Cam Chain Extenders

[sonny]

I'm mechanically declined, and I see a number of folks doing cam chain extenders. Please tell me why, when should it be done and how would I be able to tell, and the pro's and com's.
Thanks

[toophun]

See "installing cam chain extenders" by CactusJack a few posts down. You'll find answers to your questions + detailed how to & photos.

[ringadingh]

And if you check Gadgets website it has an excellent how to article that shows what is involved. That way you can decide whether its something you want to challenge. Its not difficult at all, actually reading the instructions makes it sound a little more complicated than it is, but once youve done one, the second extender goes a lot faster.

[sonny]

Thanks for the response y'all. I got enough of the how to know that the mechanically declined won't be attacking it alone any time soon. But I still have not got the why or when it needs to be done.
Thanks,
Sonny

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by sonny

Thanks for the response y'all. I got enough of the how to know that the mechanically declined won't be attacking it alone any time soon. But I still have not got the why or when it needs to be done.
Thanks,
Sonny

Check this thread, look about halfway down the page. I explained this in detail just the other day. http://www.vulcanbagger.com/phpBB3/v...13752&start=30

[Scoot]

I'm going to do this this spring, my problem will be getting my V&H's pipes off. I have a mounting bolt that won't screw off (under the bag)

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by Scoot

I'm going to do this this spring, my problem will be getting my V&H's pipes off. I have a mounting bolt that won't screw off (under the bag)

You shouldn't have to remove your pipes to install the extenders. I did mine with my pipes off because I was changing my pipes. Unless the V&H cross over the top of the rear tensioner, you should be fine.

[nomadnorm2]

I have to question the extender item also, There is nothing from Kawasaki about this and all information suggest the present cam chain tensioners are up to any significant wear or mileage without need of modifications. I am thinking this is more in line with the "Urban Legend" group that may have some basis in the past (ie...the plastic oil pump gear of the early 1500's) but is fully sorted today. If it needed to be done then I would do it. But it may be like Religion, Politics, oil change intervals and type..etc...to each their own.

[ringadingh]

Some guys have found out what happens if you let them go without doing anything. If your lucky which is what normally happens is that you will grind a hole through the spark plug tube and spray oil all over the motor. In a worse case scenario the cam chain will either jump a tooth or two and upset the timing of the valves, or break and jam in the motor breaking all kinds of stuff. For $25-$30.00 for the parts and an hour of time to install its a lot cheaper than having your motor rebuilt.
The same for the plastic oil pump gears, THEY WILL BREAK its just when and where.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by nomadnorm2

I have to question the extender item also, There is nothing from Kawasaki about this and all information suggest the present cam chain tensioners are up to any significant wear or mileage without need of modifications. I am thinking this is more in line with the "Urban Legend" group that may have some basis in the past (ie...the plastic oil pump gear of the early 1500's) but is fully sorted today. If it needed to be done then I would do it. But it may be like Religion, Politics, oil change intervals and type..etc...to each their own.

For some unkown to me reason, the cam chain tensioner extenders are only available through Kawasaki Canada. It is a dealer fix up North. You have to either install them on your own down here, or pay a dealer to replace your cam chains, which is a significant expense. This isn't a "dino oil vs synthetic oil"/urban legend BS story. Cam chain tension is a real issue, and if your cam chains shred your spark plug tubes, you will have little bits of metal loose inside your crankcase.