cam chain tensioner
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
cam chain tensioner
My FXD has 46K miles on it and was thinking that its about time to replace the original cam chain tensioners before any catastrophic failure happens..
Has any members had any issues and/or replaced theirs? I've noticed recently that the valve train is starting to make a lil more noise.....
Has any members had any issues and/or replaced theirs? I've noticed recently that the valve train is starting to make a lil more noise.....
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,919
Likes: 23
From: Seattle, WA
They can last many more miles than what you're reporting ... but, I think those long-lived tensioner shoes are statistical outliers ....
Your shoes are probably nearing the end of their useful lives and the only way to know is to remove the cam chest cover and have a look-see ... replacing them with stock replacement will cost around $100 - $150 depending on your source for parts and whether or which special tools you get (sprocket locking tool, cam chain tensioner tool) .... I think the job can be done without the special tools ... but will be less time consuming (and reduce the margin for error) with the tools ... I didn't buy the sprocket locking tool, but sprung the $35 for the tensioner tool ....
I would also note ... depending on your intentions of keeping your bike (or for how long) ... now might be a good time to switch to a hydraulic tensioner system or gear driven cams ....
Good luck ....
R/
'Chop
Your shoes are probably nearing the end of their useful lives and the only way to know is to remove the cam chest cover and have a look-see ... replacing them with stock replacement will cost around $100 - $150 depending on your source for parts and whether or which special tools you get (sprocket locking tool, cam chain tensioner tool) .... I think the job can be done without the special tools ... but will be less time consuming (and reduce the margin for error) with the tools ... I didn't buy the sprocket locking tool, but sprung the $35 for the tensioner tool ....
I would also note ... depending on your intentions of keeping your bike (or for how long) ... now might be a good time to switch to a hydraulic tensioner system or gear driven cams ....
Good luck ....
R/
'Chop
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 408
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From: western mass.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,927
Likes: 5
From: Midwest
Do a forum search for "tensioners" and you'll find all kinds of info, pictures, etc on how to do it, especially in the touring forum
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Joined: Dec 2010
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I just fitted an S&S gear drive conversion for a customer....OMG! What a simple job to do! And the 510 cams give it that nice lift in performance too...highly recommended!