cbmpjc
Parking Attendant
Lifetime Rider
Posts: 11
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posted April 25, 2008 09:53 AM
ZX14 Valve Adjustment
Just checked my valve clearance (06) this past weekend and was pleased to find that all 16 were within the mid-range tolerances per the manual. I'm waiting on parts today (Gasket and some other stuff) and I will be assembling it this weekend. I have nearly 16,000 miles on it too. I could not find the the bolt torquing sequence in the manual. It said to look on the cover. Anyone have any idea where I can find this information?
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cbmpjc
  
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Sticks_n_Stones
Needs a job
Posts: 3930
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posted April 25, 2008 10:10 AM
Sorry cbmbjc, err cbmpcj, ahh crap! how about I just call you "CB"? 
Anyways, I havent done it myself, but its a pretty straight forward criss cross pattern. Think of a drawing a star pattern, and tighten a bolt at each "point" of the star. IE: top left, bottom right, bottom left, top right, middle top/bottom, etc... Just make sure you tighten them in at least 2 stages to the final torque! First stage is seating the gasket, second is final torque.
Also, make sure you use the newer gasket or double up the stock replacement gaskets to keep the notorious valve cover oil leak from happening. I was one of the few that didnt have that issue. The valve cover was designed a bit off, doesnt apply enough pressure to the gasket when tightened down to seal. The newer bikes have a different cover that solves the issue, but i've heard you can just double up the gasket (most use the old gasket and a new one.) Search our sight for more info, or check out KawiForums.com, forgot which had the full photo breakdown...
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'06 zx14
Muzzy M10/M14
PCIII w/ Muzzy map
Flies out K&N in!
bits n pieces...
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bigdtd
Needs a job
Interceptors
Posts: 4209
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posted April 26, 2008 10:23 AM
check the shop manual, if you don't have one search this site for a complimentary download
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2006 Black ZX-14,6 inches over,16/42, flies out,BMC Street Filter,Brock's Street Meg,Brock's Radial Mount Strap,PClll with Race map,Dynojet LCD w/Techmount, ZX-14 fender eliminator,Pilot Power2CTs,Speedohealer,Pazzo Levers,Cox Radiator Guard, Garmin Nuvi 265WT
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BIGZXDADDY
Expert Class
Posts: 270
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posted April 27, 2008 07:49 AM
"double up the stock replacement gaskets"
lmfao, please say you were just kidding Sticks
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"never drive faster than you can see, besides it's all in the reflexes"
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Sticks_n_Stones
Needs a job
Posts: 3930
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posted April 28, 2008 10:44 AM
Wish I was, wish I was... You've heard of the newer valve covers not leaking and having different part numbers, right? They lengthened the "skirt" or height of the valve covers just slightly. The bolts were bottoming out before applying enough pressure on the gasket. So someone mentioned using two gaskets (cutting off some tab to make it flat I believe, havent had my valve cover off to know for sure). I suppose it would be easier to just buy a slab of gasket and cut out a piece to double up it, spray some glue to hold it in place...
Or do what I would do if my bike leaked: buy a newer valve cover that doesnt have the issue.
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'06 zx14
Muzzy M10/M14
PCIII w/ Muzzy map
Flies out K&N in!
bits n pieces...
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cbmpjc
Parking Attendant
Lifetime Rider
Posts: 11
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posted May 20, 2008 04:05 PM
OK: my bike is back together. I used one gasket. I also purchased new bolts and washers. I noticed stress cracks after observing it closely under a light located in the valleys of the threads. I thoroughly cleaned and sterilized the cover and engine case contact points, applied the Kawasaki silicone on the curved portion, and torqued the new bolts in a star shape pattern as described by Sticks_n_Stones earlier in this thread. There is absolutely no need to double-up the gasket. A new one will definitely accommodate the required seal when torqued. The idea of "Step Torquing" the bolts (from 8 newton meters to 9.8 newton meters) was a good idea. This ensured that the bolts were not over tightened. By the way: I do have a shop manual and would never attempt to take on any job without one. Thanks again for the star pattern advice. DOUBLE-UP the gasket...c'mon man! You were doing well until that recommendation!
