I just took a look at the cam chain tensioners and the primary is about at it's limit and the secondary is just about to let loose. Any ideas as to 1) just replace the tensioners, 2) replace chains as well, 3) go to hydraulics, 4) go to gear driven cams. Please bear in mind I just want to get back on the road and right now would have to put any major expense on plastic since work has cut us back to 32 hours a week.

 

they tell me replace the tensioner only
the chain will be polished now and should last longer

 

Thanks for the reply, I was hoping that would be the way to go. Thanks again.

 

If you plan on keeping it then while you're in there you might as well switch to the roller chain hydraulics. You can get just the parts you need through Andrews. If you think you will be selling it before another 20k miles then maybe just replace the tensioners.

That's my plan for my 99 anyway. I'm keeping that puppy.

 

If yer still contemplating the gear driven cams, you may want to have yer crank runout checked. The limit is 0.003" I believe. Mine was right at that so I opted to change out the cam chains, cam sprockets, and went with the SE Cam Support Plate upgrade with hydraulic tensioners and high output oil pump. At the same time, I added a baileys spring to the new cam support plate, for even more oil pressure. Huge difference in the clatter from the top-end. Very quiet now, 'cept for the pistions bangin. They're next, got em in, just waitin to do the install.

 

My vote would be if you want to keep the bike for a long time, do the SE tensioner upgrade 25284-08. You'd also need spacer kit 25285-08, cam service gasket kit 17045-99C, retention kit 25533-99A, and I'd throw in a set of lifters 18538-99B x 4 if you're close to 40-50k miles. Go to Zanotti's or Chicago HD and plug in the pn#'s and tally up the total. I'd also order a set of Timken B148's from George's Garage or a bearing supply

 

+1
Tom

 

all the above are right..

 

Just buy the cam chain tensioners and the primary chain tensioner and install them yourself. You'll save a lot of money vs. having the dealership do it for you. Neither are hard to do, especially if you have a service manual.