Timing Chain Guides

[JW]

I have a zl1000 and I'm looking to change the timing chain and the 3 chain guides. My question is can all 3 chain guides be changed by removing the valve cover and removing the timing chain? Or, is a more extensive tear down required to change all the guides.

The bike has 20K miles with the original parts and I'm thinking if I'm going in I'll change the chain, cam sprockets and all 3 guides at the same time. I replaced the tensioner a short time ago but the chain is now making noise again.

Thanks
JW

[gosupes]

From what I remember, the head has to come off. There was something else about using guides from a Concourse, but I don't remember exactly what it was. Someone here knows what I'm talking about and maybe have to info. I need to do this as well one of these days.

[Southernstyle]

I believe the head has to come off, but I'm not positive. I'm thinking it's only the tensioner that's been upgraded on the Connie engine, the guides are the same. Someone correct me if I'm wrong here.
Later,
SS

[zlMark]

Leave the head on as the front guide is different and doesn't wear like the upper and rear.

Tensioner assy. 12048-1071(eli) 12048-1113(concourse)
Tensioner gasket 670D2021(eli) 11009-1858(concourse)
Upper guide 12053-1115
Rear guide 12053-1116(eli) 12053-1239(concourse)
Frt. guide 12053-1114
Chain 92057-1160
Valve cover gasket 11009-1378
Valve cover gasket o-rings 11009-1377 x4

[Southernstyle]

:yeahthat:

Now I remember........
Later,
SS

[Shlim1]

As posted earlier, front guide wears much less than the rest, and usually not worth removing the head to replace.

The top guide is the same on all models (900, 1000, concourse, etc...). Replace the rear guide and tensioner with one from a 2000 or so Concourse. This updated tensioner is a ratcheting type, and will keep you from the periodic removal of the spring style to rewind. You will have to get the matching rear guide, as the "foot" on the guide is different. Don't forget to order the gasket from the Concourse tensioner as well.

Once done, this will be you: :dancingfool:

[zl900_moab]

So....How does one go about tightening the timing chain anyways?I will need to do this in the spring as mine was getting a bit noisy in the fall before it came into the basement....
Any help?
moab...

[marki]

I thought you had to split the engine to change the timing chain? Or is it just my 600? Just had a look and it seems I have to remove the head to get the rear guide out because its held in with a bracket.

Damit I thought it was going to be easy :)

[marki]

Just had a look on http://www.buykawasaki.com/

and you big boys have certainly got it easier :D

Still can't see how you change the chain though?

[acp]

I'm going to be replacing my cam chain and tensioner blade soon. Well... when I say "I" I mean that I will be doing the basic stuff and watching my girlfriends Dad do the rest. We're also going to service the carbs while we're at it.

[JW]

Thanks to everyone for all the helpfull info. I'll proceed with sprockets, chain, top and rear guides and let everyone know how it turns out

JW

[JW]

Thanks to everyone for all the advice as I was trying to decide to try and fix the chain an guides myself or go to a dealer.

I ended up changeing the chain, top and rear guide and the cam sprockets. I had already changed the tensioner. Total was $300 in parts from Bike Bandit with a 10% discount from AMA membership and 10 hours on a Sunday and the results are AWESOME! Bike runs flawlessly and no chain noises. I did end up getting a top guide from a Concours and it was exactly the same.

While I was in there I adjusted the valves which didn't turn out to be so bad - no shims. I left the front guide alone as I didn't want to tackle the head.

A short time ago I paid the dealer $1,000 to put a tensioner, adjust valves and go through the carbs. This was a much better deal!!!

I couldn't have done it without your advice and I downloaded the manual from this site for all the directions and specs I needed.

We just rode 1,400 miles on the Blue Ridge and Skyline Drives and the bike ran like new. Pretty great for a 20 year old 1000 with 22,000 miles.

Thanks again for all your help. Like one of the replys said - I would be dancing when done and he was right.

zlmark was right on with his comments.

Thanks again - John in Chapel Hill

[zlMark]

Thanks John!

Good to hear it all worked out for you. Any pics of your trip?