Hi,

I am installing APE tensioner to my 2008 ZZR 1400. APE instructions tells us this: "MPORTANT: WHEN REPLACING ANY HYDRAULIC OEM TENSIONER WITH A MANUAL TENSIONER, IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE OIL PASSAGE THAT SUPPLIED THE OEM TENSIONER IS BLOCKED OFF. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN A LOW OIL PRESSURE SITUATION."

What do you guys think, do you need to do something to that or does the sleeve cover the hole enough ? Any instructions to ZX14 for APE does not mention anything about blocking the oil passage.

I haven't personally installed this mod, but Rook's tutorial might shed some light on the installation. (There's no mention of needing to block anything off)

https://zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=9CFD17D8-1372-66AE-3B0D2BD6B6297697

Yes I have read it, that is why I am asking. Apparently nobody has reported any problems with this so I assume the APE tensioners sleeve does the job ?

The body of the tensioner that sticks in the hole should have a large Oring around it and that does a good job of preventing oil from leaking. There's a tiny smudge of oil near the small Oring that seals the threads of the tensioner screw. I wipe it clean each year but it's less than a seepage. I think I got a smudge of oil at the base of the OEM tensioner too.

I recall someone made a gasket for the tensioner but the screw on a manual is always going to have a vit of oil travel up the threads. I don't think the oil circulation is very high to this area so no worries using the APE. Never heard a single complaint on this product.

I am not too worried about little oil coming out from the tensioner, APE is warning about loss of oil pressure in engine if the passage is not blocked...maybe that is just a disclaimer ?

APE tensioner installed, no more rattle :-)

There must be an oil passage for a hydraulic tensioner. If you don't block it, you lose oil pressure without the hydraulic tensioner in there to hold it. Ours is spring loaded. It doesn't have any special lubrication and that in addition to weak spring tension is probably why it rattles. The rattle stops when enough oil gets on it

* Last updated by: Rook on 7/29/2016 @ 7:21 PM *

Actually I think there is an oil passage in the picture and that is aligned with the OEM tensioners oil hole. But as I said there is probably not a problem with ZX14 because the APE tensioners sleeve covers that hole and kind of seals it. Other thing is that wouldn't the oil pressure sensor give some warning if the pressure would be under some limit ?

* Last updated by: djoh on 7/30/2016 @ 2:44 AM *

A little off topic, but does APE tensioner remove 100% of the rattle? I installed this last year and I used to have a loud rattle around 3-4k. After the ape, there is a small faint rattle around 5-6k. Does this mean I just need to tighten it some more? Im afraid of over tightening it.

Just came back from 2 hours test drive after installing APE. I used the TDC 1,4 as reference when adjusting tensioner -> when tensioner came to contact with the chain guide I backed it out 1/4 turn. The rattle from startup is gone for sure but I think it rattles under 3000 rpm a bit. I think I will replace the chain during winter time when I check the valves and possibly adjust them. I might also tighten the tensioner a bit, downside is that it requires the removal of right side fairings again.

* Last updated by: djoh on 7/30/2016 @ 11:26 AM *

I'll be darned. That must be an oil hole. No problems here and Iv'e had my APE in ~ years

Posted 2 new videos of startup after APE installation, what do you guys think is the engine noise normal or too loose chain ? Any other comments about the engine sound ?

APE tensioner

APE tensioner 2

* Last updated by: djoh on 8/2/2016 @ 1:20 PM *

First video, I hear some engine noise when it first starts but seems to go away as it warms. That's normal. The CCT rattle is like a bunch of bolts clattering around in there and I'm not hearing it. Second video, I just hear a pulsating whir along with the exhaust. Normal. This engine isn't perfectly quiet.

I would not adjust the APE any tighter than you did initially. Yu should have heard it rattle and then stop pretty much at an exact tension. ..maybe a range of quiet / noisey of about a quarter turn or so. I don't think that's your cam chain making noise it's just the engine.