HiMile14
Expert Class
Posts: 424
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posted September 06, 2006 09:18 AM
12K Question?
After last months 4000 mile trip I noticed that either the Valves were slightly more noisy or the FI was louder than before the trip.
I was going to have the valves adjusted just to play it safe but another ZX-14 owner suggested otherwise, I respect this owner but I'd like to confirm his thinking with you all.
He said that if the valves were out of sync that the idle RPM would be bouncing all over the place (in my case it does not). He suggested changing the oil, appearently the oil breaks down over time and although I'm with in Spec. (7500 miles) the heat in Florida breaks the oil down a little quicker (5200 miles).
I did change the oil/Filter to my Winter Blend of 3 qts of 20W-50 and 1qt of 10W-40 Ams-oil and with out a doubt the Valves/FI do appear to be more quiet. Not 100% but better (about 60% more quiet). I still hear a slight tapping between 1800-3700 rpm then it goes away. Could this just be the FI?
The plan now is to ride until the 15,000 mile tune-up sometime next month. I know those in the know read these posts from time to time, a quick opinion is much appreciated.
Spark Plugs are still doing fine.
Thanks Rob
12,297 miles
19,921 kms
  
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INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted September 06, 2006 10:04 PM
How often do you change your oil?
Well if it is valve noise then at least you are not going to burn any valves!
I know with the old air cooled inline fours i adjust the valves on the loose side to prevent any valve seal deterioration and they are on the sewing machine noisy side .
Anyone know what the valve clearances are on these 14's???
The 4 zx's in my area make a tiny ticking but i believe it to be mostly the FI because you don't really hear it above idle , whereas valves tend to be heard throughout the rpm range.
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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HiMile14
Expert Class
Posts: 424
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posted September 07, 2006 03:45 AM
I change the oil every 5,000 miles however I was hoping I could go 7,500 miles. I agree with the burning of the valves, it's most dangerous when you hear the valves then don't (when valves tighten up). I will be taking her down later this month to get her tuned and I'll post as soon as I get the results. Thanks for the advice.
Rob
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psycho1122
Pro
Posts: 1608
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posted September 07, 2006 05:34 AM
On a Kawasaki, you have that reversed, loose/tickin' is good, tight/quiet is bad. When the clearence is tight, the valve can hang open and not close 100%. That's when you loose compression and valves (exhaust) can burn.
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You say PSYCHO like it's a BAD thing!!
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psycho1122
Pro
Posts: 1608
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posted September 07, 2006 05:36 AM
BTW, going 5,000+ miles on the oil with a wet clutch?!?! Not Good.
If you had your oil tested after that long of a run, you would not run it that long EVER again!
(www.oillab.com)
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You say PSYCHO like it's a BAD thing!!
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INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted September 07, 2006 11:18 AM
5,000 miles is about as far as i would ever delay an oil change no matter how many miles the factory recommends!
BTW what does the factory recommend like 15,000 for an oil change or something?
Almost every bike i get in for a valve adjustment smells cooked when i pull the cam cover due to very neglected oil change intervals. Not a good thing.
And besides 3 months is a long time for oil to stay in a crankcase 
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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ZX-XIV
Parking Attendant
Posts: 29
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posted September 07, 2006 12:07 PM
 Edited By: ZX-XIV on 7 Sep 2006 13:09
Her is a shim kit for sale on flea bay $50 is great deal when shims go for $4-8 depending on dealer...
ViewItem&item=170024510560
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HiMile14
Expert Class
Posts: 424
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posted September 07, 2006 01:11 PM
Phycho,
I always changed the oil at about 8000 miles on the VFR, it is a wet clutch. I ride like a puss so the bike does not get a hard hot workout. However having said that the ZX is a different beast. It's very hot even just riding under normal conditions. Prior to 5000 miles the oil seemed fine, because I'm very sensitive to any bikes needs I may be making a mountain out of a mole hill.
For the record about 6000 miles I can tell the VFR's oil is near the end of it's life as well.
Valves, I agree with your statement above, don't think I did a good job of explaining. When I went to see the Kawasaki representives 2 weeks ago I did fire up the bike and Randy says that the clicking that is heard as we start the bike is the Cam chain tensioner being activated. Seems oil pressure is what keeps the tensioner tight?? Over my head a bit there. But she was ticking just as much then as she is now so I suspect all is good at least for now.
Hey ZX thanks, pays to have shims around when opening the engine thanks for the information.
So outside the oil question (my oil has been changed 4 times in the last 4 months) things appear to be normal.
Thanks again All Good information.
Robert
ZX 14 12,321 miles
VFR 800 84,949 miles
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INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted September 07, 2006 03:05 PM
from the eBay listing: " NEW Hotcams valveshim kit for honda trx450r, yamaha yfz450, crf, 9.48mm OD, 1.20mm-3.50mm, part # HCSHIM02 includes 3 of each size shim "
Those shims fit the 14?
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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blitzkrieg
Needs a job
Road kill = Free lunch.
Posts: 2044
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posted September 08, 2006 12:45 PM
9.48 1.20mm-3.50mm is correct for the A and B 12's and I'd bet $100 the 14 also.
I am sure they are 9.48mm's on the 14, just don't know the range of clearance. I feel safe in saying I'd bet thats the shim kit you need for the 14. Very safe.
You can buy them direct from Hot Cams (which is what I did several years ago).
It's a good product and I've never spent a dime at Kawasaki for a $7 shim, that I can guarantee you. 
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"BTW....You need to get a girlfriend who's last name isn't .jpg"
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INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted September 08, 2006 01:55 PM
Cool!
Gonna have to see if those eBay ones stay cheap
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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