'81 KZ1000 J engine clattering noise- cam chain? Should I go manual adjuster?

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18 May 2020 15:37 #826029 by EksCelle
'81 KZ1000 J engine clattering noise- cam chain? Should I go manual adjuster? was created by EksCelle
Hey all, my 1981 KZ1000 LTD has started making a clattering noise lately. The bike still runs great- I think it's the cam chain. It's got the factory automatic tensioner. I've been looking at the APE manual cam chain tensioners, is that the way to go for a stock bike?

I took a video of the noise and while it doesn't do a great job capturing it, it still got it. Any help would be appreciated!

1981 KZ1000 LTD

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  • SWest
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  • 10 22 2014
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18 May 2020 15:40 #826031 by SWest
Replied by SWest on topic '81 KZ1000 J engine clattering noise- cam chain? Should I go manual adjuster?
How many miles on the bike?
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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18 May 2020 15:50 #826034 by EksCelle
Replied by EksCelle on topic '81 KZ1000 J engine clattering noise- cam chain? Should I go manual adjuster?
Hey Steve, just over 23k on the odo.
1981 KZ1000 LTD

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18 May 2020 15:58 #826035 by SWest
Replied by SWest on topic '81 KZ1000 J engine clattering noise- cam chain? Should I go manual adjuster?
The adjuster may be stuck. Do you have a manual
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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18 May 2020 16:37 #826037 by EksCelle
Replied by EksCelle on topic '81 KZ1000 J engine clattering noise- cam chain? Should I go manual adjuster?
Unfortunately I do not
1981 KZ1000 LTD

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18 May 2020 17:14 - 18 May 2020 17:14 #826042 by 650ed
Replied by 650ed on topic '81 KZ1000 J engine clattering noise- cam chain? Should I go manual adjuster?

EksCelle wrote: Unfortunately I do not

That's ok. Here's a link to the manual. Ed

www.kzrider.com/modules/ServiceManuals/K...Service%20Manual.pdf
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
Last edit: 18 May 2020 17:14 by 650ed.
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18 May 2020 17:22 #826043 by TexasKZ
Replied by TexasKZ on topic '81 KZ1000 J engine clattering noise- cam chain? Should I go manual adjuster?
Have you synchronized the carburetors lately? If they are out of adjustment, the cam chain will rattle.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
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18 May 2020 17:44 #826046 by EksCelle
Replied by EksCelle on topic '81 KZ1000 J engine clattering noise- cam chain? Should I go manual adjuster?

TexasKZ wrote: Have you synchronized the carburetors lately? If they are out of adjustment, the cam chain will rattle.


I have not, the manual Ed linked makes it seem pretty straightforward. Is it possible to do without the gauge set in the manual? I only own 1 vacuum gauge.
1981 KZ1000 LTD

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18 May 2020 17:54 #826049 by TexasKZ
Replied by TexasKZ on topic '81 KZ1000 J engine clattering noise- cam chain? Should I go manual adjuster?
You cannot do it with one guage, since each adjustment will affect the readings on the other carbs. If you buy a guage set, buy an expensive one. The cheap ones will turn you into an ax murderer. Some folks here are fans of the Morgan Carbtune. Some old timers swear that Mercury sticks are the only way to go.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

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18 May 2020 20:24 #826057 by EksCelle
Replied by EksCelle on topic '81 KZ1000 J engine clattering noise- cam chain? Should I go manual adjuster?
Money's an issue right now what with the pandemic and all. I'll see if I can find a shop nearby that can do it for a cost that won't kill me.

In the meantime I may just take off the existing tensioner and see if I can't clean it out. The manual is very sparse on details about it. I would really hate to have to buy another OEM one or an aftermarket manual one.
1981 KZ1000 LTD

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18 May 2020 20:31 #826059 by SWest
Replied by SWest on topic '81 KZ1000 J engine clattering noise- cam chain? Should I go manual adjuster?
If you take it off don't turn the engine until you reinstall it. I'd pull the valve cover, check the valve clearances and check if the guides aren't broken.
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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