Rattly Kawasaki cam chains?

[nzspokes]

My old 400 has the standard fitment cam chain rattle that seems to be common for Kawasaki motors of age. I know you can get APE manual adjusters at 100+ bucks but I would like to see if I can get the stock adjuster working.

Has anybody worked out a way to make these motors quiet?

I have see an ad for an old kit that uses stronger springs in it to help. I do wonder if that would help.

[nzspokes]

Pull apart pic of the tensioner

[Katman]

It might not be the cam chain rattling.

Kawasaki engines are known to develop rattling primary chains.

[Subike]

thats the std cam chain tensioner, that you adjust every x amount of miles right?

The yamaha XS1100 had the same type fitted from new. and rattly cam chains were heard unless adjusted regularly.
Also the lock nut was often stripped by zealous mechanics, and the oil ring weeped....

But over the years it has been discovered that Yamaha made automatic chain tensioner for their later model engines,
and with trial and error, it was found that the v-max was a direct swap in upgrade
A gone was the Cam chain rattle, oil weeping, and the need to service the tensioner ..win win.

Now Yamaha, make lots of heads for other manufacturers,
And cam chain tension is an area of development,
so
Why not start checking out if a later model cam chain tensioner will fix your rattly problem?
Might be a forum smewhere that has a post on this very thing...

[nzspokes]

thats the std cam chain tensioner, that you adjust every x amount of miles right?

The yamaha XS1100 had the same type fitted from new. and rattly cam chains were heard unless adjusted regularly.
Also the lock nut was often stripped by zealous mechanics, and the oil ring weeped....

But over the years it has been discovered that Yamaha made automatic chain tensioner for their later model engines,
and with trial and error, it was found that the v-max was a direct swap in upgrade
A gone was the Cam chain rattle, oil weeping, and the need to service the tensioner ..win win.

Now Yamaha, make lots of heads for other manufacturers,
And cam chain tension is an area of development,
so
Why not start checking out if a later model cam chain tensioner will fix your rattly problem?
Might be a forum smewhere that has a post on this very thing...

No this one is supposed to be an automatic one. Ive been told by an old mechanic facing the angled parts of the pins helped to stop them slipping.

[spanner spinner]

check the pins and body of the tensioner for wear, usally shows up as shiny spots. If there is wear in the tensioner body or pins new springs won't stop the noise as they don't lock and won't hold tension. The ape manual units are the best option, i have fitted several of these they are a great product.

[nzspokes]

Well, no drama now. I went to re-fit the tensioner and the body of it split. I would say its been over tightened some time in the past 20 years.

Bugger.

[FJRider]

Well, no drama now. I went to re-fit the tensioner and the body of it split. I would say its been over tightened some time in the past 20 years.

Bugger.

Or ... PLENTY of of times in the past 20 years ... :msn-wink:

[nzspokes]

Or ... PLENTY of of times in the past 20 years ... :msn-wink:

Fair call.

[nzspokes]

Buckets n bits have one but they dont take c-card. I need it soon so will see if Action have one tomorrow.

[FJRider]

Fair call.

Many "Older" model bikes have a rattle as standard ... something abhorrent (to some) in the age of silent running modern engines. Overtighening of the tensioners has caused a good source of income in a lot of motorcycle workshops ... Home maintainence is good and cheap only if you know what is "normal" for your model.

[nzspokes]

Many "Older" model bikes have a rattle as standard ... something abhorrent (to some) in the age of silent running modern engines. Overtighening of the tensioners has caused a good source of income in a lot of motorcycle workshops ... Home maintainence is good and cheap only if you know what is "normal" for your model.

Well this one is an auto one so i cant put more tension on it. Its the thread that holds the spring cap on thats broke. Thats just a simple snug it up job.

[skinman]

my 'silent running' modern engine rattles like fuck.
must be a monday morning one
when it gets really noisy I might fix it, if it doesnt completely shit itself first
have to just about completely dismantle the bike to get it out godamit, then to get at the chains the motor has to mostly come apart as well.

[nzspokes]

Well good old Action Wreckers came up with a new one and its now fitted with a stronger spring.

[george formby]

Many "Older" model bikes have a rattle as standard ... something abhorrent (to some) in the age of silent running modern engines. Overtighening of the tensioners has caused a good source of income in a lot of motorcycle workshops ... Home maintainence is good and cheap only if you know what is "normal" for your model.

Many years ago my first big bike was a Kwaka GT 750, bought brand new. From day one it rattled like a sack of hammers. Starting it on a cold winters morning hurt your teeth. I did 120'000 miles on it without problem.

[nzspokes]

Many years ago my first big bike was a Kwaka GT 750, bought brand new. From day one it rattled like a sack of hammers. Starting it on a cold winters morning hurt your teeth. I did 120'000 miles on it without problem.

Good to hear as mine does rattle and roll a bit. But seems to have no problem keeping up with 750s etc as long as were not going hard out. Pretty happy with it.

[nzspokes]

So the new spring seems to have done the trick. Nice and quiet now(quietish). :clap:

And an extra 3/4 turn on the idle jet screws has settled the idle.