How can I tighten my timing chain?

Question

I have a 1978 Kawasaki KZ 750 and my timing chain is loose i already took out the engine i just dont know how i cant tighten it
please help :)

Answer 1

Timing chains stretch so if your tensioner can not take up the slack then it is time for a new timing set. Good luck and remember you get what you pay for. So spend what you can.

Answer 2

(I need to edit this because I was incorrect earlier. I checked the parts diagrams for what I believe is your model and yours uses a much different style of tensioner than the other big Kawasakis of that model year. On yours, you will unscrew the cylindrical shaped affair on the tensioner, which is still located in the same place....rear bottom in the middle of the cylinder block. After unscrewing that piece, you will loosen the locknut and tighten the threaded rod it is threaded onto. Tighten the rod until you feel some resistance, but don't crank it down like you were tightening a head bolt! I'm not sure, but I bet you're supposed to have the crankshaft rotated to where the index marker behind the points is pointing to the T and F mark. Otherwise, I'd still turn the engine over a couple of times and see if the threaded rod on the tensioner loosens up any. Afterwards, tighten the locknut and replace the outer cover. Sorry for the previous mis-information.)

On the back side of the cylinder block at the base, you'll see an aluminum thing that protrudes maybe 1-1/2 inches held onto the block by two bolts and will have a bolt screwed into the side of it. This is your cam chain tightner. There's a spring inside and since I believe your's is manually adjusted, you'll need to loosen the bolt on the side several turns. Don't remove the two bolts holding it onto the block. Turn the engine over either by hand (crankshaft turning clockwise when standing on the right side of the engine facing it) or with it running and retighten it. If yours still has a kick starter and the engine is stable, you can turn it over with that. The spring inside will tighten the chain and retightening the bolt locks it in place, keeping it tight. You should then be set to go.

Answer 3

were you going to rebuild the motor? why did you remove it? i assume you are talking about the cam chain? these have automatic tensioners on them. the chain tensioner will be on the cylinder either left lower or center lower. get yourself a service manual . these older tensioners had a tendency to stick, if you loosen the adjuster all the way up and release it letting it snap back , sometimes this helps. if not you will need to replace the chain. if you don't have a service manual , be sure to get one.

Answer 4

there will be a master link on the chain. do you know how to tighting the drive chain if yes its pretty much the same thing just a smaller chain. just look at the links and youll spot the master link. hope this helps.