Cam Chain Tensioner

Re: 78 kz1000 b2 ltd.
The factorty service manual reads as..after the basic TDC task..loosen locknut.  Turn Out the bolt several turns..Tighten locknut.  Hmm ? 
What happened ?  Is that it ?


 

We don't have a KZ1K manual to refer to.  The Z1 motor is pretty much identical to the KZ1K motor in this respect.  Camchain tensioning is also described in the Z1 Owners Manuals.  It may be published in the KZ1K Owners Manual if you have it.

The Z1 FSM manual reads as follows:
Loosen the lock nut and bolt. (With the bolt loose, a spring inside takes up the slack automatically.)
Turn the engine over a couple of times so that slack is taken up evenly on all parts of the chain.
Tighten the bolt, then the lock nut.

We use a minor variation of this.  We also do this when hot.  Whatever method you use, do not leave the bolt loose.

Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE

Thank you.  Yes. I had paraphrased ( since I didn't have access to the FSM)
Here are the FSM specific KZ1000 instructions I used. See attached please.

The 1978kz1000  FSM instructions appear to be different from your helpful info.





 

Adding that, ironically the information from my personal 1978 kz1000 FSM reads different than the KZR download version.
(Kawasaki KZ 1000 (A2A-A3A_MKII-A4-D3_Z1R) '76 thru'79 - Service Manual.pdf)

I'll locate, re-read and plan to share. Standby please.

Thanks again.

You can modify the cam chain tensioner into a manual adjuster.
The mod allows you to adjust the cam chain tention under engine runing in idle condition. 

www.kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/575505-ho...ain-tensioner#575852

 

Yes, that is it. Loosen the bolt, spring tension takes up chain slack, then you tighten bolt to lock the tensioner from backing off. It's a good reliable system for 150,000 miles. The advantage beyond being fool proof is the tensioner has much more adjustment range to work vs the newer full auto tensioner they used later.