KZ1000 valve clearances
- SWest
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Re: KZ1000 valve clearances
07 Apr 2015 06:44
Patton, I've never tried to just use the "bat wing". Makes sense. Getting it in the right place and not locking the shim is a PITA. I might try it next time. I still want the factory tool.
Steve
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
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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- jlat
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Re: KZ1000 valve clearances
07 Apr 2015 15:58
hello people; I'm new and I'm also a visual learner myself and if there is none maybe someone could make a video of the job? Is there such a thing? Just like that old video the company made on disassembling a Z1 engine. It's pretty good IMO.
IBBY
IBBY
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- Grnole
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Re: KZ1000 valve clearances
08 Apr 2015 09:15
You know what - great idea. I will take some pics when i get the tool.
wish me luck :woohoo:
wish me luck :woohoo:
1980 KZ1000 LTD -B4
1984 Yamaha FJ1100
1972 Honda CL350 (sold)
1984 Yamaha FJ1100
1972 Honda CL350 (sold)
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- chconger
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Re: KZ1000 valve clearances
08 Apr 2015 18:36
This process works fairly slick without the tool
1977 KZ 1000-A
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- SWest
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Re: KZ1000 valve clearances
09 Apr 2015 06:34
Get the tool. 
Steve

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
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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- Patton
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Re: KZ1000 valve clearances
09 Apr 2015 08:13 - 09 Apr 2015 08:16
The more professional shim changing tool is the factory tool (or an equivalent version of the factory tool), which is perhaps slightly easier to manipulate than the less expensive bat-wing style tool.
Factory tool
Bat-wing tool
Shim changing tools available from Z1Enterprises
Good Fortune!
Factory tool
Bat-wing tool
Shim changing tools available from Z1Enterprises
Good Fortune!

1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
KZ900 LTD
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Last edit: 09 Apr 2015 08:16 by Patton.
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- Grnole
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Re: KZ1000 valve clearances
09 Apr 2015 08:21
god damn shipping.. hoping to have my batwing soon.... taking longer than usual. And I want to ride.
I have watched that gents videos on youtube. He is pretty handy. But that looked like a magic trick pulling that shim out hahahahaha
:evil:
I have watched that gents videos on youtube. He is pretty handy. But that looked like a magic trick pulling that shim out hahahahaha
:evil:

1980 KZ1000 LTD -B4
1984 Yamaha FJ1100
1972 Honda CL350 (sold)
1984 Yamaha FJ1100
1972 Honda CL350 (sold)
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- chconger
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Re: KZ1000 valve clearances
09 Apr 2015 11:05
I can confirm that I have had all my shims out using the "tie-wrap" method shown in that video. No grief or magic. Went fairly fast. I have not used the tool to compare.
But it seems that it would be a drag to have the tool show up after you realize you never needed it. So It may be better to just wait for the tool to arrive.
But it seems that it would be a drag to have the tool show up after you realize you never needed it. So It may be better to just wait for the tool to arrive.
1977 KZ 1000-A
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- SWest
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Re: KZ1000 valve clearances
09 Apr 2015 11:34
I don't like the idea of having something jammed between the valve and seat. Drop something in the cylinder and you're FK'ed. I will buy the factory tool in time.
Steve
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
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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- chconger
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Re: KZ1000 valve clearances
09 Apr 2015 12:46
Yea, truth is; If I had the tool I would use it.
1977 KZ 1000-A
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- missionkz
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Re: KZ1000 valve clearances
09 Apr 2015 14:37
Is there any chance that jamming something like that into the tulip end of the valve head, under tension from the springs, slightly bending the valve stem or putting undo side pressure on the valve guide... etc... or is that ridiculous?
Bruce
1977 KZ1000A1
2016 Triumph T120 Bonneville
Far North East Metro Denver Colorado
1977 KZ1000A1
2016 Triumph T120 Bonneville
Far North East Metro Denver Colorado
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- SweetwoodSUP
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Re: KZ1000 valve clearances
09 Apr 2015 16:08
By the way...the specs on your 1980 KZ 1000 is .002-.006. Originally the spec was .002-.004 as Steve said but that changed with the 1979 model. My understanding was that there was a service bulletin that superseded the service manual.. My Clymers manual reflects that change and says .002-.006.
You only have one out of specs and it is only .001 on the loose side. I wouldn't mess with it at all, but that is just me.
With wear these usually get tighter as the valve pounds into the seats.
You only have one out of specs and it is only .001 on the loose side. I wouldn't mess with it at all, but that is just me.
With wear these usually get tighter as the valve pounds into the seats.
'79 LTD 1000
'84 Ninja 900 (Sold, What was I thinking!)
'81 CSR 305 (sold)
'69 BMW R75 (Sold)
'84 Ninja 900 (Sold, What was I thinking!)
'81 CSR 305 (sold)
'69 BMW R75 (Sold)
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