1981 kawasaki z250c single cam chain timing

When I removed the cam chain from the bike I forgot to note what the timing was. There are a few different kawasaki z250 (twin), z200, kz250, kl250 workshop manuals kicking about but none of them seem to match the kawasaki z250c timing settings. Here's how to do it:

With the cam lobes at 4 and 8 oclock positions. Use the z200 timing mark and point it to the top position - not the kl250 mark. Push your fingers into the cam chain to make sure it's snug and still matches up.

At the crank case, ensure the ( T ) mark matches up with the guide. If these are perfectly aligned you are good to bolt it all down. It's best to turn the crank manually in the counter clockwise motion to make sure that no valves are hitting and do go on with the regular valve adjustment process in the manuals.

*This does not cover the steps for the cam chain tensioner and valve clearance bits which are important to ensure no damage is done once started. Please email me if you need a manual.

CHEMICO Valve Grinding Paste kawasaki z250c

Making sure your valves have a perfect seal is important to make sure you get proper engine compression. If your valves are scuffed you can get poor performance. At worst it can result in air being sucked when it should be blown and backfire into your carb.

Buy some cheap chemico valve grinding paste and a lapping tool. Use coarse first, then fine and make sure you clean it all off properly or else you will damage your valve guides or your cylinder.

Put paste under valve.

Use the lapping tool to grind the valve. You will probably want to do it for a minute or so to make sure it's all ground down. Minute for fine, minute for coarse.

To test the grinding put some petrol or spirits in the cyl head. The petrol should not drain down to your valve guides.