Kawasaki Ninja Service Manual: Valve Clearance Adjustment

Kawasaki Ninja Service Manual / Periodic Maintenance / Periodic Maintenance Procedures / Engine Top End / Valve Clearance Adjustment

To change the valve clearance, remove the camshafts (see Camshaft Removal in the Engine Top End chapter) and valve lifters.
Replace the shim with one of a different thickness.

Valve Clearance Adjustment

NOTE

Mark and record the locations of the valve lifters and shims so that they can be reinstalled in their original positions.

Valve Clearance Adjustment

Clean the shim to remove any dust or oil.
Measure the thickness of the removed shim [A].
Select a new shim thickness calculation as follows.

a + b – c = d

[a] Present Shim Thickness

[b] Measured Valve Clearance

[c] Specified Valve Clearance (Mean Value = 0.195 mm (Exhaust), 0.185 mm (Intake))

[d] Replace Shim Thickness

Example (Exhaust): 1.600 + 0.28 – 0.195 = 1.685 mm

Exchange the shim for the 1.675 size shim.

Adjustment Shims

Adjustment Shims

NOTICE

Be sure to remeasure the clearance after selecting a shim. The clearance can be out of the specified range because of the shim tolerance.

If there is no valve clearance, use a shim that is a few sizes smaller, and remeasure the valve clearance.

When installing the shim, face the marked side toward the valve lifter. At this time, apply engine oil to the shim or the valve lifter to keep the shim in place during camshaft installation.

NOTICE

Do not put shim stock under the shim. This may cause the shim to pop out at high rpm, causing extensive engine damage.

Do not grind the shim. Thismay cause it to fracture, causing extensive engine damage.

Apply molybdenum disulfide oil solution to the valve lifter surface and install the lifter.
Install the camshafts (see Camshaft Installation in the Engine Top End chapter).
Recheck the valve clearance and readjust if necessary.
Install the removed parts (see appropriate chapters).

Valve Clearance Inspection

NOTE Valve clearance must be checked and adjusted when the engine is cold (at room temperature). Remove: Crankshaft Sensor Cover (see Crankshaft Sensor Removal in the Electrical System chapt ...

Air Suction System Damage Inspection

Separate the air switching valve hose [A] from the lower air cleaner housing [B] (see Air Cleaner Housing Removal in the Fuel System (DFI) chapter). Connect the following parts tempor ...

Other materials:

Balance Inspection
Remove the front and rear wheels (see Front/Rear Wheel Removal). Support the wheel so that it can be spun freely. Spin the wheel lightly, and mark [A] the wheel at the top when the wheel stops. Repeat this procedure several times. If the wheel stops of its own accord in various positi ...

Connecting Rod Big End Side Clearance Inspection
Measure connecting rod big end side clearance. Insert a thickness gauge [A] between the big end and either crank web to determine clearance. Connecting Rod Big End Side Clearance Standard: 0.13 0.38 mm (0.0051 0.0150 in.) Service Limit: 0.58 mm (0.023 in.) If the clearance exceeds ...

Oil Filter Replacement
Drain the engine oil (see Engine Oil Change). Remove the left lower fairing (see Lower Fairing Removal in the Frame chapter). Remove the oil filter [A] with the oil filter wrench [B]. Special Tool - Oil Filter Wrench: 57001-1249 Replace the filter with a new one. Apply grease t ...