If you need cam chain extenders....

[faxxxy]

Can you hear the rattle?

I have 36,000 miles and I have no idea if they have been changed or not. This bike has so many rattles and pops it's hard to know what's "normal" and what is an issue that needs addressed.

Maybe I am paranoid, but I can hear something that sounds like I think a chain would sound if slapping against a piece of metal.

This failure scares the ba-jeezus out of me.

[madcow]

im in the same boat faxxy. mine has done 60,000ks and it stresses me that it needs doing. these things rattle so much from the factory that its near impossible to tell if it needs doing or not. i found doing a debaffle worked for me as i now dont hear most of the engine rattles.

[faxxxy]

I don't suppose there is any downside to doing the cam chain extenders other then an afternoon of time and the cost of the part.

I'm thinking about just doing mine and removing all doubt.

[ringadingh]

You can remove the cam chain tensioner, and see if it has been done, and you can also remove the spark plug tubes and check for any signs of the chain rubbing on them.

[Top Cat]

Originally Posted by faxxxy

I don't suppose there is any downside to doing the cam chain extenders other then an afternoon of time and the cost of the part.

I'm thinking about just doing mine and removing all doubt.

I could be wrong on this but I think I read somewhere that you cannot put the extenders in unless the chain has streched a certain amount. If you put them in before you need them ,it would make the chain to long to have the proper tension.
Even if I didn't read that it would seem to me that this would make sense.

[faxxxy]

Originally Posted by Top Cat (TC)

I could be wrong on this but I think I read somewhere that you cannot put the extenders in unless the chain has streched a certain amount. If you put them in before you need them ,it would make the chain to long to have the proper tension.
Even if I didn't read that it would seem to me that this would make sense.

Not knowing anymore then I know right this minute, that would make sense. Otherwise it would have been a recall issue.

I'm curious how you remove a spark plug tube to check for damage..

[rlfaubion]

Originally Posted by madcow

i found doing a debaffle worked for me as i now dont hear most of the engine rattles.

Ear plugs help even more.

[ringadingh]

The spark plug tubes just unscrew, I use a stamped steel socket from some old tool kit that just happens to fit the hex. If you have a large nut or bolt that fits it will work also.

[Yellow Jacket]

To remove the Spark Plug Retainer (tube), first remove the spark plug. You will notice the tube surrounding the spark plug has a hex shape and is black. This is a 27 mm hex.

Kawasaki has a special tool - Hexagon Wrench, Hex 27, part number 57001-1210.

Any male 27 mm hex tool will work. Unscrew the retainer/tube. There are a couple of o-rings on the tube. Put a little grease on them when re-installing. The torque value is 104 in-lb.

Check the side of the tube for any evidence of the cam chain rubbing.

Go here for the procedure to check the cam chain tensioners to see if you need the extenders:

http://www.gadgetjq.com/cc_tensioner.htm

[faxxxy]

Originally Posted by Yellow Jacket

To remove the Spark Plug Retainer (tube), first remove the spark plug. You will notice the tube surrounding the spark plug has a hex shape and is black. This is a 27 mm hex.

Kawasaki has a special tool - Hexagon Wrench, Hex 27, part number 57001-1210.

Any male 27 mm hex tool will work. Unscrew the retainer/tube. There are a couple of o-rings on the tube. Put a little grease on them when re-installing. The torque value is 104 in-lb.

Check the side of the tube for any evidence of the cam chain rubbing.

Thank you!
I just walked out there to adjust my shifter and look at this.
Looks simple enough!

[ringadingh]

There is also a how to on installing the cam chain extender on Gadgets sight as well.

[trip]

I had extenders installed last week on mine. It made a real difference in how the engine sounds.

[ringadingh]

Were your cam chains rubbing on the plug tubes Trip? I bought a pair last year but havn't installed them yet.