61K, time for new cam tensioners
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 9,254
Likes: 283
From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
Just stating what I did after buying the 05 Dyna with 17,000 Miles on it for a Great Price, $4,000.00 needing a Fork Seal only .. When went to Fix the Fork Seal added Progressive Drop In Standard Length Fork Springs as Well .. Knew the Tensioners would need replacing eventually so got a great Buy on the SE Hydraulic Cam Tensioner Upgrade Kit including the Fueling Pump .. Also Added Andrews TW21 Cams and Torrington Bearings as well .. Did a Few Other Upgrades of my own doing as well but simply put I have $6500.00 now into one fine Running Bike with 6,000 Miles on it now to prove it .. The Cam Tensioners were not all that bad when did this work but knew the time would come so not worried about anything anytime soon .. Dollar for Dollar this may be the Best Bike ever bought for the money put into it ..
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 99
Likes: 20
From: Ventura, CA
In a similar situation myself, got an 03 FXD with around 33k on it, powedercoated the cam chest cover a few weeks ago so I checked the tensioners while I was in there and by the looks, I gave myself 1k miles until I needed to do something. Cam plate seems like a good upgrade but cant really justify the cost. I'm kinda with the OP, doing the Cyco replacement pads is cheap and should last a long time. The cam plate upgrade does come with a better oil pump, but I'm not sure that justify the $500 difference over the tensioners. I could look into gear drives but my motor is less likely to have acceptable runout and doesnt seem like the way I will end up.
My issue is, since I am in there I would like to throw a cam in. My understanding is you never pull the cams without changing that inner bearing, so I am going to be staring at stock cams on the bench. Makes too much sense to throw a set in there.
My only concern is if I should to it myself. Very mechanically inclined, have all the tools aside from specialty stuff, but part of me wants to let a shop be liable for the work ha ha ha. Decisions decisions.
My issue is, since I am in there I would like to throw a cam in. My understanding is you never pull the cams without changing that inner bearing, so I am going to be staring at stock cams on the bench. Makes too much sense to throw a set in there.
My only concern is if I should to it myself. Very mechanically inclined, have all the tools aside from specialty stuff, but part of me wants to let a shop be liable for the work ha ha ha. Decisions decisions.
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 235
From: Texas
not difficult at all...just don't make the mistake I made and make sure you have the right tools before you start.
I borrowed my nephew's tools and the one tool he did not realize that he didn't have the the inner bearing extraction tool until I was looking for it in his tools to pull the bearings. Murphy strikes again. Ordered an installer/removal tool from eBay for $75, should be here in a couple of days. In the meantime, I am getting the parts and pieces together for cam/heads/piston upgrade and exploring different combinations.
I borrowed my nephew's tools and the one tool he did not realize that he didn't have the the inner bearing extraction tool until I was looking for it in his tools to pull the bearings. Murphy strikes again. Ordered an installer/removal tool from eBay for $75, should be here in a couple of days. In the meantime, I am getting the parts and pieces together for cam/heads/piston upgrade and exploring different combinations.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 99
Likes: 20
From: Ventura, CA
not difficult at all...just don't make the mistake I made and make sure you have the right tools before you start.
I borrowed my nephew's tools and the one tool he did not realize that he didn't have the the inner bearing extraction tool until I was looking for it in his tools to pull the bearings. Murphy strikes again. Ordered an installer/removal tool from eBay for $75, should be here in a couple of days. In the meantime, I am getting the parts and pieces together for cam/heads/piston upgrade and exploring different combinations.
I borrowed my nephew's tools and the one tool he did not realize that he didn't have the the inner bearing extraction tool until I was looking for it in his tools to pull the bearings. Murphy strikes again. Ordered an installer/removal tool from eBay for $75, should be here in a couple of days. In the meantime, I am getting the parts and pieces together for cam/heads/piston upgrade and exploring different combinations.
Also, I will probably be doing this very soon so if you want to recoup some of the cost of the puller, PM and I'm sure we could work something out. Even if I just rent it from you or something.
Please keep this thread updated, I'm watching intently lol.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
Call Scott at Hillside for good advise on what to do with your upgrades. Great guy.
Bearing removal tools can be rented for free at autozone and others.
Bearing removal tools can be rented for free at autozone and others.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 99
Likes: 20
From: Ventura, CA
So the inner bearing tool isnt really a harley specific tool? I always remember there being somethign special about one made for this job.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 9,254
Likes: 283
From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
https://www.denniskirk.com/jims/inne...prd/H28762.sku
