valve work or at least new valve seals and lap the valves.
Id much rather have a fresh head and a new chain and not have to worry about it.

Last but not least, if I were looking for a motor/bike and someone said I put a new
cam chain in it and didn't do any head work I would very suspicious.
and most likely walk away

XENU