Valve cover removal

  • Davey b
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Valve cover removal

Yesterday 13:26
#916415
Hi all, I know it's been done a lot and I have a clymer manual. Just wanted to be clear before I start a valve check. My 81 csr 1000 has the automatic tensioner,  the manual says to remove the tension cap, and spring before removing the valve cover. Is that right because I'll need to turn the crank to check all the clearances. I presumed I'd leave it in place and just remove it before replacing the valve cover ?
1981 kawasaki kz1000 m1 csr

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  • Nessism
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Re: Valve cover removal

Today 17:40
#916425
Hi all, I know it's been done a lot and I have a clymer manual. Just wanted to be clear before I start a valve check. My 81 csr 1000 has the automatic tensioner,  the manual says to remove the tension cap, and spring before removing the valve cover. Is that right because I'll need to turn the crank to check all the clearances. I presumed I'd leave it in place and just remove it before replacing the valve cover ?
Your understanding of the tensioner is same as mine.  I don't think you need to remove the tensioner cap/spring/wedge until you put the cover back on.  

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  • krazee1
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Re: Valve cover removal

Today 18:32 - Today 07:04
#916428
 I would recommend removing the spark plugs so that the engine turns over easily, and applying pressure on the slack in the chain between the cams as you turn the engine. 

Mike 
Former M.E. at Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing, Lincoln, NE
1966 W1 (the Z1 of 1966-50H.P. and 100mph!)
1974 Z1
1978 KZ1000 LTD
1976 KZ900B pile O parts
1980 KZ750E
1980 Honda XL250S (I know, wrong flavor!)
Last edit: Today 07:04 by krazee1.

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  • Davey b
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Re: Valve cover removal

Today 23:56
#916431
Thanks guys, taking the plugs out makes sense.  I still don't see the point in removing the cap/spring/wedge until the valve cover is replaced ?? Unless I'm missing something obvious ( which is quite possible  🤔) obviously you have to remove it before putting the valve cover back on so as not to overtightened the chain, but before ?? Dave.
1981 kawasaki kz1000 m1 csr

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  • Wookie58
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Re: Valve cover removal

Today 00:52
#916432
Thanks guys, taking the plugs out makes sense.  I still don't see the point in removing the cap/spring/wedge until the valve cover is replaced ?? Unless I'm missing something obvious ( which is quite possible  🤔) obviously you have to remove it before putting the valve cover back on so as not to overtightened the chain, but before ?? Dave.
If the chain is putting tension on the cover as you remove it there is greater risk of damaging threads as you remove the cover securing bolts

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  • Davey b
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Re: Valve cover removal

Today 04:54
#916435
Fair point Wookie. So should I remove cap,spring, wedge before I remove the cover, then leave them off until all the valve work is done and only then put wedge, spring  cap back on ? 
1981 kawasaki kz1000 m1 csr

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  • H1Vindicator
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Re: Valve cover removal

Today 06:10
#916437
the Kawasaki FSM is probably in the filebase here. 1981-83 models.

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  • Nessism
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Re: Valve cover removal

Today 06:27
#916438
The engine should not be turned over unless the tensioner is working.  The cams may jump time, and bad things can happen if valves hit pistons. 

And I can't find anything in the factory manual saying to remove the tensioner before removing the valve cover.

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  • Davey b
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Re: Valve cover removal

Today 08:13
#916442
That was kinda my thoughts, maybe my Clymer manual is different from the FSM. I'll try to source one from somewhere.  Thanks for input guys ..
1981 kawasaki kz1000 m1 csr

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  • Wookie58
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Re: Valve cover removal

Today 09:25
#916447
Thanks Wookie. If I can upload photos I'll show you what it says in my manual, hence the confusion.
1981 kawasaki kz1000 m1 csr

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