New cam install thread
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Tourer
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 293
Likes: 15
From: Vacaville
New cam install thread
Ok. I started out last weekend seeing as it was going to be raining, i figured good time to be install my cams. Took all the stuff off like exhaust and floor boards to gain access. Everything went well until I went to pull the inner bearings. The tool I had just bought was the wrong sized one, and so was the gear locking tool. So much for a one day job. Contacted the folks who I bought the stuff from and got the correct puller and gear locking tool coming my way. While i was delayed, I was talked to changing my lifters as well by a fine forum member. So those were coming as well. While I was waiting I cleaned the parts and noted the tensioners had some wear, so I orderd those as well. This last weekend everything came in, so I Picked up where I left off. Started installing the pushrods, and thats where I should have stopped. I was not feeling well, and not really up to par. End result was I ended up installing the push rods numerous times for different reasons, such as leaving the O rings off. I also didn't understand the you have to use some of the old push rod tube when you install the quicky rods. Learning curve was steep. Rght now I am up to reinstalling the exhaust and running it. I'd love to test it first to make sure all is well, but I need the exhaust on to do that.
Last edited by Diverrick; Mar 14, 2016 at 07:30 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
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From: UK
You might find yourself installing the push rod tubes again! If you are using the S&S Quickees with the tubes they supply in their kit, you may find the from exhaust rod hits on the inside of the tube. You'll hear it if it does.
If so, you can use the top part of the original OEM tube with the bottom part of the S&S tube. That fixed that issue for me!
If so, you can use the top part of the original OEM tube with the bottom part of the S&S tube. That fixed that issue for me!
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 293
Likes: 15
From: Vacaville
I chose to run with the S&S 551ES Cams It had the power in the range I was looking for. It was a 103 to begin with. Just wanted a little more power, not a drag racer. These seem to fit the bill. Only time will tell if I made the right choice I guess.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
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From: Palm Desert,CA
I absolutely hear you, I had the same difficulty when I did my cams on the push rod tubes, not a lot of instruction there. In fact I altered my own cam install thread to address just that. If it helps at all, I just did another cam change and using what I learned from the last time, the PR installation and covers were a snap!
Good luck and enjoy the fruits of your labor
Good luck and enjoy the fruits of your labor
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 293
Likes: 15
From: Vacaville
I was feeling a bit better today, so I figured I'd get on the bike again. Started with installing the exhaust loosely except at the heads. They were not joking the exhaust is a PITA!! I wanted to make sure it ran ok before going any further with the exhaust. So with all the build up, I hit the starter. Nothing, just cranks. Good news, nothing sounds like it is hitting. I had pulled the motor through by hand before this moment. So, I am thinking Damn, what did I do wrong now. Then it hit me.. The plugs you dummy!! Installed both plugs and she fired up, but the front jug was tapping like crazy so I shut it down, pulled the plugs again, and took both pushrods off. Found the intake push rod loose, and the jam nut down below, not on the threads as it should have been. Guess I now know to never work on my bike when I am full of cold medicine. I must have forgotten to adjust it. Anyhow, took out both pushrods, as it is much easier to set the intake without the exhaust tube in the way, and I wanted to make sure the lifters were on the base of the cams.
Got the intake reinstalled and now waiting for the lifter to bleed down before moving onto the Exhaust. Like I said "learning is occurring". But damn I sure do it the hard way sometimes.
Got the intake reinstalled and now waiting for the lifter to bleed down before moving onto the Exhaust. Like I said "learning is occurring". But damn I sure do it the hard way sometimes.
Last edited by Diverrick; Mar 15, 2016 at 01:28 PM.
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If there was ticking before the cam install, check the posts in this forum for the Rocker Lockers.