How many links of the cam chain??

Hi, i have a 1978 Z1000, and i have some problems with my cam chain, and i want to know if somebody knows how many links have the cam chain, because when i tension it with the tensioner the tensioner wheel goes to the middle of the cylinders, and i think that this is too much because the chain have to go back to have contact with the lower guide wheel, and don´t know if the chain is too long, when i turn on the motor, i hear a noise like a chain hitting inside, and when i accelerate, i hear the noise louder, i´m desesperated i don´t know where to start, if somebody wants pics, i will post pics of my mess :blink: , thanks in advance for any help and data of the chain links.....

122 links on the cam chain. I am holding a new one in my hand. I had the same problem and the guide on the front of the cylinders was in the bottom of my oil pan. Check out z1enterprises.com and they have all the bits and pieces you need to replace it.

thanks for the info, but you get the same noise too???, and i´ve looked at the z1entreprise page, and i don´t know what is my model, the chassis # is KZT00AE041027 , do you know what type is?, thanks again for your help...

You'd be better off just emailing Jeff(Z1enterprizes),and give Him all of Your information.
He's quite knowledgable,and will take the time to help You with Your engine.
Don't forget...all those little rubber bits and pieces(cam-chain related)have more than likely dried up over the years,and You SHOULD be replacing all of them.They're cheap enough to replace,and You'd be doing it the "Right" way.I was shocked at how hard the parts were in MY bike,when I rebuilt the top-end last year...un-bloody-real!

Thanks, the # i gave isn´t the chassis #, is the motor #, the chassis # is KZT00A-025928 i have a 124 links chain, and about all parts, all are verified, and some were changed (i brought them to Oldkawman), and all the rollers, are in perfect conditions, i will post pics to help to understand my problem, i want to know if the tensioner wheel have to be too far......., in the pic, you can see my chain config in red...., and when i haven´t the tensioner installer the chain fall down, and don´t touch the crankcase in the back side..... it´s that normal??

Post edited by: FlavioteUy, at: 2006/05/12 09:11

FlavioteUy:

Both your frame and engine numbers say your bike is a 1977 year model (see www.zedder.com ), in which case, your cam chain is 122 links (not 124). If you have a 124 in the bike, it is too long.

The 124 link cam chain is for '79-80 KZ 1000 Mkll's only.Or any motor set up with cam sprockets with 32 teeth / crank with 16 tooth pin.

As McDroid said 1973-78 Z/KZ cam chain has 122 links - 15 teeth on crank centrepin /30 teeth on cam sprockets.

122 links if you have 30 tooth cam sprockets, 124 link if you have 32 tooth cam sprockets.

Jay