Kawasaki Ninja Service Manual: Cylinder Compression Measurement

Kawasaki Ninja Service Manual / Engine Top End / Cylinder Head / Cylinder Compression Measurement

NOTE

Use the battery which is fully charged.

Warm up the engine thoroughly.
Stop the engine.
Remove the spark plugs (see Spark Plug Replacement in the Periodic Maintenance chapter).
Attach the compression gauge [A] and adapter [B] firmly into the spark plug hole.
Using the startermotor, turn the engine over with the throttle fully open until the compression gauge stops rising; the compression is the highest reading obtainable.

Special Tools - Compression Gauge, 20 kgf/cm²: 57001-221 Compression Gauge Adapter, M10 × 1.0: 57001-1601 L-Shape Hose [C]: 57001-1606

Cylinder Compression Measurement

Cylinder Compression Usable Range: 1 099 1 668 kPa (11.2
17.0 kgf/cm²,
159 242 psi) at 320 r/min (rpm)

Repeat the measurement for the other cylinders.
Install the spark plugs (see Spark Plug Replacement in the Periodic Maintenance chapter).

The following table should be consulted if the obtainable compression reading is not within the usable range.

Problem	Diagnosis	Remedy (Action)
Cylinder compression is higher than usable range	Carbon accumulation on piston and in combustion chamber possibly due to damaged valve stem oil seal and/or damaged piston oil rings (This may be indicated by white exhaust smoke).	Remove the carbon deposits and replace damaged parts if necessary.
Cylinder compression is higher than usable range	Incorrect cylinder head gasket thickness	Replace the gasket with a standard part.
Cylinder compression is lower than usable range	Gas leakage around cylinder head	Replace damaged gasket and check cylinder head warp
	Bad condition of valve seating	Repair if necessary.
	Incorrect valve clearance	Adjust the valve clearance.
	Incorrect piston/cylinder clearance	Replace the piston and/or cylinder.
	Piston seizure	Inspect the cylinder and replace/repair the cylinder and/or piston as necessary.
	Bad condition of piston ring and/or piston ring grooves	Replace the piston and/or the piston rings.

Cylinder Head Removal

Remove: Thermostat Housing (see Thermostat Removal in the Cooling System chapter) Exhaust Pipe (see Exhaust Pipe Removal) Camshafts (see Camshaft Removal) Heat Insulation Plate [A] (see E ...

Other materials:

Immobilizer Amplifier Replacement
Remove the upper fairing assembly (see Upper Fairing Assembly Removal in the Frame chapter). Disconnect the connector [A]. Pull out the immobilizer amplifier [B] together with the rubber protector [C] from the air intake duct [D]. ECU Replacement Refer to the ECU Removal/Instal ...

Electronic Steering Damper Warning Indicator Light
The yellow light functions as the electronic steering damper warning indicator. The light and warning symbol "ESD" go on if there is a malfunction in the electronic steering damper system. However, this could also be caused by trouble with the charging system (e.g. battery). I ...

Battery Maintenance
It is the owner’s responsibility to keep the battery fully charged. Failure to do so can lead to battery failure and leave you stranded. If you are riding your vehicle infrequently, inspect the battery voltage weekly using a voltmeter. If it drops below 12.8 volts, the battery should be ...