echo

[ARCHIVE_jacemdom]

cam chain tensioner

Salut.

I read that the cam chain tensioner and or cam chain is a common problem on zl900. My eli as 65000K. Should i wait for it to break before fixing or fix it right now? What are the symptoms of this cam chain tensioner problem? Is there a risk of breaking something else if i wait for it to break? Is there a simple way to verify if it was changed? I've also read that it is better to change it with another system, concourse tensioner, any pointers on that? On what models can i find a concourse tensioner? Should i also change the cam chain?

 

[ARCHIVE_kawasaki-krazy]

The manual gives a maximum measurement for 20 links (pulled tight) of the chain of 161.5mm. As long as it is less than that it should be OK.
The tensioner modification is just to use the one from a Kawasaki Concours. If you're not from the USA then the bike is listed as the ZG1000 or the GTR1000.

Hope this helps

KK

 

[ARCHIVE_jacemdom]

Do i have to open the motor to make that measurement? If so, i probably might as well just change it???

 

[ARCHIVE_kawasaki-krazy]

I honestly can't remember whether there are 20 links across the top 2 cogs, but I think what I would do is apply the same rules as an ordinary chain and check if there is a lot of movement and play on those top cogs which means taking the rocker box cover off. If you can pull the chain away from the teeth by a great amount I would change it anyway (and looking at the mileage I would say do it anyway). In any case to do the tensioner and guides you would have to split the motor.

KK

 

[ARCHIVE_jacemdom]

Precisions : It 65000KM...or 40000miles...dos it make a difference on if i should or not change the tensioner?

Also, what happens if the tensioner fails? Worst case? Best case?

 

[ARCHIVE_kawasaki-krazy]

The manual gives a maximum measurement for 20 links (pulled tight) of the chain of 161.5mm. As long as it is less than that it should be OK.

If you can pull the chain away from the teeth by a great amount I would change it anyway

Come on fella...........don't give me such a hard time. The manual doesn't give a mileage.........it gives a measurement. If you're unsure you should change it.

If the tensioner goes (and I've never heard of that happening before) it will probably rattle like mad and you'll notice immediately with no real damage done. BUT if the chain snaps (and I've never heard of that happening before either on these bikes) then the pistons will meet the valves and its goodnight Vienna...........New motor.

Hope THIS helps

KK

 

[ARCHIVE_jacemdom]

I appreciated all the info...

 

[Kawasaki-krazy]

It's awful quiet in here

KK

 

[zl900_moab]

They're just working up the momentum!!!
moab...

 

[CHRIS]

COME ON PEOPLE,

we'd all like to hear from you ! step forward & tell us about your machines ! CHRIS

 

[Blagadán]

Hard to believe theres no members with BN, VN or EL on here, just shy maybe? I have only seen one 250 eliminator before, would be interested in hearing about them from an owners prospective...?

b

 

[Blagadán]

Mark, in the registration page for new members, is there s line on there to input their bike, year/model? I cant remember.

b

 

[zlMark]

No there is not

 

[TimTom]

Hi there, thought I'd break the silence - Got an EL252 (I guess the last 2 is important), goes really well and great fun to ride. Been tying to upload a picture but had no joy- will keep trying.



uttfrt:

 

[vinny]

Welcome TimTom,
I'm sure Mark or someone will give you any help you need about uploading photos.
I'm sure the 252 is great fun around London.
Vin

 

[Blagadán]

Welcome TimTom.

Glad to have ya break the silence, been awful quiet in here!


blag

 

[zlMark]

Welcome TimTom!

252? I gotta see this one!

Here are a couple threads you should read in case you haven't already.

http://www.zl-oa.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=868

http://www.zl-oa.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=35

if all else fails you can mail them to us at [email protected]

 

[TimTom]

Hi, I guess you know this already, but I have had problems obtaining a workshop manual for my EL252. I came across the Kawasaki US website and on it they have downloadable schematics and part lists. Quite useful if you want to know how things are put together. On a recent search for a tacho cover I was able to tell the UK parts dept exactly what I needed. They did not know the US web site had this level of information. As it turned out the part was too expensive but that's another story.

All Kawasaki bikes are listed so the ZL's can use the service too.

The link is: http://www.kawasaki.com/DefaultFram...SITE/VIVEHICLEINFORMATION/VICHOOSEVEHICLE.ASP

I have managed to add two photos (not very good ones) to the gallery but can't get the "view my gallery" signature thingy to work.

 

[acp]

Welcome to the site TimTom. I saw an Eli 125 the other day, not sure which model, didn't recognise it at first as the body is different to ours.

Bike looks in good condition TimTom. What year is it?

 

[TimTom]

Its a '98 with 7,000 miles on the clock (now) - bought with 5,000 miles - seems genuine.
It looks better now - the photos I posted were the ones used to advertise it and on closer inspection it looks like its had a scrape. So far I have replaced the clutch / break leavers, two indicators (there was an unmatched pair on the front and a broken lens on the RH rear, The exhaust has a nasty scrape at the rear and I have recently fitted a fly screen. A great improvement to the ride. The tacho housing has been glued together - it broke again when I was fitting the screen but a drop more unibond did the trick.

Getting parts is a problem but all the usual maintenance bits seem to be standard Kawasaki parts. Most 250s I have seen has a single clock and a different style of insrument cluster. This bike has the instument lights set into the headlight body (which is the same as the ZL?)

I should say that this is my wife's bike - the Triumph and Yamaha are mine, but I hope you don't hold this against me as its down to me to keep it on the road.