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cbmpjc
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cbmpjc
Parking Attendant
Lifetime Rider
Posts: 11
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posted May 21, 2008 01:04 PM
I know, I know. I've been riding for 30+ years and have always done the maintenance on my bike from oil changes to overhauls. The odd thing about this model is there was only a blip of a reference to the bolt torque pattern stating 'you could find the pattern on the valve cover itself'. There were no markings and I read the service manual cover to cover. I've done quite a few valve adjustments to include replacing shims etc. The rubber gasket does the job well with the recommended silicone application (Only on the on the curved edges of the engine case). No leaks! It works every time. Having a new gasket and applying the correct toque (especially with the recommendation you made) does the job well. I appreciate your suggestion and I was only ribbing you. Bottom line get the service manual, the correct tools and take your time...it goes along way.
My philosophy is: "You only have two wheels, make 'em count"
Thanks again Sticks_n_Stones!
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cbmpjc
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Newf14
Zone Head
2007 ZX1400
Posts: 563
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posted November 17, 2009 03:35 PM
I just had my Valve adjustment done on my bike supposed to be done at 24000km, mine never got done till 34000km. 14 out of 16 were out of spec all on the tight side. The guy who done the bike knows what he is at so I have no doubt in his work. Oh and he removed the secondaries gonna see what that is like tomorrow.
Newf14
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bigdtd
Needs a job
Interceptors
Posts: 4209
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posted November 17, 2009 07:05 PM
you can shim the valve cover tighter by using a washer under each bolt, after replacing the gasket
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2006 Black ZX-14,6 inches over,16/42, flies out,BMC Street Filter,Brock's Street Meg,Brock's Radial Mount Strap,PClll with Race map,Dynojet LCD w/Techmount, ZX-14 fender eliminator,Pilot Power2CTs,Speedohealer,Pazzo Levers,Cox Radiator Guard, Garmin Nuvi 265WT
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INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted November 17, 2009 07:43 PM
quote:
I just had my Valve adjustment done on my bike supposed to be done at 24000km, mine never got done till 34000km. 14 out of 16 were out of spec all on the tight side. The guy who done the bike knows what he is at so I have no doubt in his work. Oh and he removed the secondaries gonna see what that is like tomorrow.
Newf14
Cool ! Give us the report on how much you love your 14 without flies!
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted November 17, 2009 07:47 PM
quote:
Just checked my valve clearance (06) this past weekend and was pleased to find that all 16 were within the mid-range tolerances per the manual. I'm waiting on parts today (Gasket and some other stuff) and I will be assembling it this weekend. I have nearly 16,000 miles on it too. I could not find the the bolt torquing sequence in the manual.
It said to look on the cover. Anyone have any idea where I can find this information?
There is a service manual download near the top of the page . Should find everything about the bike there.
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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kaw now
Expert Class
Posts: 446
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posted November 18, 2009 12:02 AM
Looks like a couple of you got caught by the old thread grave dig!
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INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted November 18, 2009 01:06 AM
quote:
Looks like a couple of you got caught by the old thread grave dig!
I hate when that happens lol ! 
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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Newf14
Zone Head
2007 ZX1400
Posts: 563
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posted November 18, 2009 03:29 AM
quote:
Looks like a couple of you got caught by the old thread grave dig!
It was the frist thred that came up when I did a search on valve adjustment just wanted to post what my mechanic said to me.
Newf14
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INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted November 18, 2009 11:23 AM
quote:
quote:
Looks like a couple of you got caught by the old thread grave dig!
It was the frist thred that came up when I did a search on valve adjustment just wanted to post what my mechanic said to me.
Newf14
No biggie! But sometimes it's better to create your own thread so nothing old gets dug up.
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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Flame On
Needs a life
Fuel Air & Spark
Posts: 17104
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posted November 18, 2009 01:21 PM
Yep LOL
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77 RD 400
80 GS1000 GT
06 ZX14
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