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2018 ZX6R Rattling noise (cam chain tensioner?)

3K views 7 replies 4 participants last post by  RJ2112 
#1 ·
I have a 2018 ZX6R with a little over 3k miles on it. It started making a rattling noise at 6k rpms, and mostly does it under heavy acceleration. I have taken it to the dealership I bought it from twice to have them look at it. We both suspected the cam chain, but they said there wasn't really anything they could do and that it wasn't a problem. He said with the design of the 2018s you can't reset the CCTs like you could on the older models. He said the CCT is inside the motor somewhere. I notice it making the obvious CCT noise when you first crank it up, but then it goes away after warming up a bit. But I don't understand why it is still making this rattling noise at and above 6k rpms. I would think the CCT would adjust during the warm up and then it would be good. Has anyone else had any issues with the 2018 CCTs, and is there a way to reset them like the older models? Or do you think the noise is something else? He said that all bikes make weird noises because of the vibrations and what not, but is this really normal?
 
#4 · (Edited)
It sounds like the guy you talked to at the dealership doesn't know what he is talking about at all in some aspects. The cam chain tensioner isn't "inside the motor somewhere", it's on the back right hand side of the motor, and it looks like the tensioner is exactly the same from 2004 all the way through 2019.

Look at the "Related Fitment" section on the right side of the page:
https://www.partzilla.com/product/kawasaki/12048-1181?ref=41eecb94d1a7bfaac9a58109d7fe8a1734a61520

Here on the 2018 diagram, you can see where the tensioner goes:
https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/kawasaki/motorcycle/2018/zx636ejf-ninja-zx-6r/camshaft-s-tensioner

He is correct, however, in saying that it shouldn't be a problem. The tensioner is automatic. the noise may get a little more obvious before the tensioner clicks to the next adjustment notch. Then it will be a little quieter again for a while (until the chain stretches enough to require another notch of adjustment) . You shouldn't try to adjust it manually since that would overtighten it a bit and cause things to wear quicker.
 
#7 ·
Yeah, I was a little confused when he was telling me about the cam chain tensioner being "inside". He did accurately tell me how it functioned. So he seemed to know how it worked, but he confused me a little when telling me where it was located. I told him I was contemplating pulling it out and resetting it, so maybe he was trying to scare me away from trying that. Thanks for the links and the info. I just looked at my bike, and it is definitely there.
 
#5 ·
Every internal combustion engine makes noise and vibrates. Resonances make each design shake more, at different RPM. The amount of shaking any two identical engines will make will be different to some degree, based on state of tune, and wear.

Heavy acceleration at 6K? What is your expectation for power, at that point? These things aren't even really running all that well at that point. Have you ever heard of pre ignition? What grade and brand of gasoline are you using?
 
#6 ·
Yes, I tend to hear the rattling noise more So when I am accelerating quicker rather than slowly rolling on the throttle. I have not noticed any difference in power output or anything else performance wise. It is just that annoying rattle that makes me nervous. Although, since getting the bike back yesterday I haven't heard it anymore. It seems like I have heard it mostly when it is hot out and the bike is getting warmer. I only use 93 octane gas, but the brand varies depending on where I can stop. I mostly use V-Power and whatever the Raceway carries.
 
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