I have a 1991 FLTC. Can I remove the cone cam cover without removing the exhaust? I am installing new lifters and would possibly like to check the cam bearing while this far torn down. Bike has 72,000 miles and is stock with stock cam. Being a 1991, it is my understanding it will have Torrington bearing. Is it worth the extra time and work to go ahead and change out cam bearing while this far torn down, otherwise I will not remove cam cover. I am trying to decide whether to remove cam cover or not. Thanks!!

 

I have 122311miles (that's one hundred twenty-two thousand three hundred eleven) on my original bearings, so this is probably not necessary if you know the bike hasn't been hot rod.
And had timely oil changes with filter.

 

I think that if you are replacing lifters it's well worth the look-see into the cam chest to check out the condition of the cam. I replaced mine ( on my twincam,) at 81,000 miles because the hardening on the cams was wearing thin, ( along with my tensioners.) So while I was in there it was a no brainer to throw in a set of Torringtons. Damn cheap insurance IMO.

And Kabear, I have 120,700 miles as of fill up last night, (that's one hundred and twenty thousand seven hundred miles (( sorry couldn't resist)) What happens to your motor if your bearing comes apart at 122,312 miles?

Preventative maintenance applies here I think.

 

I am leaning toward removing cam cover and replacing cam bearing. Still need to know from someone who has done it, can cam cover be removed without removing exhaust. Thanks!!

 

Don't know what kind, shape exhaust you have, but if its a question on whether or not the cover will come off, just take the exhuast off. Gaskets are cheap.

 

It is a stock rubber mount FLTC Tourglide with stock exhaust.

 

I've never taken the cam cover off a Tour Glide, but I had to remove the headers on my Softail. Since the cover has to come straight out until the cam and pinion shaft clear, I'm pretty sure you need to remove the pipes.

 

yes you have to remove or loosen enough to move out of the way

 

Stiggy: Plan on returning the engine for factory overhaul at 125,000. So not to worried about it. Won't be riding much more this winter. At least no long trips. Will stay close to home.

Though I believe the motor has to be running for the factory overhaul, so a little concern there.

 

I removed the cam cover on my 99 Softail Custom without removing the pipes, but my drag pipes are angled out quite a bit. I did have to remove the rear brake master cyl. to move it out of the way, but did not have to unhook any of the lines. If I remember right, I just turned it so that the hose was not in the way.