Kz650 Timing Chain

Hi. First Post.
I have a 78 Kz650. There is still some top end noise from the timing/cam chain. Have changed the chain and 3 idler pulled and replaced the spring in the tensioner but it still does not seem quite right.
Question is.... Is there a mod to make the tensioner work better? Something from a later bike or a home mod.
It runs better than before but I feel it should be tighter.
Thanks in advance.

Is there slop when you turn the crank forward and back with a wrench?
Steve

Yes. If you wind the engine forward then it's fine. If you wind the engine the other way then there is some slack.

Welcome.
There are aftermarket tensioners available from Ape and Kruegen?
A manual tensioner, basically a long bolt with a lock nut.
These are noisy engines though, so what your hearing could be normal.

Did you replace the center roller? Last time it and the front guide wore out.
Steve

Replaced all the bearings in the wheels but not the rollers. Didn't seem to have any wear on them.
I've looked up the Ape tensioner above so will try that. Can only see then in the US though?

Are the carburetors perfectly synchronized? If not, they can cause an amazing amount of top end racket, even with new chain, rollers, etc.

TexasKZ wrote: Are the carburetors perfectly synchronized? If not, they can cause an amazing amount of top end racket, even with new chain, rollers, etc.

Great point TexasKZ. I didn't think of it when I read this thread, but when you dial in the sync it certainly does quiet things down. Valves being set to the wide end of spec will create more noise as well.

They should be as it's just had a top overall but I will recheck.
I've ordered one of those adjusters from Ape too.

Firefly38 wrote: Yes. If you wind the engine forward then it's fine. If you wind the engine the other way then there is some slack.

What you describe above is normal. That is why they always have you check the timing mark rotating the engine forward and not backing it up at all.