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:

Premuffler Chamber Removal
Remove: Muffler Body (see Muffler Body Removal) Right Lower Fairing (see Lower Fairing Removal in the Frame chapter) Front Seat (see Front Seat Removal in the Frame chapter) Oxygen Sensor (Equipped Models) (see Oxygen Sensor Removal (Equipped Models) in the Electrical System chapter ...

Water Temperature Sensor Inspection
Remove the water temperature sensor (see Water Temperature Sensor Removal/Installation in the Fuel System (DFI) chapter). Suspend the sensor [A] in a container of coolant so that the temperature-sensing projection [C] is submerged. Suspend an accurate thermometer [B] with temperature ...

Starter Clutch Removal
Remove: Torque Limiter (see Torque Limiter Removal) Transmission Assy (see Transmission Assy Removal) Starter Clutch Shaft Holder Bolt [A] Starter Clutch Shaft Bolt [B] Starter Clutch Shaft Holder [C] Remove the starter clutch shaft [A] using a suitable M8 bolt [B]. Take ...