Cam Tensioner Noise? : Kawasaki ZX Forums: Kawasaki Ninja Forum

smurfninja · 09-08-2008, 03:57 PM

Hey Guys,

I posted on here a few days ago about what I thought to be an exhaust leak on my 07 14. I took it to another dealer tonight and dropped it off. Right before I was leaving, I had the service manager come out and listen to it. After about 30 seconds of hearing the rattle he raised his eyebrows and stated "that sounds perfectly normal for Kawasakis" I asked him to explain and he said that Kaws are notorious for cam tensioner noise. I pleaded with him to at least take a look to make sure that it wasnt an exhaust leak. He said he would but added that it was probably nothing to be worried about. He said that after a few thousand miles, these bikes "loosen up" in the top end and theres nothing that you can do about it.

My question is this. Does anyone else have a rattle that comes and goes when youre going through revs? Mine rattles at 2500rpm and goes away only to return at about 3200-3300rpm.

I also called Kawasaki and asked them and they said that there is a slight "floating" of the cam tensioner that might cause what seems to be a rattle.

I just wana be covering my butt on this one in case it is somethin serious. Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks

nrw · 09-20-2008, 06:59 PM

i have a problem thats similar to that. i only have it on start up thought.. not when im riding.. when i ever i start it. i get this rattle sound for a few seconds and then it goes away.. its just an bad sound.. the dealer said there was nothing they could do about.

smokehouse4444 · 09-24-2008, 11:42 AM

This has been on a lot of sites. It is the cam tensioner. I was a nervous about it as well. It only happens the first few seconds after start up, however, I haven't heard it after that.

BULLDOG · 09-24-2008, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smokehouse4444

This has been on a lot of sites. It is the cam tensioner. I was a nervous about it as well. It only happens the first few seconds after start up, however, I haven't heard it after that.

Ditto.

eddyzx14 · 09-08-2009, 09:50 PM

im just reviving this one with a pm to smurfninja, as i have same symptom, NO noise whatsoever at startup, but sounds like camchain rattle at 2500 - 3500rpm, quite loud..

I want to see what cured it for smurfninja, have PMed and will update here if he replies, but anyone else feel free to chip in. only if you had No camchain rattle at startup though!..

jollyroger · 09-09-2009, 01:16 AM

"nothing you can do about it"...time for another dealer.You CAN do something about it-get an APE manual CAM CHAIN TENSIONER.Install-adjust,that's it-NO MORE rattle(from yer cam chain).Any dealer that services zx14's is GONNA KNOW what the heck it is-this issue is a MAJOR complaint from zx14 owners around the world!.If he didn't ever hear of this problem-I wouldn't trust him to do ANYTHING on my bike,that's for sure!!!Only been occurring since 06 LOL!!

(and sorry Eddy-I never did hear mine doing it while riding at any rpm-so THAT could be something else completely?)They do go bad however-so...........maybe?

DEK · 09-09-2009, 09:39 PM

I agree the APE tensioner will solve the problem for $50 and very simple to install and adjust.

eddyzx14 · 09-10-2009, 08:36 PM

thyanks guys, sounds like the APE unit is the way to go. its just curious i have no startup noise..

jollyroger · 09-10-2009, 09:38 PM

Hey EDDY-Yeah,that IS strange.Actually NEVER heard of it doing that before(being quiet on startup,and noisy after running a bit)???????????

jollyroger · 09-10-2009, 09:43 PM

Smurfninja-I'm wondering if maybe your noise is possibly fuel knock?Maybe timing?If it's the cam chain,it really should be doing the rattle thing at startup-when it's got no oil in the actuator.Maybe yours is actually "pinging".Just a thought.You say "at 2500 to 3500" rpm's.What gear are you in at those speeds,and are you accellerating when it does this?

87gtNOS · 09-12-2009, 05:34 PM

I put in the APE tensioner this summer....and I don't know why I put it off for so long!! No more RATTLE!!!

Do it! Don't procrastinate!!!

eddyzx14 · 09-15-2009, 03:56 PM

Thanks all, APE tensioner is on the way... No its definitely not detonation/knock, as it does it coasting at RPM 2500 - 3500 with no load on engine at all. It could be a very wide valve clearance somewhere, but i think this is less likely, ill start with tensioner first..

Thanks for the replies, ill repost once APE tensioner in with my results.. fingers crossed.