Can over tightened chain cause oil leak @sprocket?

Hey fellas, I'm going to look at a '77 KZ1000 tonite that was on CL earlier this summer and was relisted today. New owner says he overtightened the chain and now has a leak at front sprocket. Is that possible? If so, how hard is that seal to replace? That's all I know for now other than it's listed alot cheaper than it was 3 months ago and wondered if that's a major "watch out for" type of issue.

Thanks!!!

E.

It is possible to overtighten the chain but to get to the point that the output(sprocket shaft) has been moved, I'd think the chain being that tight would make it unable to move. and the shaft would be slightly bent creating a jerky riding action.

To replace the leaking seal:

1.Have a new seal on hand.

2.Remove the left footpeg assembly.

3.Take off the gear shift lever.

4.Remove the sprocket cover fasteners.

5.With the chain still intact, remove the nut or fasteners holding the sprocket to the output shaft by either having someone step on the brake or put the bike in low gear and then apply the brake.

6.If the chain has a master link, remove it and break the chain. If it's an endless chain, you may have to buy a new chain with a master link as I understand they are difficult to re-connect.

7.Remove the engine or countershaft sprocket.

8. The cover under the engine sprocket is called by Kawasaki as the mission cover(I think it's probably called a transmission cover but it translatted strange).

9. The leaky seal is pressed onto the cover with the output shaft going through it. I'd imagine a machinist scribe would work to remove the bad seal.

10 The new seal should be carefully lubed with some light grease and pressed onto the output shaft. A large socket can be used to press the new seal on using a hammer or block of wood to evenly force the seal to where it need to go.

Seems unlikely. But that seal is easy to replace as mentioned. You might want to invest in the oil seal kit from www.Z1enterprises.com . That way all those hardened culprits can be replaced. If you have a factory service manual it will be a great help.

YO:ohmy: :laugh: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: lol Now that is a fro bro!
arai59 wrote:

Seems unlikely. But that seal is easy to replace as mentioned. You might want to invest in the oil seal kit from www.Z1enterprises.com . That way all those hardened culprits can be replaced. If you have a factory service manual it will be a great help.

Thanks for the input everyone. Off to look at it...

if the seal is leaking it usally is caused by excess chain lube and packing the lip's of the seal full of mung also it can cause excess wear on the spacer that goes over the counter shaft that the seal rides against if it is worn pull it out clean it up really good and if it is grooved flip it around.

Hey thats an idea, leave the seal alone and you've got an automatic chain oiler like on most new chain saws:laugh: .:laugh: .:laugh: .:dry:

It actually could happen, but a leaky seal would be the least of your problems. If the chain was tight enough, long enough, it could destroy the countershaft bearing (behind the seal) which would cause the leak......and a major engine tear down to replace the bearing.

It's doubtful that this happened however, but it might be worth having a look at.

I think the kid just put too much oil in the damn thing. I'll drain it tmw. It was a stressful 8 mile ride home that involved the cops almost ticketing my old lady for following me too close. (Hiding my 5 yr expired plate:laugh: ) Old lady's cool and laughed it off, but I agreed to hangout the rest of the night inside w/ her and the pooch. Thanks for all the help guys.

-Eli

Raise the rear off the ground, loosen the chain for 1-1.25" off mid chain length play and spin the rear tire to see if the shaft is off centered when rotating....

If bearing is shot or shaft is bent, should see some play/wobbling occurring... Maybe/hopefully not and just the seal which as mentioned, piece of cake...

OMR

Well,I was right for once(:woohoo: ), the PO filled it WAY TOO full of oil. I figure the poor kid probably drained the oil filter, not the pan and then refilled it. Of course now my garage floor looks like I murdered a wookie but hey, whatever. So, I got a windshield, orig. fender, aftermarket turnsignals (I have origs in my stockpile) and a 4-1 that looks like a kerker knockoff for under a 1K. I don't like the paint but it's done well. Here's some better pics - forgive the mess of a garage, I just moved.