Easily convert auto cam chain tensioner to manual

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Re: Easily convert auto cam chain tensioner to manual

16 Jan 2015 17:24
#658879
Got a question about the machinist guy.
Here he is. Dan, the Gunsmith! Machinist!
www.ebay.com/sch/gunsbluemoon/m.html?ite...rksid=p2047675.l2562
Livin in "CheektaVegas, NY
Went thru 25 of these in 40 yrs.
I SOLD OUT! THE KAW BARN IS EMPTY.
More room for The Old Girl, Harley 75 FLH Electra Glide,
Old faithful! Points ign. Bendix Orig. carb.
Starts everytime!
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Re: Easily convert auto cam chain tensioner to manual

19 Jan 2015 19:56
#659155
I believe 79 was the 1st year for the automatic adjuster on 650's..... They were not the best, A lot of replacing with 77-78 manual models.... This may explain the lack of interest....
78 KZ650SR Mine since 79
4-1 Mac Jet Hot coated since mid 80's
Dyna Coils
Saddlebags (I ain't skeered of going nowhere) :)

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Re: Easily convert auto cam chain tensioner to manual

20 Jan 2015 18:35
#659227
After reading who know's how many post's about
how nobody trust's the stock tensioner's when I
put the GPz motor I put an APE tensioner in when still on the bench.
$50.00 buck's of piece of mind was simple.
1980 KZ650 F1
ZX750A1 motor.
Wiseco 810cc kit.
Zukiworks racing ported head.
VM 29 smooth bore's.
Dyna 2000 Ign. w/Dyna mini coil's
APE cylinder stud's and nut's.
APE valve spring's.
APE Track King clutch.
V/H KZ1000 sidewinder.
3.5x18 laced to a KZ1000 disk hub.
150/60/18 Shinko 006 Podium.
63" wheel base.

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Re: Easily convert auto cam chain tensioner to manual

20 Jan 2015 19:48
#659232
I never had a bit of problem with the manual or the automatic tensioners in 300,000 or so miles on KZs.
321,000 miles on KZ's that I can remember. Not going to see any more.

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Re: Easily convert auto cam chain tensioner to manual

21 Jan 2015 06:40
#659250
RonKZ650 wrote: I never had a bit of problem with the manual or the automatic tensioners in 300,000 or so miles on KZs.

Same here with Z1 and KZ900 -- have never had any issue whatever with the tensioner. :cheer:

Good Fortune! :)
1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD

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Re: Easily convert auto cam chain tensioner to manual

21 Jan 2015 07:30
#659253
There was a factory recall on the automatics. I left the biz before I found out how they solved the problem. I'll ask my neighbor, he was a dealer then.
Steve
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229

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Re: Easily convert auto cam chain tensioner to manual

21 Jan 2015 09:26
#659264
The "manual" ones were not the best either. They were not really a manual one, you loosened a lock bolt and this was supposed to unlock the plunger and then tighten the cam chain. The spring behind the plunger would get week or crud would build up on the plunger and it would not move forward. My solution was pretty simple, I started doing this to them back in the late 70's. This eliminated any problems with the cam chain tension and was pretty much free.

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Re: Easily convert auto cam chain tensioner to manual

21 Jan 2015 09:55
#659265
That was what really sent me down this path too. I wanted something spring-less and solid (and I trust myself not to over or under tighten) and I wanted to utilize the stock part as far as I could. AND I wanted to do it with what I already had in the garage.

Say, if you were doing this 30 years ago, you've got some years on me -- 30 years ago I was only licensed to ride a Schwinn, although at least it didn't have training wheels! :laugh:

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Re: Easily convert auto cam chain tensioner to manual

21 Jan 2015 16:26
#659305
6mm bolt is adequate.
Been doing that for years.
Leave the spring in it.
General Joeseph Dunford FOR PRESIDENT!!!
69.46.28.106/forum/11-projects/413221-80-kz-1000-st-recycled

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