I just upgraded my tensioners the old ones had 20,000 on them and were in great shape. I change my oil every 1000 miles don't know if that helped.i have always felt that there should have been a recall and they should have kicked in for the new setup. Harley really pulls some **** at times . in 05 the valve guides were a problem and people were using oil like a quart or less in a thousand miles. Harley came out with a bulletin saying it was normal for the bike to use a quart in a 1000 miles never heard such bullshit in my life. Before harley had a syn oil it was not recommend right after they picked up one and added it to there sales it was then ok. its funny how they change things to there needs. man it would be nice if we could get a class action going on this.

 

Yeah... I went out and looked in my replaced parts box. No inner chain. After thinking about it, the Andrews cams that I bought didn't come with a chain. So I still have the old style chain. If I had thought that it was the chains instead of the shoes I would have done more research. There is an Andrews cam kit (and I believe one from HD also) that converts the inner chain to a roller chain. Screwed again by HD cutting corners and hiding the truth.

 

You should note that your 08 should have roller chain.
Not sure what BLBbrian is quoteing has or quoteing 48k on.

A qoute is worthless unless you quote link chain or roller. Also we are not talking gear set up since that is an option but noisy if you have quite exhaust. HA who has but me? (Plus I am way to cheep to go that way)
Actually just replacing shoes on link is only about $120 in parts. Probably do not even need a gasket. I did one for a buddy for a BK wopper and drink (they were not really warn out at 45K but my friend his the rev limit on his bike in the first few gears) They were half way and we though might as well since it was apart. Note that I seldom exceed 3000 in any gear except 5th.


WHAT IS STRANGE HERE TO ME IS SOMEONE POST HIS MECHANIC SAID HE OUGHT TO REPLACE THEM AND THE PERSON HAS A NEW BIKE WITH ROLLER. NO MATTER WHAT YOU SAY THEY CANNOT GET AROUND THAT AND SPEND $600-$1200. TO FIX WHAT IS NOT BROKEN. SEEN IT OVER AND OVER ON HERE. ACTUALLY MAKES YOU FILL LIKE YOU ARE WASTING YOUR TIME. THIS HAS BEEN ONE TIME MOST PEOPLE AGREE.

 

If this would have come to light sooner I would have just replaced the original tensioners instead of going with the SE upgrade kit

 

Not sure how many of you read hot bike but I recently wrote to them on their lates article on are subject. They have not got back with me.

You will need the magazine if you want to see article. Good pictures.

Dear Sirs,

Reference June 2012 volume number 6 44 TECH article Lower End Hop Up

I am at a loss on why you would spend $1343 in new part including sprockets on the cams for the old style link chain rather the the newer roller chain. Just in case you do not know the tensioners will last 100k for a roller. 20K for a link if you run it hard.


Also just my opinion but saving money on the install by using adjustable push rods is crazy also when the stock are lighter and can never come loose. Unless the slightly extra lift of the cams did not fall in the range of the lifters..

A magazine of your caliber and knowledge should know better. You would have been better off doing nothing. Yet you are telling readers to spend $1343 and save $30 on a chain only to have to check it ever 15-20K

George
VA

 

That is weird as my hydraulic tensioners are white. It's been about 10k since I did the full hydraulic upgrade. I'll have to pull it apart when I get a chance and see how the tensioners look. I am very curious.

 

What to you is a full hydraulic upgrade.? You do say year or mention what parts did you replace and what the replacements were. I am now starting to wonder do they make cams that use a roller chain on the inner side for the 04 twinCam 88 motor. Sorry CWsharpe if it appears I have stolen your post.

 

Hey ripsaw, tell me is there any way that you can replace the inner chain and cam to roller with the upgrade kit?
I know that this kit is designed to be used with the old style ball/roller outer bearings and the 07+ run on the Parent material.
Can a set of 07 cams be fitted with the old style bearings?

 

Look up at 27 .. I just ask that 2 seconds before you ask me. Heck if I know. I only know how to replace worn out with similar new not worn outstuff. Also I am talking about roller chain and link chain. Do not confuse this with roller bearings or ball bearings.

 

in order to use a rollar chain in the rear with an old style bearings you need new cams. Woods has a kit I believeas do Andrews with cams to match. I even think SE makes the same stuff now to convert the old style over. The rollar chain needs a thinner gear on the cam. It's not like it has all been written before all over the web. The chains are the problem, some are worse than others thats why the shoes wear faster on some than on others. BTW the newer camplates with cams have upgraded bearings for the front of the cams too. Better than new.