cam chain noise

i have some terrible noise coming from what seems to be the valve train area. in my clymer service manual it says that the early 1980 kz550's (which is what i have) "were subject to excessive cam chain noise caused by a cross wedge spring that was too weak." it continues to say that if you take the spring out and if the free length measures 2.1 in. (which mine does) that it was one of the weak springs and to take your bike to the kawasaki dealer. my question is... is the fix just to replace the spring with a stronger one or does something else need to be done with the whole tensioner? i'm curious as to why the clymer service manual is saying to take it to the dealership rather than tell you how to fix it (maybe it was a recall??) if anyone knows about this specific problem any feedback would be appreciated! thanks!!!

The way you have descibed it it sounds like all the dealership would do is replace the spring......Dunno.....but it does sound like it was recalled or else why would they have you measure the spring.... Not the answer you wanted i know, but i would install an APE tensioner (manual type) and be done with the factory one before it fails all-together.

thanks for your input!! i'll probably try to replace the spring first (because its only like $3) then if the noise is still there i'll have to take more of the engine apart to figure out what the problem is

Can you describe the noise? I have an awful sound coming from that area when I get up in the higher rpm's. It runs good though, no loss of power or anything like that.

I was thinking it was just how they sounded at higher revs, but now you got me thinking.

the sound is not like my honda cam chain sounds when it need adjusting.

i have an 81 550

there shouldnt be any noise but your exhaust at high RPM. Make sure your cam chain is adjusted correctly!!. I personally would invest in the APE cam chain tensioner. It is kinda expensive but if think of the potential catastrophe you arent gonna have to deal with or think about. even if You stay with the stock one, make sure it is adjusted using the methon in your faorite manual, its super easy. good luck.
-patrick-

Sorry to jack the thread, but there is no adjustment for the cam chain on the 550. it is supposed to automatically keep it adjusted, which is why i think i may have one of those bad springs.

My honda has a nut that you loosen when the engine is at 15 degrees past tdc.

Go to the topic I've gone APE

This subject is fully covered, and will help

I also have a 81 KZ550 standard and i have noticed much noise coming from the top of the cylinder heads. My bike makes most of these noises while idling. It runs fine in lower RPMs but will usually max out in any gear around 5-6k rpms. That cant be normal, can it?

st4lifesd wrote:

I also have a 81 KZ550 standard and i have noticed much noise coming from the top of the cylinder heads. My bike makes most of these noises while idling. It runs fine in lower RPMs but will usually max out in any gear around 5-6k rpms. That cant be normal, can it?

No, that is not normal.

Check all your cam to shim clearances and the cam chain tentioner first.

Have you messed with the main jets/jetting at all?

I recently bought the bike off craigslist, so i really haven't gotten into much on it yet. i also don't have a manual for it yet. The front bearings were shot, so those have been replaced. Other than that it runs decently. I am thankful for any advice!