Yet another cam chain tensioner history!
- undiablo
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Yet another cam chain tensioner history!
10 Feb 2013 22:09
So I manage to bought an used cross wedge cam chain tensioner for my KZ 750 H2.
I was sitting in front of the bike and I realized it can not be changed without taking the carbs out... is that OK?
I wanted to do something else, hence I took the 17mm aluminum cap of the side cross-wedge, removed the spring and rod. The spring length was 45mm and the used one from Fleebay 47mm. I swapped them, polished the cross wedge rod with sandpaper 1200 and water to remove some scratches and re-assemble with molibdenum disulphide grease.
To my surprise, cam chain rattle was a lot quieter, still there...but more silent.
Can anyone confirm if it is a must to remove the carbs to take out the hole cam chain tensioner device? I know I can take the lower 6mm bolt out, but the upper one... it has no room left because it will be trapped between the device and the lower rack of the carbs. I want to be able to measure the lenght of the push rod spring.
I was sitting in front of the bike and I realized it can not be changed without taking the carbs out... is that OK?
I wanted to do something else, hence I took the 17mm aluminum cap of the side cross-wedge, removed the spring and rod. The spring length was 45mm and the used one from Fleebay 47mm. I swapped them, polished the cross wedge rod with sandpaper 1200 and water to remove some scratches and re-assemble with molibdenum disulphide grease.
To my surprise, cam chain rattle was a lot quieter, still there...but more silent.

Can anyone confirm if it is a must to remove the carbs to take out the hole cam chain tensioner device? I know I can take the lower 6mm bolt out, but the upper one... it has no room left because it will be trapped between the device and the lower rack of the carbs. I want to be able to measure the lenght of the push rod spring.
Kawasaki KZ 750/4 LTD 1981
Kawasaki KLR 650 2011
Argentina - Buenos Aires
Kawasaki KLR 650 2011
Argentina - Buenos Aires
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- wireman
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Re: Yet another cam chain tensioner history!
10 Feb 2013 22:47 - 10 Feb 2013 22:48
Yeah it would definitely give you more working room,not sure what length of spring is supposed to be. 
When you say 750h2 I automatically think 2 stroke triple! :laugh:

When you say 750h2 I automatically think 2 stroke triple! :laugh:
posting from deep under a non-descript barn in an undisclosed location southwest of Omaha.
Last edit: 10 Feb 2013 22:48 by wireman.
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- 650ed
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Re: Yet another cam chain tensioner history!
10 Feb 2013 23:01
It looks like your tensioner body is similar to the later ones on the KZ650 models. The originals in 1977 had a fairly thin mounting flange that enabled the tensioner to be easily removed without touching the carbs (see left tensioner in pic) because there was enough room for the upper bolt to slide out. The later versions had a thicker flange (see right tensioner in pic) that makes pretty much impossible to remove the tensioner without at least loosening the carbs. Not a nice change. Ed
Attachment tensionerpicA.JPG not found
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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- undiablo
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Re: Yet another cam chain tensioner history!
10 Feb 2013 23:37
Haham yes, it is a common mistake. I should have say Kz 750 H2 LTD.
Push rod tensiones spring should be 35mm service limit.
Push rod tensiones spring should be 35mm service limit.
Kawasaki KZ 750/4 LTD 1981
Kawasaki KLR 650 2011
Argentina - Buenos Aires
Kawasaki KLR 650 2011
Argentina - Buenos Aires
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- undiablo
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Re: Yet another cam chain tensioner history!
10 Feb 2013 23:42
Thanks for clarifying,,, the picture says everything. So maybe I will remove the carbs when the winter arrives in 3 or 4 months...
Can I machine down the shoulders of my automatic tensioner? that way the next time I would be able to remove it without removing the carbs... would the device be weaker compromising the structure?
Can I machine down the shoulders of my automatic tensioner? that way the next time I would be able to remove it without removing the carbs... would the device be weaker compromising the structure?
Kawasaki KZ 750/4 LTD 1981
Kawasaki KLR 650 2011
Argentina - Buenos Aires
Kawasaki KLR 650 2011
Argentina - Buenos Aires
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- APE Jay
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Re: Yet another cam chain tensioner history!
11 Feb 2013 01:42
Just put a KT1000 Manual Camchain Tensioner in it. I am not permitted to tell you where to get it because I am a paid advertiser. Just google it.
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- Patton
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Re: Yet another cam chain tensioner history!
11 Feb 2013 02:25 - 11 Feb 2013 04:06
Could also consider a replacement aftermarket manual camchain tensioner, such as those available from KZrider's subscribing vendors ---
KT1000 from Ape:
www.kzzone.com/tensioners.html
www.KZzone.com
www.dragbike.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?...100-Presented-By-APE
For more details,
Google "KT1000 Manual Camchain Tensioner"
Pit Stop Performance:
www.pitstopperformance.com/kawasaki-z1-k...-tensioners-c-1_4_69
Z1 Enterprises:
www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDetails.aspx?i...%29+Z1&item=APKT1000
www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDetails.aspx?i...KZ1100&item=APKT1100
www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDetails.aspx?i...E+KZ550&item=APKT550
Good Fortune!
KT1000 from Ape:
www.kzzone.com/tensioners.html
www.KZzone.com
www.dragbike.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?...100-Presented-By-APE
For more details,
Google "KT1000 Manual Camchain Tensioner"
Pit Stop Performance:
www.pitstopperformance.com/kawasaki-z1-k...-tensioners-c-1_4_69
Z1 Enterprises:
www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDetails.aspx?i...%29+Z1&item=APKT1000
www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDetails.aspx?i...KZ1100&item=APKT1100
www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDetails.aspx?i...E+KZ550&item=APKT550
Good Fortune!

