Posted this in the "Engines" section but got no response so far. Can anyone provide input?


Thinking of buying a 1999 Dyna which has the first year TC88 with 33K on it. I'm concerned about the cam chain tensioners. I haven't looked at it yet or asked about them. If they haven't been changed I've read that at that milage it should be done. How difficult is the inner tensioner to change? Can I do it in my garage? Any advice if the tensioners haven't been inspected or changed meaning should I avoid this bike? Most of the miles have come from long highway trips. Any advice is appreciated.

 

Great question, i would love to here some guru chime in for us. Just bought my 99FXDWG with 22k on it, and curious what issues I should check off the bat since it's the first year and stuff. thanks guys

 

The tensioners are not that hard to change. They are a little expensive though. The only way to know what condition they're in is to open the cam chest and physically look with your own eyes.

Yes, you can change them 'in your garage'.

 

well i cant answer you yet, but i`ve bought all the tools, now if i quit working on badbob
maybe i could answer your question

 

It only takes 30 minutes to check, if they go bad, it can expensive to repair, and yes at that mileage they need to be checked, 2 of my firends had them replaced at 35kmh, and one bike was really bad needed engine flush and nwe oil pump and cams

 

Why did your friend need new cams?

 

Early TC 88(1999) had issues with inner cam bearing failures and were upgraded to the torrington style bearings. Run the VIN # and see if that upgrade was performed. If not, best to do so. I would physically/visually check the cam chain tensioners with this mileage. Some will be fine and others will not. Usually was a reflection of the final finish/smoothness of the cam chain. Some have even smoothed/polished the cam chain at the time of tensioner change to minimize friction between tensioner shoe and chain. All of this can be performed in your garage but you will need special tools for bearing swap, etc.

 

Thanks for all your replies, guys. I guess I'll go look at it and question the owners.

 

When I traded in my 2000 Softail (41,000 miles) a few weeks ago the dealer wanted to check the cam tensioner shoes for wear. He said if they are worn they would need replacing. Not replacing worn ones could lead to extensive damage. After the inspection the service department reported that they hardly worn About 10-20%. They were in great shape. But the shifter seal needed to be replaced. Oh well, can't wim em all.
Here are a few engine items that you want to know about...
- Cam chain tensioner shoes
- Inner primary seals and the other seals in that area (shifter seal).
- Cam bearings on the new TC88 engines (1999 and I believe some 2000 engines). There was a recall on this but I believe the campaign finished.
Here is an article I was just reading about regarding the cam tensioner shoes. Excellent pics.
http://www.harley-davidson-hangout.c...ner-check.html

http://www.cycleconnections.com/arti...1307&TypeID=23

 

While you're buying a new gasket for opening up the outer primary, invest ~$65 to buy a service manual. Money well spent and has all the pics and torque values you need.

Anyway, I just spent a $1000 on my wife's Honda Odessey to change out the cam belt, serpentine belt, belt tensioner, and a multitude of other wearables, just to make sure she did not have a breakdown on the highway.

Always good insurance to replace wearable components, even it means postponing personalizing your new bike.

Just remember, you have a TC88B and not a TC88A as is on the Dynas. Yours is counterbalanced and solidly mounted to the frame. A dyna's engine is not counterbalanced and is held in place by rubber mounts.

BTW, congrats on your purchase!!