Header loose nuts - fairing removal

[Big Kev]

I have done 600 miles through salt laden roads to get my first service done. I will never buy in March again as the amount of salt on the roads is deplorable. Despite regular hosing and cleaning I can see that by spying with a torch the engine is sprayed with salt behind the radiator. So I thought I would get in and clean out the muck and also check the exhaust header nuts as I believe they can loosen. Can anyone who has done the nut check advise on the minimum that needs to be removed to get access and how - top tips appreciated as I dont fancy ending up with a load of fairing bits on the floor that wont refit easily.

Thanks Kev

[philipintexas]

Careful with that "torch", open flames and combustibles are a dangerous combination.

[lockwood]

I checked mine from underneath with extensions,a swivel joint,and a 12mm 12 point socket, didn't have to remove anything, can be frustrating though. took about 10 minutes.

[GTRPete]

Definitely worth doing, I had no idea they were loose (loosening?) during the first 8000kms, but after sucking the fumes in for that long made a difference!!
Fumes might smell like nothing or just traffic smells, but in time it can affect you badly!!
So glad its fixed now on mine, now enjoying a bit of distance !!!

[psy1261]

Phil, the brits have special "safety" torches they use whilst doing automotive work. Don't worry about em.

Kev, 12 point socket, U-join and L O N G extension are all that is needed. If you can I would add some thread locking compound. I found the nuts to be loose when I changed over to the ZX-14 header and again about 1k miles later. After using locktight I haven't had any more problems.

[Big Kev]

I have just tightened all the header nuts. I tried using long extension and swivel joint but ended up taking the panels off as I could not get to the middle two nuts. Its a bit of a chew removing the panels. The header nuts needed tightening but I would say that the nuts have not wound off, rather the seal ring (if there is one) has relaxed causing the nuts to loose tension. I probably got a turn on each nut.

Hope I dont have to do that again - yes locktite would have been the way to go.

So its had its first service,carbon hugger, fender extenda, Two Bros carbon, and Kawa Top Box fitted - now the weather is improving its fun time. The GTR is brilliant.

kev

[Hitman]

Glad this thread was started....checked mine today and all were loose, some even finger loose and Ive only done 2500miles.

Had to take the fairings off so that I could remove each nut and locktite them back on. There is no mention of torque settings in the service manual for these nuts, so I just cranked them up nice and firm. The locktite should keep them from freeing off again. I shall mention this to my dealer when I next go in. These nuts should be checked at every service I would think, especially if the panels are off anyway for servicing. PoP to check them with the panelling off.

[kawkaw]

I too have discovered loose header nuts ...
the apparent effects of carbon monoxide... headaches ... odor .. led me to this discovery.
smells kinda like burning brush ... 2600 miles on odometer ...

for the sake of safety, for each of us who have discovered this problem, should we not directly let mama kaw know about this? the numbers reported on the forums are adding up. what about the folks not on the forums? carbon monoxide, it is a hazard ... simple... thank goodness for these forums ..

i will do my part... inform kaw of this problem and any other concerns in regards to safety or known hazards ... in writing, email ... or letter ..
suggest to them that they release a safety bulletin to all owners and dealers...
thank them for producing a wonderful product ...

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[GTRPete]

I spoke with a Kawa rep just last week and he indicated very little interest in the problem claiming in his 30 years of riding he's never heard of this type of problem, obviously meaning a 0% interest level. Sadly it might take the life of someone who gets put to sleep if they don't become aware of the effects of monoxide for Kawa to react. Mine are fixed but have been loose, reports are plenty worldwide but seems the dealers are either not aware or not reporting the issue, or could be that a lot of folk are repairing their own so no one is aware of it.
Would be good to communicate the need for an early mileage check instead of waiting for the 12,000(km) scheduled check.