TOPIC:

Anyone know where I can buy an open cam chain with rivet master link for a 1982 GPZ750? I want to avoid pulling the crank. Thanks, Mark

Sounds risky.

Madtrout wrote: Anyone know where I can buy an open cam chain with rivet master link for a 1982 GPZ750? I want to avoid pulling the crank. Thanks, Mark

Nessism is correct about the open-ended cam-chain being more of a risk. But people do it all the time. And are successful when it's carefully and correctly done. Especially when affixing the master link so it doesn't unexpectedly come apart.

Would contact Z1 Parts Inc. See their clickable link at screen bottom. Or just give'em a call. Nice folks to deal with.

Here's another possibility:
www.z1enterprises.com/product/KL12-0408
(Am not positive whether this is the correct part for the bike at hand)

Good Fortune!

Thanks for your suggestion. I've put an email into Z1enterprises, and will contact Z1parts next.. I've had several bikes with master-links in the cam chain and never had a problem.

I had one after breaking my chain in 78. Never felt safe with it while at WOT. Replaced it in 87 when I did an overhaul. Never do it again.
Steve

Don't think we'd run a clip link, but we wouldn't hesitate to run a rivet link.

Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE

You can cut the OEM chain (grind the rivets) and install a rivet master link.

Thats what the guys at Z1enterprises suggested. Looks like my new plan.

My new question is, if the riveted master link doesn't have a dimple like the ones for a drive chain, how do you peen them over? I have the Emgo rivet kit but no experience with peening hard ended pins.

You use a rivet tool designed for cam chains. All you are really doing is slightly mushrooming the head of the link to prevent it from walking off the link. I have installed dozens of master links on timing chains. Done correctly they are just as good as the endless ones. Never had one fail. Honda used master links in their timing chains on the CB / Cl series of bikes, 350 and 450 twins from the late 60's and early 70's. Each time the head was removed the chain had to be cut and a new master link installed when re-assembled. Honda produced these by the thousands, there was no issue with them breaking.
I have a KZ650 with well over 100,000 miles on it using a master link chain I installed many years ago. I wouldn't hesitate to use one, it has proven to be a reliable and easy fix.

Thanks for your reply. So just use the regular rounded tip rivet tool in the kit? The same one I've used with the soft nosed rivets? Thanks, Mark

Yes but be careful you just want to slightly mushroom the head to much pressure and you will create cracks in the pin. It's really easy to screw it up so take your time and be careful.