06 cam chain tensioner

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Oct 29, 2016 | 06:27 PM

07superG

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From: Renton, WA

06 cam chain tensioner

can anyone explain to me what to expect when I crack the cam case? I'd like to inspect my tensioner shoes and replace if necessary. I plan on ordering the sprocket lock, pins to hold the tensioner off the chain, and the shoe replacement tool, inner cam bearings and obviously shoes, but only if I actually need to. Is there a walk through for replacement somewhere? Do I actually need these tools for my bikes chain tensioner system? I read somewhere that 06+ dynas have hydraulic tensioners, is this correct? Will the process of checking the shoes and whatnot still be the same? Sorry for the newbie questions, still trying to figure out this Harley big twin as it's my first Harley.

Thanks for any input everyone!

Oct 29, 2016 | 06:45 PM

Seasoned HDF Member

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From: Centennial, CO

You have hydraulic tensioners. You can find Youtube videos to help walk you through the process. If you don't have a FACTORY service manual, get one. Worth every penny.

Oct 29, 2016 | 06:48 PM

07superG

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From: Renton, WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by QC

You have hydraulic tensioners. You can find Youtube videos to help walk you through the process. If you don't have a FACTORY service manual, get one. Worth every penny.

i do have a factory service manual, but couldn't find much on the cam chain tensioner. My main question is when I pull off the cover, on the hydraulic systems, there is an orange plate right behind the cover, obviously this plate needs to come off also, correct? Is there anything connected to it, or is it just remove the Allen heads and it comes off to reveal the cams and tensioners?

Oct 29, 2016 | 08:55 PM

Kaycee

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From: Wyoming USA

You should see the outside 1 already and get an inspection mirror to look at the inner 1 .Do a search for cam swap that will show you ,theres a good 1 on you tube from J&P to give you an idea.

Oct 29, 2016 | 08:58 PM

07superG

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From: Renton, WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaycee

You should see the outside 1 already and get an inspection mirror to look at the inner 1 .Do a search for cam swap that will show you ,theres a good 1 on you tube from J&P to give you an idea.

i actually found it in the manual now. It just occurred to me that the cams are in the bottom end, not the top end. That explains why I couldn't find it before. I'm a dummy coming from dirt bikes, so I just assumed cams were part of the top end. My mistake. Again, I'm a dummy.

Oct 29, 2016 | 09:07 PM

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From: Centennial, CO

You're fine.
One tensioner will be in front, the other behind the plate. A small dental mirror will help in seeing the one in the back. The pushrods and lifters will have to come out in order to get the plate off. You can either take them out throught the top of the engine after taking the rocker covers and rockers off, or cut the pushrods out and use adjustable ones to replace them.

Last edited by QC; Oct 29, 2016 at 09:19 PM.

Oct 29, 2016 | 09:10 PM

07superG

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From: Renton, WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by QC

You're fine.
One tensioner will be in front, the other behind the plate. A small dental mirror will help in seeing the one in the back.

awesome! Thank you for the help, gotta pick up a cover gasket, and exhaust gaskets and then I will check them out!

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Oct 30, 2016 | 07:12 AM

Campy Roadie

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From: SW Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaycee

You should see the outside 1 already and get an inspection mirror to look at the inner 1 .Do a search for cam swap that will show you ,theres a good 1 on you tube from J&P to give you an idea.

You can't use a mirror to see the secondary (back) tensioner on a hydro set up; that only works for spring tensioners. You'll need to pull the cam plate which means you'll have to remove the rocker covers, rocker assy, push rods and raise the lifters in the bores. Or, cut the push rods and replace them with adjustables.

How any miles are on the bike?

The 07 and up models have roller chains to go with the hydro tensioners. No need to check them south of 60 to 80K miles; if then. There are 07 and up bikes with more than 100K miles on them that have the original tensioners. Find something else to do with you time and money.

Last edited by Campy Roadie; Oct 30, 2016 at 07:22 AM.