1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
KZ900 LTD
Last edit: 11 Feb 2013 04:06 by Patton.
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- donthaveakawman
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Re: Yet another cam chain tensioner history!
11 Feb 2013 03:09
hmm maybe my tensioner is suspect for the sudden dead spot and an unexpected burst of power that I have been experiencing.
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- KZJOE900
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Re: Yet another cam chain tensioner history!
11 Feb 2013 03:20donthaveakawman wrote: hmm maybe my tensioner is suspect for the sudden dead spot and an unexpected burst of power that I have been experiencing.
Nah, I would suspect the sudden unexpected passing of gas coming from your behind for the unexpected burst of power :silly:
Current project 76 KZ900 (This was a Vetter model)
76 KZ900
81 XJ550H SECA (Current Project)
82 XJ550R SECA
Past:
86 FJ1200
74 Z1900
72 CB450
76 KZ900
81 XJ550H SECA (Current Project)
82 XJ550R SECA
Past:
86 FJ1200
74 Z1900
72 CB450
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- donthaveakawman
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Re: Yet another cam chain tensioner history!
11 Feb 2013 03:22
I don't care what kzjoe says about you patton that is a good idea, I thought about ordering one of those before and I never did.
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- donthaveakawman
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Re: Yet another cam chain tensioner history!
11 Feb 2013 03:26
ALL MODELS $51.65
APE manual cam chain tensioners are designed to replace the automatic and hydraulic tensioners on high performance engines. The automatic adjusters can back out when the throttle is closed suddenly at high rpm. This allows the cams to go momentarely out of time, and can result in bent valves and/or serious engine damage. Hydraulic tensioners have a tendency to put too much tension on the chain guide under high rpm/high oil pressure conditions, resulting in premature wear.
-kzzone
APE manual cam chain tensioners are designed to replace the automatic and hydraulic tensioners on high performance engines. The automatic adjusters can back out when the throttle is closed suddenly at high rpm. This allows the cams to go momentarely out of time, and can result in bent valves and/or serious engine damage. Hydraulic tensioners have a tendency to put too much tension on the chain guide under high rpm/high oil pressure conditions, resulting in premature wear.
-kzzone
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- DoubleDub
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Re: Yet another cam chain tensioner history!
11 Feb 2013 09:45Patton wrote: Could also consider a replacement aftermarket manual camchain tensioner, such as those available from KZrider's subscribing vendors ---
KT1000 from Ape:
www.kzzone.com/tensioners.html
www.KZzone.com
www.dragbike.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?...100-Presented-By-APE
For more details,
Google "KT1000 Manual Camchain Tensioner"
Pit Stop Performance:
www.pitstopperformance.com/kawasaki-z1-k...-tensioners-c-1_4_69
Z1 Enterprises:
www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDetails.aspx?i...%29+Z1&item=APKT1000
www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDetails.aspx?i...KZ1100&item=APKT1100
www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDetails.aspx?i...E+KZ550&item=APKT550
Good Fortune!
Also... www.kriegercamchaintensioners.com/
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