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:

Exhaust Butterfly Valve Actuator Sensor Input Voltage Inspection
NOTE Be sure the battery is fully charged. Turn the ignition switch to OFF. Remove the front seat (see Front Seat Removal in the Frame chapter). Remove the screws [A] and the exhaust butterfly valve actuator temporarily with the cables installed. Disconnect the exhaust butterf ...

Clutch
Clutch Operation Inspection Pull the clutch lever just enough to take up the free play [A]. Measure the gap between the lever and the lever holder. If the gap is too wide, the clutch may not release fully. If the gap is too narrow, the clutch may not engage fully. In either case, adjust ...

Self-Diagnosis Procedures
NOTE Use a fully charged battery when conducting self-diagnosis. Otherwise, the light (LED) and symbol do not light or blink. Turn the ignition switch to ON. When a problem occurs with DFI system and ignition system, the warning indicator light (LED) [A] goes on and FI warning symbol ...