How see the color codes on crank and rod bearings?

Hi KzRiders !

How do I see the color codes or marks for the rod and crank bearings ?

You can see from the photo that the nuts are painted brown on the rods. I assume that these are coded BROWN ?

But where do I find the codes for the crank bearings ?
My bike is a KZ750-E3 1982 (US)

/Arnold

[img size=(01-499)]H:\My Documents\My Pictures\Z750\Kawa 750 Crank.jpg[/img]

I'm a bit confused...there are no color codes for bearings/bearing nuts. For the connecting rod bearings, there are three active Kawasaki numbers (two partials and a complete active...all substitute for each other, according to Kawasaki). The Kawasaki numbers for the crank bearings can be found at www.kawasaki.com under your bike... :huh:

Mcdroid wrote:

I'm a bit confused...there are no color codes for bearings/bearing nuts. For the connecting rod bearings, there are three active Kawasaki numbers (two partials and a complete active...all substitute for each other, according to Kawasaki). The Kawasaki numbers for the crank bearings can be found at www.kawasaki.com under your bike... :huh:

and i thought i was the only guy going"wtf?".....:laugh:

I can't speak for the KZ750, but the KZ650C1 parts manual shows 3 different part numbers for connecting rod bearings depending on the color. 13034-50 - Blue; 13034-51 - Black; 13034-52 - Brown. Ed

Hi again,

It should be the same thing for the KZ750.

According to Kawasaki.com there are 3 different rod bearings that fit the KZ750-E3:

13034-050
13034-051
13034-052

If you search these numbers at Bikebandit.com you get the color codes, just as stated in the work shop manual.

13034-50 - Blue
13034-51 - Black
13034-52 - Brown

My question is if I got the "brown" color code right from the rodnuts ?

And where do I find the code for the crank bearing ?

It was posted on this forum (Steell I think said it) that the colors corresponded to sizes. If you hunt around I am sure you can find the old thread... I will take a look after work if no one else posts the information.

It was Steell , he was helpful and in the know...to bad not all members are so useful.

::EDIT:: These bearings numbers are for a 750 twin, that is why the numbers do not match... I would think the thicknesses would also be incorrect for a 650/750 4 cylinder, but still it show how Kawisaki used the color/size system ::/EDIT::

he posted this,

Bearimg insert thickness:
Blue - 1.485~1.490 mm . . PN 13034-045
Black - 1.480~1.485 mm . .PN 13034-043
Brown - 1.475~1.480 mm . .PN 13034-046



comes from this thread
kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...tid=2&id=43260#43302

Thanx Hard,
I´m 95 % sure that I need the "brown" shells/bearings for the rod wich is partnumber 13034-052.
The 5 % I´m not sure of is if there is a different color marking somewhere else. I mean, the brown color on my nuts could have come from someone who messed around years ago. It could have been some kind of Lock Tite / Studlock wich leaves a brown coloc, who knows ?

Steell also mentions the marking of "1" or "unmarked" for the crank shells.

BUT EXACTLY WERE DO I FIND THIS MARK ON THE CASE ?

Found it !
Inside the lower part of the case on the front side.

One bearing was marked "1" the rest unmarked.

EDIT !!!
This mark has nothing to do with crank bearing size
/Arnold 27/11-2009

Which is why I like this site...I learn something new every day. :laugh:

Mcdroid wrote:

Which is why I like this site...I learn something new every day. :laugh:

yep.....dont have any experience with the smaller cc's...i forget that they dont ride on the roller/ball bearings on the bottom end ....:blush:

Arnold, the color of your' nuts is inconcequencial. In plain bearing cranks the bearings will sometimes have the residuals of color on the sides of bearing inserts. on un-molested engines there will be a series of #'s embossed on the crank's internal flyweight at cam chain sprocket. 5 digits indicating main dia's 4 indicating rod dia's.(left to right) at rear of case, a series of 5 #'s indicating case bearing sizes. rods will have assigned #'s.one for size, another for weight. your' shop manual will include a quick check for sizing. unless you've experianced a failure or can see copper babbit in bearings or are building a performance motor, let sleeping dogs lie. the only time a plain bearing sees contact is at start-up before oil presure arrives, and wear is only critical if wear allows a drop in oil pressure. If you plan on Going "BIG" or High reving, suggjest replacing rod bolts & nuts if disturbed. luck G