Question about intermittent engine noise.

[zrexxx]

On my 1985, Zl900 I get a sort of rattling noice every once in awhile.I think it may be the cam adjuster. I was told this is common with the zl motor but it does not seem right to me. Would an adjustment be in order or possibly the adjuster itself needs to be replaced? The bike has 7,500 original miles. 34mm carbs and cobra pipes. The cobra slip ons are on each side of the bike that they no longer make.

[Southernstyle]

Could be, the mileage seems a bit low to me though. The tensioners on these bikes from the factory weren't the greatest. The fix is upgrading to the 2000 Connie tensioner. After twenty two years, you could have a broken tensioner spring. I'm sure someone will be along shortly to offer more advice.
Later,
SS

[Southernstyle]

Oh yeah, almost forgot, Welcome Aboard!!!
Later,
SS

[zl900_moab]

Welcome zrexxx.....Glad to have you on board.
moab...

[zrexxx]

Does anyone have a part number for the connie tensioner. I asume that is a concourse part and from what engine?

[rammy1500]

Mine rattles as well, and I think the biggest cause was the carbs being out of sync. Never figured out the relationship there but most of it went away after re-syncing the carbs.

[Kris900zl]

If the spring is busted in you tensioner trust me you would know. It bangs and knocks like a mother :nonono: .It went in mine and i got another off a fellow who had replaced it on his ZL. The funny thing was same bike same year but different tensioners. I have a lil noise in mine but it is in the clutch at idol haul the clutch in she is fine but it nuttin serious.
:)
Kris 900zl

[zrexxx]

I hope thats all it is, if the the chain needs adjustment would you get the noise all the time. I have the shop manual that explains how to adjust the tensioner but I do not want to overtighten the chain. Also, I would have to look at it again because I don't remember if it tells you when you should be adjusting the tensioner.

[Kawasaki-krazy]

Mine rattles as well, and I think the biggest cause was the carbs being out of sync. Never figured out the relationship there but most of it went away after re-syncing the carbs.

Because when the carbs are out of tune, the engine staggers and falters a bit making the cam chain snatch instead of running round the cogs smoothly.

KK

[Southernstyle]

Had the same type noise with mine after it warmed up. Thought it was the chain getting longer with the heat, but turns out one cylinder had low compression.
Later,
SS

[Southernstyle]

Does anyone have a part number for the connie tensioner. I asume that is a concourse part and from what engine?

Check out this thread:
http://www.zl-oa.extremeoutlawracing.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=278

Later,
SS

[Southernstyle]

Now that I think of it, you mentioned cobra pipes. Were the carbs rejetted by chance when they were installed. You may not have to with those, but it would be worth the research to find out. Also, check the carbs to see if they are synced correctly. You may want to throw a set of plugs in it for ****s and giggles. If you do, check the compression while your at it. May want to check the valve clearance also(that's why I had low compression on one cylinder and the same noise). Acording to the manual, the valves need adjustment quite often (and yes they will shrink and lose clearance, mine did.) Good luck, and keep us posted.
Later,
SS

[zrexxx]

The carbs are 34's not 32's and the bike does run rich.Fuel consumption is higher than it should be. I only get around 28 mpg max.I believe it should be better than that. I am planning on getting the carbs rejetted and synced soon,as soon as I get the cash together and I find the right mechanic to do it here around the Greater Cleveland area. Its tough to find someone who is really interested in doing a proper job. I would be interested in knowing what fuel milage other zl 900 owners get. My motor is stock except for the cobra pipes and 34 mm carbs. Before I start messing with cam adjustments I'll get the carbs done and synced. I wonder if it would be worth it to have the exaust gas analysied? // I have a set of Dyna coils for the bike. I have talked to some mechanics who said don't bother putting them on that the stock coils are fine. But, I believe a higher voltage spark would have to improve starts and performance. I just have to come up with a practical mounting bracket for them, and provide enough clearence for the zl 1000 tank. Any more comments would be appreciated,thanks for the help. I will be sending pics of this bike. It is special. The engine has been polished out and the bike has a tracy street fighter bikini faring that looks really good. The fairings are no longer made and I have not seen another one like it.

[rammy1500]

I know the feeling about finding a good mechanic, I had a dealership here in Columbus talk me into cleaning my carbs and they gave me the bike back running almost as bad as when I took it in. Best bet is to be nice to the guys here and get their advice on how to do most of the work yourself. When you own a 20 yo bike doesn't hurt to learn how to do some wrenching yourself.

28 mpg is probably a little on the low side but probably not with the bigger carbs and if someone has tweeked the motor. I had an '86 900 and best I probably got with that was about 38 or so mpg doing 55 on the freeway for almost the whole tank. The '85 I have now jumps all over the place depending if I'm just going around the block or across town.

[acp]

The best I've had so far was 93.4 miles out of the whole tank. Then it cut out on the slip-road off the motorway :help:

Luckily I coasted to the top of the slip road and just had to push it over the roundabout, then 20 metres down the hill to the petrol station. :D

[zlMark]

The carbs are 34's not 32's and the bike does run rich.Fuel consumption is higher than it should be. I only get around 28 mpg max.I believe it should be better than that. I am planning on getting the carbs rejetted and synced soon,as soon as I get the cash together and I find the right mechanic to do it here around the Greater Cleveland area. Its tough to find someone who is really interested in doing a proper job. I would be interested in knowing what fuel milage other zl 900 owners get. My motor is stock except for the cobra pipes and 34 mm carbs. Before I start messing with cam adjustments I'll get the carbs done and synced. I wonder if it would be worth it to have the exaust gas analysied? // I have a set of Dyna coils for the bike. I have talked to some mechanics who said don't bother putting them on that the stock coils are fine. But, I believe a higher voltage spark would have to improve starts and performance. I just have to come up with a practical mounting bracket for them, and provide enough clearence for the zl 1000 tank. Any more comments would be appreciated,thanks for the help. I will be sending pics of this bike. It is special. The engine has been polished out and the bike has a tracy street fighter bikini faring that looks really good. The fairings are no longer made and I have not seen another one like it.

I would make sure the valve adjustment is in order and the ignition is healthy before trying to jet it.

Cleveland? I know i'll be meeting you this spring in valley view. Look forward to it.

[Southernstyle]

I'll go with Mark on this one. Fuel consumption sounds a bit high, but weak ignition could cause that as well as jets, and ignition parts are a tad cheaper. The valve adjustment isn't all that hard, and the ignition pieces are fairly straightforward as well. You'll either get lucky and fix it by accident, or have a rock solid engine to go with your fresh carbs. Good luck with it!
Later,
SS

[JW]

I have an 87 zl1000. After I had the valves adjusted and the carbs gone through, adjusted and synced up, I get 32-35 MPG. Before the adjustment I could smell a gas odor and it was running rich. Carbs have stock jetting and the engine is all stock.

[rbonner]

There is a Kawasaki dealer in Elyria OH, that will work on these. At least say they will. I called them when I was trying to figure out how to do some stuff to my 86 ZL600. There website is www.kennedyscycles.com

[zrexxx]

Thanks, I'll give them a call and see what they say.