2016 FLHTK Cam Chain Tensioners Inspection Interval?
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 48
Likes: 3
From: Katy Texas
2016 FLHTK Cam Chain Tensioners Inspection Interval?
Hi
I am new to Harleys. I rode peg draggers my whole life. I just purchased a 2016 Ultra Limited 103 Twin Cam with 36,000 miles and love it. How often should the cam chain tensioners and primary drive tensioner be checked? I have read about the bad times with the spring loaded ones vs hydraulic. I can find mountains of data on the old ones. When I search "cam chain tensioner" the results are overwhelming. I have read things as far as maybe have a look at them at 80k. I have read some places that they will outlast the cylinders. I am just looking for a little piece of mind. I do all my own work.
Thanks in advance
XTonerman
I am new to Harleys. I rode peg draggers my whole life. I just purchased a 2016 Ultra Limited 103 Twin Cam with 36,000 miles and love it. How often should the cam chain tensioners and primary drive tensioner be checked? I have read about the bad times with the spring loaded ones vs hydraulic. I can find mountains of data on the old ones. When I search "cam chain tensioner" the results are overwhelming. I have read things as far as maybe have a look at them at 80k. I have read some places that they will outlast the cylinders. I am just looking for a little piece of mind. I do all my own work.
Thanks in advance
XTonerman
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,052
Likes: 341
From: Virginia Beach
I don't think they are the problem they once were. I don't believe there is a service interval in the manual and I have read of high mileage bikes where they were not serviced. The primary drive will be checked every 10k. I have found my 2015 FLHTK to be the most trouble free bike I have owned. I have had a few problems but overall its a great bike. Happy riding!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
Ride it. I wouldn't take it apart just to inspect them before 80K to 100K miles. If you're like most people you'll want to do an engine modification long before they're worn out. However, if you're the kind of guy who beats a motorcycle (or the previous owner was), I'd have a look at around 50K. When I say "beat it" I don't mean riding in a spirited fashion, I mean every time you take the bike out it hits red line, multiple times.
Last edited by Campy Roadie; May 25, 2018 at 10:58 AM.
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 48
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From: Katy Texas
Wet or Dry?
I have a primary cover and cam chain cover gaskets and am considering having a look on the next 3 hole oil change. The only thing that has got me wondering is the accurate definition of "wet" and "dry" in the service manual. To me dry could be all new clutch, covers clean inner and outer. On the other hand it could mean, oil in the clutch plates doesn't matter and if you pull the primary cover, clean up and reinstall, I tend to believe the second is the definition of dry. Anybody hazard to guess?
Last edited by XTonerman; May 26, 2018 at 10:10 AM. Reason: missing words
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 597
Likes: 35
From: On the lake, Ohio
I wouldn't worry about the cam chain tensioners @ 36,000 miles. I only changed mine out (Zippers Performance Products) when I upgraded cams @ 48,000 miles. Doubt it needed then. But already had everything apart so why not.
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Joined: Nov 2009
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I know this is an old thread.
I think I got a keeper making noise. If it did go what else is needed? Where am I going to find the bits of this? Do I have to worry about oil passages?
I will not know for sure till I open the cover but I already have a motor apart in the shop for my kid. Just trying to get a head start on what I'll need to do.
Its a 2015 76k without mods. I don't baby it but I don't beat on it. I change all three oils every 5k.
I think I got a keeper making noise. If it did go what else is needed? Where am I going to find the bits of this? Do I have to worry about oil passages?
I will not know for sure till I open the cover but I already have a motor apart in the shop for my kid. Just trying to get a head start on what I'll need to do.
Its a 2015 76k without mods. I don't baby it but I don't beat on it. I change all three oils every 5k.