Disaster-->My cam-chain broke

If it was me I would stay away from master links on cam chains.....I know this means splitting the cases but my personal opinion is that is safest.....you also can check up on any internal wear items that much easier

kaw-a-holic wrote:

PLUMMEN wrote: Yours uses the old style chain,did they sell you an install tool with it for master link?

No. So I guess that is my answer. I will buy a masterlink installation tool. TY

Ive never actually done myself,thats why Im just guessing there has to be something involved other than just pounding on the pins to hold it together.
Im going to do a little investigating also.
Heres what z1 enterprises lists for a cam chain tool,around $90.00

You can buy the same kit in auction web sites for $25.

I happen to know of a guy that used a master link in his cam chain when he rebuilt his 77 KZ1000. He used the rivet tool pictured above and worked fine. The only thing I (I mean "he") advises is to not go crazy with the tool. It's easy to go to tight and bind up the link. I ( I mean "he") has several thousand miles on the motor now with no issues.

I am looking at getting the parts for rebuilding my engine, and I have been looking at the cam chains that are available. I cannot find any cam chains that are endless, other than from a sketchy shop on e-bay:

I do have a cam chain that has been used only for 500 miles or so, that was installed by my local Kawasaki shop before I rebuilt my engine the first time. It looks to be of decent quality (DID and Japan stamped on it), and it cannot be much worn from this low mileage? Here is a picture of the chain (a little dusty though):


Only thing i find strange is the way they riveted it. Looks a bit unprofessional, but I guess they rivet a lot of cam chains at this Kawasaki shop, so they must know that this will hold up.

Another alternative is to buy one (K&L is it?) from Z1 Enterprises with a master link and rivet it myself:


i already have the chain-breaker and rivet tool (Motion Pro) from Z1 Enterprises.

What do you think guys? Should I stick with my old chain with 500 miles on it already riveted, or should i start from scratch with a new one?

The stock Kawasaki endless cam chain is shown as still available.

It isn't real cheap, but it is of good quality.

tommyboah wrote: I am looking at getting the parts for rebuilding my engine, and I have been looking at the cam chains that are available. I cannot find any cam chains that are endless, other than from a sketchy shop on e-bay:

I do have a cam chain that has been used only for 500 miles or so, that was installed by my local Kawasaki shop before I rebuilt my engine the first time. It looks to be of decent quality (DID and Japan stamped on it), and it cannot be much worn from this low mileage? Here is a picture of the chain (a little dusty though):

Only thing i find strange is the way they riveted it. Looks a bit unprofessional, but I guess they rivet a lot of cam chains at this Kawasaki shop, so they must know that this will hold up.

Another alternative is to buy one (K&L is it?) from Z1 Enterprises with a master link and rivet it myself:


i already have the chain-breaker and rivet tool (Motion Pro) from Z1 Enterprises.

What do you think guys? Should I stick with my old chain with 500 miles on it already riveted, or should i start from scratch with a new one?

That's pretty crude looking to put it mildly.
If you check with brian/kz1006 about a crank have him check the cam chain out of the motor he gets the crank from,If its original and doesn't show much wear and is within the service limits Id stick it in there with the stock tensioner.

Looks like they used a screwdriver & a hammer :laugh: :laugh:
Pete

I was thinking a hammer and chisel! :ohmy: :huh: :blink: :woohoo: