Pitted cams expensive!

[billwest]

ZRX: my mechanic says that the hardening is starting to wear off.
He reckons some of my valve clearances were too loose (he expected them to tighten up) because of it.
No pitting though. 67,000km since the regrind.

Bill.

[bonester]

Good to hear Bill. My good ZRX has pitted cams at 60000km, but I didn't notice them at 53000km when I put a valve cover gasket on. My other ZRX has perfect cams at 75000km, but I am sure they have been reground- hotter cams than standard. Have discussed with Kawasaki- they would fix cams if I give to local monkeys, which I won't do. Would rather do the job myself to endure it is done properly. They did a shit job on my ZZR12, AND charged me top dollar for oil, coolant and filter on a warranty job. Haven't returned to their shop since 2005, and I now own six Kawasakis. Ivan Tighe quoted me $530 to regrind cams to whatever grind I wish, and he reckons followers don't need replacement, maybe a light sand- he doesn't grind followers. I am going to ask Kawasaki to pay for the grind but I expect them to say no. My ZRX has a brand new tank, tailpiece and radiator shrouds. Not risking 3 weeks sitting at the dealer in bits while the cams are getting done. I wrap the tank in bubble wrap while it is off.

[Strika]

When I sold mine it had around 80k from memory and no pitting. But mine was an S model....which of course means it was much betterer...............