APE - Adj Cam Sprockets installation on kz900???

Hey all,

While packaging my new CAM's and sprockets for shipment to Larry C., I noticed the new adjustable CAM sprockets don't have alignment scribing on them but DOT's on them instead.

The intake DOT matches the 28 pin (tooth marking) but the exhaust DOT sits at 12:00 whereas the OEM have lines to match to the head horizontal axis.

Most probably a question for APE Jay but does anyone have the alignment/installation instructions for a KZ900?

NOTE: I can get it close by comparing to the OEM sprockets but just curious on the fine tuning aspects regarding the "Adjustable" slotted sprockets.

Thanks,

OMR

The intake DOT matches the 28 pin (tooth marking) but the exhaust DOT sits at 12:00 whereas the OEM have lines to match to the head horizontal axis.

Never mind this part of my posting, got out the trusty Ole Kawi Shop Manual and answered my own question...DOH! :whistle:

See, never too old to learn something new everyday....
OMR ponders.... Did I change my shorts today? :S

OMR

its adjustable,now i just need to find a picture of fancy gadget you mount up top to finish the process

omr go to any of the good cam companies web sites and they will have instructions on how to degree cams properly it will realy help. what cams are you putting in the old girl.

plumman i think the fancy gadget your refering to is a dial indicator by the way just thought i'd refresh your memory.by the way they are not gadget s they are actally refered to as thingies i'll have you know. your welcome

thats why youre a mech- i -kneck and im just a plum-mer!:laugh: i think ol kaw man actually sells a video on degreeing cams,Larry C can point you in the right direction!

i just noticed that your turbo wheels are turning again what changed, your problems over.

moving my shop to new part of my building where i can mock up my bike 10' from my desk,hell of a motivator!:laugh:

Cams I purchased based on what I was looking for in power and in my riding style in discussions with Bud @ Dynoman, Jeff @ Z1 and of course Larry C @ Cavanaugh racing.

Larry is doing the valve job and CAM sprocket settings so I'm not worried about it at all, just curious for installing the sprockets are not a big deal and will be real close in comparing to the OEM alignments. Just wanted to educate my mind and expand my knowledge.

I was just more interested in reading or hearing from others on the fine tuning/alignment with the adjustable sprockets aspect of it.

APE has instructions for other non KZ bikes... I'll keep searching.

OMR

We do not include instructions on degreeing cams with any of our sprockets. Certain models like Hayabusas require an adaptor to be pressed on before sprocket installation. Those we supply instructions as to how to install the adaptors in the proper index.

Jay

Buy a degree wheel, positive stop & at least 1" travel dial indicator, can of brake clean, tube of red locktite.

Read this article

www.muzzys.com/articles/lobe_centers.html

The trickiest part is getting the dial indicator tip to not drag on the cam, not touch the lifter bore and repeat readings. I have one I ground down very thin that works perfectly.

The math is easy. Here's a shortcut example to get lobe center.

IO 25 BTDC
IC 53 ABDC

(53 - 25) + 180 / 2 = 104

Same method for exhaust cam.

Do the cams when you can work undisturbed. Take your time. It's not difficult.

It goes much easier if you assemble only 2 valves in the head with light springs. Get some at the hardware store. Bolt the head on, torque it, install the cams in the middle of the sprocket travel holes. When you're all dialed in, remove the head and then install your normal valve springs, then assemble the rest of the motor.

don't ever forget the RED LOCTITE please learn from my expensive frustrating mistake.