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Post by zrx12oo on Apr 15, 2006 5:59:59 GMT
This is a reply I posted on ZRXOC to a Q about when to do the first check of valve clearances. I would like to hear what you guys think also. Cheers.
I have a 2005 Model and the "Owners Manual" service schedule says these clearances are to be first checked/adjusted at 24,000 k (15,000 mile).
And, in my 2005 "Service Manual" the schedule says they should be initially checked/adjusted at 12,000 k (7,500 mile) for models PRIOR to 2005 but for the 2005 model they now recommend initial check be done at 24,000 (15,000 mile).
Makes you wonder what did Kawasaki do to the assembly process to necessitate this change in the recommended adjustment mileage?
Any ideas? Perhaps they are now actually "Checking" these clearances at manufacture instead of letting a "robot" sort it.
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Post by ZRX Gremlin on Apr 15, 2006 9:34:45 GMT
I'm surprised at the change too.
My '02 recommends that the shims are checked at every major service which is 8000 miles.
The shims must be checked at manufacture or it'd rattle from the off. The first shim check/adjust is the most important one as the initial mileage is where all the wear and particularly bedding in takes place. Subsequent shim checks although just as important will probably reveal very little change to the clearances.
Unless the '05 has a redesigned cylinder head or valves I cant see why the extended service interval. Otherwise Kwak has developed a way of more effectively bedding the valves in at manufacture but that would be a more expensive process.
It isn't the shims that wear. Or the cams and followers as such. The initial clearances are most likely to change as the valves seat themselves slightly further into the head. This will actually make the clearances tighter, potentially quietening the motor, not making it louder. Effectively, the valves will open further and for longer too.
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Post by zrx12oo on Apr 15, 2006 12:14:18 GMT
Have uploaded copies of mentioned pages from my '05 Owners Manual and also '05 Service Manual see www.donmidgley.com/valveclear.html I agree with what you say Gremlin, Kawasaki must have changed something ?
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Post by ZRX Gremlin on Apr 15, 2006 13:18:13 GMT
:hmm:
I see what you mean.
It's quite clear from the service manual that there is indeed meant to be a difference. For a guess I'd say that Kawasaki have either installed a harder valve seat or re-designed the valves in some way to slow down that bedding in process.
All good news for owners of later model bikes as servicing costs will be greatly reduced. I checked my own shims last time and it's a pain in the ass, fiddly sort of a job. The longer I could put that off, the happier I'd be.
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Post by Les on Apr 15, 2006 22:29:42 GMT
Effectively, the valves will open further and for longer too. and then happily burn themselves out. !!!!!!!!
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Post by zrx12oo on Apr 20, 2006 13:27:34 GMT
Grem, I am trying to get an answer from Kawasaki as to the change to recommended mileage for checking valve clearances for the 2005 model. Would love to know why they doubled the previous figure. And also why it doesn't apply to the US/Canada Models, they still have the old recommendations (eg. 7,500 mile). Can't be a simple mis-print as it's in two separate publications. As you mentioned, perhaps they have made some modification to head/valves. Will let you know if I ever get a reply.
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Post by ZRX Gremlin on Apr 20, 2006 18:57:19 GMT
It'd be interesting to get an answer to that one.
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