Cam chain tensioner play
- danam
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
-

Registered
- Posts: 32
- Thanks: 7
Cam chain tensioner play
01 Feb 2026 14:22 - 01 Feb 2026 14:45
Just double checking something before putting the head back on this 1975 Z1. The cam chain tensioners (small black sprockets) seem very loose, a lot more side to side play than I would expect. Is this normal? Video link:
youtube.com/shorts/yviIkk0yetI?feature=share
Last edit: 01 Feb 2026 14:45 by danam.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- SWest
-
- Offline
- Sustaining Member
-

Registered
- 10 22 2014
- Posts: 23613
- Thanks: 2986
Re: Cam chain tensioner play
01 Feb 2026 14:51
You should replace all of them.
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
The following user(s) said Thank You: asphalt900, sf4t7
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- sf4t7
-
- Away
- Sustaining Member
-

Registered
- Posts: 940
- Thanks: 768
Re: Cam chain tensioner play
01 Feb 2026 16:17 - 01 Feb 2026 21:12
Yes it looks like the rubber dampers between the sprockets and the bearings are separating. As Steve said, replace them all. I would recommend the Liska solid billet sprockets - no rubber to separate. Some say they're a little noisier without the rubber damper but I haven't noticed much difference. Check the front cam chain guide and the tensioner roller too.
You don't need that bomb waiting to ruin your engine.
And while it's open it won't hurt to clean those piston tops too if you haven't already planned to.
You don't need that bomb waiting to ruin your engine.
And while it's open it won't hurt to clean those piston tops too if you haven't already planned to.
Scotty
1974 Z1A
Yoshimura 987, 10.25:1
welded Z1 crank
Andrews 1X Cams
Delkevic 4 into 1
Superbike bars
530 conversion
1974 Z1A
Yoshimura 987, 10.25:1
welded Z1 crank
Andrews 1X Cams
Delkevic 4 into 1
Superbike bars
530 conversion
Last edit: 01 Feb 2026 21:12 by sf4t7.
The following user(s) said Thank You: asphalt900
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- asphalt900
-
- Offline
- Sustaining Member
-

Registered
- Posts: 1535
- Thanks: 1025
Re: Cam chain tensioner play
02 Feb 2026 04:18
Those are toast, as others mentioned. I would also replace the front cylinder little guide, part number 12053-019. You'll have to lift/remove cylinder to retrieve it but i couldn't count how many of those i've seen fractured or simply shattered and missing. Also since those two sprockets are crappy i'll almost bet the upper tower might share the same fate. It uses the exact same sprocket and design. ALL these sprockets will slide back and forth and that's normal but yours have come apart! Have fun!
The following user(s) said Thank You: sf4t7
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Moderators: Street Fighter LTD
