Right hand crankcase query.

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MRLZXR400
Posts: 75
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2018 7:31 am
My Bike: ZXR400

Right hand crankcase query.

Post by MRLZXR400 »

Hi,
On my L9, next to the oil pressure adapter plug on the right hand crank case is a 10mm hex bolt and nut.
On mine this nut and bolt looks fairly new and has a very slight oil weep.
I can't identify it in the manual and wondered what this bolt and nut does.
The bolt is in halfway with the nut locking it.
I'd like to remove it and fit a copper washer but I'm not sure if it's standard or what would happen if I remove it.
Any advice appreciated.
1999 Kawasaki ZXR400 UK L9, 1960 Triumph Tiger Cub, 1996 Ducati 748, 1999 Aprilia RS125 2T.
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banner001
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Re: Right hand crankcase query.

Post by banner001 »

got a picture?
UK ZXR400 L3 (1993) - Fully restored and on the roads, my green beast!
JPN ZXR250 A2 (1990) - Revs to 19,200rpm... 'nuff said :smt003
MRLZXR400
Posts: 75
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2018 7:31 am
My Bike: ZXR400

Re: Right hand crankcase query.

Post by MRLZXR400 »

Thanks Banner.
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1999 Kawasaki ZXR400 UK L9, 1960 Triumph Tiger Cub, 1996 Ducati 748, 1999 Aprilia RS125 2T.
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banner001
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Re: Right hand crankcase query.

Post by banner001 »

Can you take another picture that puts it into a bit more context?

It looks like it's going to be the chain tensioner, though I'm not good with the L9, the part looks different to the earlier bikes, but looks in the right sort of place.

If it is you will need to fit it back correctly, i.e. not fully extended...check the manual or the guides on here
UK ZXR400 L3 (1993) - Fully restored and on the roads, my green beast!
JPN ZXR250 A2 (1990) - Revs to 19,200rpm... 'nuff said :smt003
MRLZXR400
Posts: 75
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2018 7:31 am
My Bike: ZXR400

Re: Right hand crankcase query.

Post by MRLZXR400 »

It makes sense that it's the cam chain tensioner. When I bought the bike recently it had just had a new one fitted which fits with the bolt looking newish.
Here's a more general pic of its location.
Thanks again for the help.
Things like that can be difficult when you don't have another bike/bike owner to reference it against.
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1999 Kawasaki ZXR400 UK L9, 1960 Triumph Tiger Cub, 1996 Ducati 748, 1999 Aprilia RS125 2T.
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banner001
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Re: Right hand crankcase query.

Post by banner001 »

I can't be 100% sure, but to me it looks like someone has replaced the automatic chain tensioner with a manual chain tensioner...a bad idea IMO...probably the reason for the oil leak as it will never seal properly.

I would get a NOS automatic chain tensioner and use that.
UK ZXR400 L3 (1993) - Fully restored and on the roads, my green beast!
JPN ZXR250 A2 (1990) - Revs to 19,200rpm... 'nuff said :smt003
MRLZXR400
Posts: 75
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2018 7:31 am
My Bike: ZXR400

Re: Right hand crankcase query.

Post by MRLZXR400 »

Thanks Banner, I'll take your advice.
I searched lots of pix and spares websites and couldn't find anything that resembled it either.
I'm pretty sure I have the invoice for the work, I'll call them and see if they can recall what they did.
1999 Kawasaki ZXR400 UK L9, 1960 Triumph Tiger Cub, 1996 Ducati 748, 1999 Aprilia RS125 2T.
MRLZXR400
Posts: 75
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2018 7:31 am
My Bike: ZXR400

Re: Right hand crankcase query.

Post by MRLZXR400 »

Just so you know Banner I took your advice and replaced the manual cam chain tensioner that had been fitted with a genuine Kawasaki replacement.
What the garage (a supposed Kawasaki specialist) had done for the previous owner was to remove the spring loaded mechanism and then tapped the hole and fitted a bolt and lock-nut, it leaked oil and looked like a bit of a ropey job.
I followed the fitting instructions on here and it was pretty straightforward.
Thanks for your help on this. 👍
1999 Kawasaki ZXR400 UK L9, 1960 Triumph Tiger Cub, 1996 Ducati 748, 1999 Aprilia RS125 2T.
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banner001
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Re: Right hand crankcase query.

Post by banner001 »

No worries, glad you are leak free
UK ZXR400 L3 (1993) - Fully restored and on the roads, my green beast!
JPN ZXR250 A2 (1990) - Revs to 19,200rpm... 'nuff said :smt003
MRLZXR400
Posts: 75
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2018 7:31 am
My Bike: ZXR400

Re: Right hand crankcase query.

Post by MRLZXR400 »

Thanks. It's also good to know my cam chain is no longer being tensioned by a 10p M10 galavanised nut and bolt from B&Q! :ffs
1999 Kawasaki ZXR400 UK L9, 1960 Triumph Tiger Cub, 1996 Ducati 748, 1999 Aprilia RS125 2T.
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