[do Z, and KFX 400's have timing chain problems???] - ATV Riders Forums - Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Polaris, CanAm, Arctic Cat, Kymco ATVs

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do Z, and KFX 400's have timing chain problems???
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Posted by: mc1984

I have been thinking about getting a 2005 KFX 400. I have read at least a couple of posts from people that have had timing chain pfoblems on the Z 400 and the KFX 400. I was just wondering is this a common problem? Did they fix anything for the 2005 model year? Do you think I need to worry about it? Right now I just have a 300ex. The thing i love about it is that it is so dependable. It is tough as nail and i have beat the snot out of it. If I could get any info it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

Posted by: YZrida

i had to change my timing chain after about a year. but i dont think it is that much of a common problem. i ride with my cousin and he has a 300ex and we ride just as hard as eachother and i dont really have many problems with mine except for the timing chain. thats about it. i havent heard any timing chain changes for the 05s tho. i would highly reommend u get a kfx. there really nice quads!

Posted by: BlackRaptor

there fine as long as you run stock cams and springs, if you decide to run cams and stiffer valve springs switch to a Heavy Duty Cam Chain, like I did, you can get a heavy duty chain off ebay.

Posted by: 414tinner

I just had my cam chain tensioner fail. My engine got really noisy and I thought that my crank was going out. It turned out that the cam chain tensioner stripped the locking teeth and would not stay tight. That is the only problem that I had.

Posted by: mc1984

I was just wondering how much time you have on your machine? Is it a stock motor, do you race it? Thank you very much!

Posted by: 414tinner

My motor is a Duncan Racing ported head, 435 with DRI cams also. It has high compression piston and it runs great. I did burn up two stock clutches. Now I installed Moose clutch plates (steel, fibers and springs) and no problems again. I have about 6 hard harescrambles and approx 10 practice rides on it. Other than the clutches and the cam chain tensioner, I have had no other problems.

Posted by: randy306

my tining chain and tensioner broke onmine too a while ago after about one year

Posted by: Brown450R

The cam chains on both of my z400's were worn beyond what the tensioner could compensate for. I guess that means they were worn out. The machines still ran great, they were just a little noisey from the cam chain area. I think this is real common on these machines. If you have a z I would definately have the cam chain replaced if there is noise from that area. Or at least check it. It's got to be cheaper to replace it before it fails. I have heard there are heavy duty ones on ebay, but I don't know anything about them. My z400's had a lot of hours on them and they are used for mx racing. No engine mods beyond pipe and jetting and airbox lid removed. I think the z 400 is a very nice machine to trail ride or race. I don't think you can go wrong with one.

Posted by: Zyklon_B

Im having a z . Using did hd chain and vinson 500 tensionner (longer)

Posted by: Brown450R

Where can I get a heavy duty cam chain for the z400? I have seen them on e-bay, has anyone gotten one from ebay? Where else can I get one? Thanks

Posted by: Luecker

I got mine off Ebay for $59.99. It is the DID HD 4-5 row.

Posted by: midwaykl

had mine for 1 year,,,chain strethed,,,suzuki would do nothing,,,,so i bought a new 400ex. it will last more than 1 year!!!!!

Posted by: Brown450R

It is definately a weak point, but I would still buy one. Just plan on replacing them when they get noisy. You would think suzuki would do a recall or at least improve it on the newer models.