Cam caps

[harri183]

After some advice please. In the process of changing rocker cover gasket and I have found that 2 valve clearances are out of spec and that cam caps 3 and 4 have been installed the wrong way round as in 3 sits where 4 should and vice Versa . I would like to put back as it should be and am happy to put new bearings in if required so was first going to plastigauge as is to see if in spec and then swap 3 and 4 around and plastigauge again to see what if anything changes. Any advice/ help appreciated. It’s a z1100r with 16k on the clock. Cheers

[zed1015]

If they are the correct caps for the head you shouldn't have a problem putting them back in their correct locations.
The only issue is that caps 1 and 3 are slightly different to 2 and 4 as they control cam end float and you may have had the cam sprocket bolts rubbing against the head at times when running so worth checking the oil for any aluminium particles.
Whatever you do number 3 must be in it's correct location to prevent this.

[harri183]

Would you recomend new bearings for 3 and 4 ? If not would you move bearings with said cap? I did a oil change not long back and all was clean, only done 200 miles on the bike but no idea how long and how many miles 3 and 4 have been mixed up for. Cheers

[zed1015]

All the shells are the same size so as long as they are not damaged they can go in any position you like.
The half in the cap gets most wear though with the upward pressure from the valve springs so i tend to switch them round top to bottom if i ever have them out.