Hydraulic cam chain tensioner lifespan
#11
07-01-2009, 10:47 AM
Other than that, Cams, bearings, lifters, Gaskets, and adjustable pushrods. And like Don said, headwork if you're looking to go that route.
Depending on your choice of cams, the additionals to the headwork can get pricey
#12
07-01-2009, 03:43 PM
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#13
07-01-2009, 06:38 PM
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#14
07-01-2009, 07:28 PM
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kk6pg,
I've often wondered how this particular part of the engine would wear. Nice to see that it will last the distance. Just one question. What type and brand of oil have you been using in the engine?
Thanks,
Colin.
I've often wondered how this particular part of the engine would wear. Nice to see that it will last the distance. Just one question. What type and brand of oil have you been using in the engine?
Thanks,
Colin.
I was a little bored today, so I decided to pull the cam chest cover and inspect the cam chain tensioner shoes. This is the new style with a roller chain and hydraulic tensioners. The TC96 has 30k on it and the general rule for the TC88's should be inspected for wear somewhere around 25k. I was curious on how the hydraulic units were holding up against the spring loaded stuff on the 88's.
This is what 30,000 miles looks like with hydraulic tensioners and a roller chain.
Please note the absence of wear on the shoe, and no indications of chain stretching I've seen with the 88's. I checked the inner shoe with 2 dental mirrors and a high intensity light, and it looked just like the one shown here.
Anyone with a TC88 that's concerned about the condition, I strongly suggest you make the move, spend the extra money, and upgrade to the newer system.
Oh, and since I had nothing better to do, I stripped the powdercoat off the cover and polished it (only to keep JoeK happy)
This is what 30,000 miles looks like with hydraulic tensioners and a roller chain.
Please note the absence of wear on the shoe, and no indications of chain stretching I've seen with the 88's. I checked the inner shoe with 2 dental mirrors and a high intensity light, and it looked just like the one shown here.
Anyone with a TC88 that's concerned about the condition, I strongly suggest you make the move, spend the extra money, and upgrade to the newer system.
Oh, and since I had nothing better to do, I stripped the powdercoat off the cover and polished it (only to keep JoeK happy)
#15
03-18-2015, 06:44 PM
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2007 Road King
My bike as you know has the new tensioner that were applied in 2007.
Does anyone know the life expectancy of the new cam chain tensioners?
Been an Evo/Shovelhead Guy forever and Twin Cams seem run hot compared to the Evo
Was told it was due to the wear on the Can tensioners and I purchased a Road King after they went hydraulic.
Does anyone know the life expectancy of the new cam chain tensioners?
Been an Evo/Shovelhead Guy forever and Twin Cams seem run hot compared to the Evo
Was told it was due to the wear on the Can tensioners and I purchased a Road King after they went hydraulic.
#16
03-19-2015, 04:54 PM
#17
03-19-2015, 07:32 PM
Grand HDF Member
Im a TC 88" (well, 95" now) guy. 2002 T-Sport.
I recently purchased a 2008 ultra with 96", 27,000 miles. so this is great to see that the tensioner is holding up.
My question is, the tensioner behind the plate, is that also hydraulic, or are they gear to gear cams in there ??
I recently purchased a 2008 ultra with 96", 27,000 miles. so this is great to see that the tensioner is holding up.
My question is, the tensioner behind the plate, is that also hydraulic, or are they gear to gear cams in there ??
#18
04-19-2019, 03:38 PM
6th Gear
#19
04-19-2019, 03:48 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
I am assuming your bike is the one with roller outer and inner chain. Missed your year. The roller chain once it grooves the outer link in, the rollers roll. Wear ceases and from what I understand, unlike the link chain, there is no call out for inspection.
In hot climates, 10 years may be a good replacement time for shoes since the material gets brittle in hot oil.
Make sure your inner chain is a roller. A conversion to the SE so-called upgrade only replaces the outer chain and retains the link since the cam requires the link chain.
Most tensioners on the older roller chain 4 cylinders are just hard rubber. I have overhauled Toyota motors that had 200K on them. The tensioner has the outer grooves but no wear IWO rollers.
In hot climates, 10 years may be a good replacement time for shoes since the material gets brittle in hot oil.
Make sure your inner chain is a roller. A conversion to the SE so-called upgrade only replaces the outer chain and retains the link since the cam requires the link chain.
Most tensioners on the older roller chain 4 cylinders are just hard rubber. I have overhauled Toyota motors that had 200K on them. The tensioner has the outer grooves but no wear IWO rollers.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; 04-19-2019 at 03:52 PM.
#20
11-30-2019, 12:39 PM
6th Gear
I am assuming your bike is the one with roller outer and inner chain. Missed your year. The roller chain once it grooves the outer link in, the rollers roll. Wear ceases and from what I understand, unlike the link chain, there is no call out for inspection.
In hot climates, 10 years may be a good replacement time for shoes since the material gets brittle in hot oil.
Make sure your inner chain is a roller. A conversion to the SE so-called upgrade only replaces the outer chain and retains the link since the cam requires the link chain.
Most tensioners on the older roller chain 4 cylinders are just hard rubber. I have overhauled Toyota motors that had 200K on them. The tensioner has the outer grooves but no wear IWO rollers.
In hot climates, 10 years may be a good replacement time for shoes since the material gets brittle in hot oil.
Make sure your inner chain is a roller. A conversion to the SE so-called upgrade only replaces the outer chain and retains the link since the cam requires the link chain.
Most tensioners on the older roller chain 4 cylinders are just hard rubber. I have overhauled Toyota motors that had 200K on them. The tensioner has the outer grooves but no wear IWO rollers.