Preparring to attempt cam replacement
#1
Preparring to attempt cam replacement
I am about to pick up a set of used se255 cams just to try them out since they can be gotten for fairly cheap. My question is do I have to put in new cam bearings as well? Also what special tools do I definitely need for the install? I was going to buy a tman 555 torqster, and I still, but the 255s are just too cheap not to try.
#2
Spacing between the 2 cams is critical to reinsertion of the cams and plate ASM. J&P or Dennis Kirk or your dealership sells the cam alignment tool. I installed a set of 211's in mine with just a dial claiper to get the distance between center correct. The cams will not go back in without damaging the inner cam bearings if the cams are not aligned. Also, I used 4 magnets to hold the lifters up, harley sells a u shaped magnet kit that holds 2 lifters up per magnet asm. Did you get adjustable pushrods?
#3
Saw a utube video on changing out the cams. Also this thread here https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...nsruction.html that had great step by step directions. Great right up.
#6
The magnet is going to be key. I'd watch a video and pay close attention to everything they're using. I find that I always forget something.
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#7
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#8
I just finished putting a TW-777 in my 103. I used this video for instruction:
I'd watch it a couple of times before starting so you can be familiar with the process. It helped me a lot.
I would say yes to replacing your cam bearings. They're cheap, so why not? I used the Gary Beatty tool for the bearings and it worked flawlessly. As others said, definitely get adjustable pushrods (I used Fuel Moto, S&S looks similar). I would use fresh gaskets as o-rings as well.
Not sure about what the other poster said about the cam alignment tool, but I didn't use one. Once you bolt the cams into the cam plate, I don't really know how you could insert them misaligned back into the cam chest. There's not really any play.
This turned out to be a pretty easy job if you follow the video. Probably took me 4 hours from start to finish as this was my first time and I wanted to be careful.
I'd watch it a couple of times before starting so you can be familiar with the process. It helped me a lot.
I would say yes to replacing your cam bearings. They're cheap, so why not? I used the Gary Beatty tool for the bearings and it worked flawlessly. As others said, definitely get adjustable pushrods (I used Fuel Moto, S&S looks similar). I would use fresh gaskets as o-rings as well.
Not sure about what the other poster said about the cam alignment tool, but I didn't use one. Once you bolt the cams into the cam plate, I don't really know how you could insert them misaligned back into the cam chest. There's not really any play.
This turned out to be a pretty easy job if you follow the video. Probably took me 4 hours from start to finish as this was my first time and I wanted to be careful.
#9
Go for it. I changed my cams myself, its not that big a deal. Just watch the video and take your time.
As for the inner cam bearings, I changed mine out to the torrington bearings. I have since talked to several mechanics that I trust and they say it was probably not needed on a lower mile bike. If its a higher mile bike change them out just for insurance. They said all the inner bearing problems was on the 88's which use a different size bearing. I'm just repeating what I was told.
I pulled the tank, went through the top and re-used the stock pushrods. Takes about 30 - 45 minutes longer to go through the top vs. adjustable pushrods. That saved me $150 and plus I got to check the top end out and get familiar with the workings of the bike. The top end gaskets were already included in the gasket set so no extra $$$ for the gaskets. I got a little over $300 in my cam install, and that includes buying a heartland cam bearing remover/installer.
Some say less than positive things about the SE255's but I love mine, power right where I ride.
Good luck. Like me, I think you will be happy with the results.
As for the inner cam bearings, I changed mine out to the torrington bearings. I have since talked to several mechanics that I trust and they say it was probably not needed on a lower mile bike. If its a higher mile bike change them out just for insurance. They said all the inner bearing problems was on the 88's which use a different size bearing. I'm just repeating what I was told.
I pulled the tank, went through the top and re-used the stock pushrods. Takes about 30 - 45 minutes longer to go through the top vs. adjustable pushrods. That saved me $150 and plus I got to check the top end out and get familiar with the workings of the bike. The top end gaskets were already included in the gasket set so no extra $$$ for the gaskets. I got a little over $300 in my cam install, and that includes buying a heartland cam bearing remover/installer.
Some say less than positive things about the SE255's but I love mine, power right where I ride.
Good luck. Like me, I think you will be happy with the results.
Last edited by 2004Sierra; 09-24-2012 at 01:49 PM.