There's so much I don't know about this bike!

Hello,:silly:
It's me again, I checked valve clearances earlier on my KZ900 and found that only 2valves were in spec!! I need shims!!! Which ones do I buy, I mean what size. I am thinking about getting the tool that Z1 sells by motion pro to change shims without removing cams but I don't know which shims to order. How do I find out the difference? I mean I knoww that 6 of the valves have no clearance. If I check them all can I still ride it while I wait for shims to arrive? I don't even know if I'm making sense? I need help!!(obviously!)
ThanksB)

Hi TH,

Get the tool, remove the shims read or measure the thicknesses, order the shims you need.

While you're at it read WG's excellent article on setting valve clearances here:
Setting Valve Clearances

KZCSI

thadley55 wrote:

Hello,:silly:
It's me again, I checked valve clearances earlier on my KZ900 and found that only 2valves were in spec!! I need shims!!! Which ones do I buy, I mean what size. I am thinking about getting the tool that Z1 sells by motion pro to change shims without removing cams but I don't know which shims to order. How do I find out the difference? I mean I knoww that 6 of the valves have no clearance.

Then you have to install thinner shims until you get clearance so you can calculate the correct size shim.

Put some 2.00 in the tight places, then you will have too much clearance and you can then calculate the exact size you need.

Jay

It sounds like you don't have a shop manual...is this correct? If not, spend a bit of time on eBay and pick up a used KZ900 manual (an early model KZ1000 manual will also work)...choose the Kawasaki shop manual, over other manuals. This manual will answer many of your questions.

I have the manual. I don't know how much damage it will do if I ride with improper valve adjustment. I will only ride about 60 miles awee k. I should be able to get it done in two weeks.
P.S. I've had this thing since May I just really want to ride it!!!:woohoo:

If you've got no clearance it's likely that the valves aren't resting against the seats well enough to transfer the heat to the head. At some point the valves will become over heated.

Additionally, if the valves aren't seating you're loosing compression. Have you looked at the compression?

KZCSI

you are running the risk of burning the valves,along with the tool you can order the assortment of shims, will cost a bit more but you would prob have the shims needed to adj the valves

BUY THE TOOL....measure your shims and buy two each of the sizes below what you have now. The only time you will need a thicker shim is when you install new valves, then only maybe. You can never have too many shims. I have three bikes and about 30 or so extra shims. Last time I did a shim check, guess which shim I needed, the only one I did not have......chris3

which tool is this, and how much is it!

the tool can be made from scrap piece of steel,z1 enterprises sells shim kits for around $110.00 last time i looked with good assortment of differant shims and a box to hold them

uh guys... I'm all for making my own tools... Example, HEX wrenches for the ZX636 front end axle bolt (requires two one for each side) and the prices of one wrench was rediculous $40-$60 each, so I made my own with a bolt and welded nuts on each side, $4 for all.

But this shim tool from Z1 is pretty much cheaper then you could even make...

thadley55:

Slow down a bit dude...
"P.S. I've had this thing since May I just really want to ride it!!!"...

Hell, I have been working on my project since last year, others have been working on theirs for over a couple of years...:blink: We all want to ride our babies sooner than later, ok, preferably before we die but be patient and do it right.

"that only 2valves were in spec!! I need shims"

2valves in spec.. Are you depicting the shim measurements using a feeler gauge. If so, what were your measurement?

How much of a difference where your measurements off spec?

"6 of the valves have no clearance"... None what so ever?

Go to Harbor Freight, Home Depot, Lowes, Ace hardware where ever and buy a digital micrometer that also does milli meter (mm) measurements, they're ~ $25. You can measure the shim in mm. From Z1, each shim is under $5 so but 4 each above and 4 each below or perferably buy a shim kit to cover all your needs.

OMR