Greeting fellow riders,

Been awhile since I have been on the forum. But have a question that is bothering me.

Recently I have seen several videos concerning the replacement of the cam, oil pump, cam plate and lifters, using the S & S kit. I have a 2017 Road King M8, with 15k miles. Are there issues with the M8 that I should be concerned about?

My question is, is the replacement of these components necessary with this mileage, and if not now, what should I be looking for in performance of the engine to deterrmine the need in the future?

Many thanks in advance for your replies.

Ted

 

zero DIRECT experience with M8 engine

at 15k you NEED to replace NONE of the above parts imo

You might WANT to install an aftermarket camshaft for improved performance but that doesn’t require a pump or plate transplant

You said “necessary “ I think that’s a definitive no, at least in my book

 

If your going to install a performance kit I would say it is mandatory.

 

There is no reason to replace any of that, unless you are doing a performance upgrade.

 

For those that are recommending the oil pump be replaced as part of a "performance upgrade", pray tell what performance upgrade would require an oil pump replacement? Exhaust upgrade? Cam upgrade? Head work? Big bore kit? Big bore kit plus cams? Big bore kit plus head work? Big bore kit plus cams and head work? Let's get specific so the OP will know at what point the OEM oil pump becomes inadequate to support the performance upgrade; let's not keep the OP hanging..

 

Harley came out with an upgraded oil pump for the M8 in the late 2019 run, it was part of their answer to sumping issues. If your in there doing a cam swap your going to look at the pump anyway for wear, no extra labor to swap it with the upgraded pump. It's just another choice.

 

Being a 2017 take a close look as to when it was built, there were several changes to the oil pump in the early days of the M8, the latest one seems to have got it right, as micalaut suggested replace yours with the latest incarnation not as a performance gain but as insurance against the oil pump issues that plagued the early M8's. Make sure you get the correct one as there are separate part numbers for the twin cooled and the oil cooled models.

 

Thanks fells for all your replies. Sounds like I am a little too paronoid with the rebuild. Just seems like there are so many people online pointing out problems with the M8, and the need for the kit. I have no performance issues, so will leave well enough alone, ride and not worry about it.

Cant wiat for spring in Ohio. Everyone have a great riding season and be safe!

Ted