GPz1100B2 Cam sprockets. Incorrect assy.

[BAFF1960]

Hi all.

Just finishing off the top end on my B2 and had difficulty getting the exhaust cam in without the chain tension moving the crank. After some cursed muttering I noticed the exhaust cam sprocket was mounted in the wrong holes. Both cams had the bolts in the Hex holes, B's should have the Ex cam in the round holes. Cams and sprockets are identical items in a B model. Cams have the correct 3 groves.
Repositioned it correctly and the cam went in without issue.
The question I need answering is what effect did the miss assy have? I have had the valves out for lapping in the seats and there's no sign of piston contact either. The bike ran fine and sounded sweet before I took it apart.

Alan

[Philippe]

Hi Alan

not sure about my statement but if the exhaust and the intake camshaft were positioned at the correct timing, there was no influence.
The question is, did the previous mechanic started by putting the exhaust camshaft in first? If you do that correctly and you take the indentation on the right hand side of the camshaft as a marker and then you put the intake camshaft in and also use the indentation on the right hand side as a marker, the chance is high that the timing is correct. You don't need to use the marks on the sprockets if you use the indentations on the right hand sides of the camshafts. These identations have to be aligned horizontally to the upper surface of the cylinderhead and opposed to eachother.
I'm sure the above described way of working is not a good one but it might work sometimes. Don't take any risk and use the method described in the shop manual.
GrtZ
Philippe

[Al]

It wouldnt have made any difference at all to the way it ran. Its a round sprocket and it cant tell where it is bolted on. The previous owner would have set it up using the cut outs on the end of the shaft or dial indicator method because the dash mark would have been in the wrong place, so either skilled, lucky or a combination of both.
AL

[Al]

Typing at the same time.
AL

[BAFF1960]

Hi.

Thanks for the info. Have moved the exhaust sprocket to standard but will set up using the cam end cut outs anyway. There were no witness marks to show it had ever been moved before.
Another question, I assume genuine Kawasaki ZX1100A head gaskets are OK for B models, same engine [ almost ] but noted part numbers different.?

Alan

[Al]

I believe the 1100 B's had counterbores round the four external studs. Early 1100 A's had counterbores round some and finally round none. This may explain two different versions of head gaskets for the 1100 A's and a different part number and type for the 1100 B's. For those head gaskets which are designed to be used with counterbored barrels, there would need to be the requisite 'O' rings put in the, what would be, larger holes.
As and alternative; I am not sure if this is the right one or in fact if there is one for a standard 72.5mm bore 1100 but at 75mm, it is only 1mm larger per side in bore size than standard which is probably fine
https://www.suzukiperformancespares.co. ... sket/5068/
These one piece affairs delete the requirement for a cam tunnel 'O' ring or the 'O' rings round the outer studs where they exist.
Now to answer youre question; having had numerous leaks at the outer stud holes which are counterbored on mine, i wouldnt use the 1100A gasket as it would be unsupported and weak at that point. I did use taper edged machine washers in mine for a while but eventually gave up and bought the MLS gasket and havnt looked back.
AL

[BAFF1960]

Thanks Al.

My bike only has 20K on it and looks like it had never been apart. Even though it had a noticeable leak at the cam chain tunnel. I've reassembled with the standard set up using genuine O rings at the head studs. I'll run it and see what happens. My original ZX never had an oil leak in 28K. Will keep the MLS gasket in mind though.

Alan