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cam chain tensioners
- 81kz550b2
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I'm working on my 1981 kz550b2 and found that I've got quite a rattling cam chain. So far I didn't investigate the problem, but I know rattling cam chains are not uncommon in this type of bike. I also know that the tensioners are not the best in the world, so I might have to look for another cam chain tensioner. Now what I wanted to find out was which cam chain tensioners fit my bike? Cause I would think if I was Kawasaki I wouldn't redesign a cam chain tensioner for every bike, but I would make the cylinder block in such a way that I can use an existing cam chain tensioner...for axample...would a GPz600 tensioner fit?? Coz they're way easier to find second hand...
Any other suggestions?
Cheers!
Dirk
1981 kz550b2
1984 kz750E (Turbo)
1989 GPz1000RX (Burnt down on the German Autobahn...)
Enschede
Netherlands
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- loudhvx
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The system works well as long as it doesn't get damaged by mechanics. Most of them, however, do get damaged/stretched as the bikes change ownership... especially when people don't read the repair manuals. (There are even warnings in the text).
There are a few aftermarket chain tensioners available for the 550's. I'm not sure who makes them, but they are usually manual adjustment type. This won't fix the underlying problems if the chain is already stretched or the guides are damaged, which is often the case. The other problem with the manual ones is people forget to adjust them. An undamaged, automatic one will probably work just as well and is automatic.
1981 KZ550 D1 gpz.
Kz550 valve train warning.
Other links.
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- YUKABODOS
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- APE Jay
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- timebomb33
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1973 z1 2-1974z1-a,2-1975z1-b dragbikes1015cc+1393cc, 1977kz1000,1978kz1000,1981kz1000j, 1997 zx-11, 2000 z12r,1428turbo nitrous pro-mod and a shit load of parts thats all for now leader sask.,CANADA
I THINK MY POWERBAND BROKE
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- txturbo
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1984 ZX750 E1 GPz Turbo
1984 ZX1100 A2 GPz
1984 ZX900
1996 KZ1000P Police bike
1970 Honda CT 70H 4sp manual
1965 Honda Dream 305
2003 Honda Shadow 1100
1971 Suzuki MT50 Trailhopper
1969 Camaro SS
1966 Impala
1966 Impala SS 427/4spd
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- bill_wilcox100
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Hey guys,
I'm working on my 1981 KZ550-B2 and found that I've got quite a rattling cam chain. So far I didn't investigate the problem, but I know rattling cam chains are not uncommon in this type of bike.
Cheers!
Dirk
Just an observation... I had a lot of funky sounds coming from my engine when I got it from the OP. Like you after some research I began to believe that it was inherent to the engine design. Over time I auto-adjusted the tensioner, adjusted the carbs air/gas ratio and timing without a lot of improvement.
Then one day I bought a set of vacuum gauges and did the carb sync. What a difference. Runs as smooth as a sewing machine... really.
So now, hearing reports of rattles, I wonder how many KZ's out there are just in need of a good carb sync. Makes me wonder?
Best of success.
Bill
PS
Got access to vacuum gauges?
Bill
1977 KZ650-B1 (Stock)
Upgrades:
- Dyna S Electronic Ignition (DS2-2)
- Dyna 3 Ohm Coils (DC1-1)
- Coil Repowering Mod
- Progressive Springs Front & Rear
- Saddlemen Seat Cover
- New Metallic Red Re-Paint & Repro Badges.
Montreal, Canada
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- loudhvx
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A used tensioner will probably be just as good as the one you already have.Just remove the short bolt in the side of the tensioner,stick a small screwdriver in the hole and push the tensioner against the chain while rolling the motor backswards a little to take up the slack in the chain then replace it with a longer bolt with a nut and snug it up and use the nut to lock it in place.You have now created a manual cam chain tensioner.
The 550 tensioner is slightly different. It doesn't have the little side bolt like on the 750's.
Yeah, should have mentioned like Bill did, synchronizing the carbs will go a very long way to quieting down the cam chain rattle and the primary chain slap (louder clunking down low in the motor, usually loud when idling cold).
1981 KZ550 D1 gpz.
Kz550 valve train warning.
Other links.
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- loudhvx
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1981 KZ550 D1 gpz.
Kz550 valve train warning.
Other links.
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- YUKABODOS
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P.S.
I wasn't trying to hurt anyones feelings when I commented on the colour of the tensioner.
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- timebomb33
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1973 z1 2-1974z1-a,2-1975z1-b dragbikes1015cc+1393cc, 1977kz1000,1978kz1000,1981kz1000j, 1997 zx-11, 2000 z12r,1428turbo nitrous pro-mod and a shit load of parts thats all for now leader sask.,CANADA
I THINK MY POWERBAND BROKE
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- 81kz550b2
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Got access to vacuum gauges?
Bill
got a set yes, but I don't believe this is the problem. I know this bike quite well and would be surprised if the carbs are way out of sync. Unless the bike is very sensitive to the slightest unsynchronisation I don't think this is it it. I will think about it though and get it checked, to make sure.
1981 kz550b2
1984 kz750E (Turbo)
1989 GPz1000RX (Burnt down on the German Autobahn...)
Enschede
Netherlands
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