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Engine Mechanical TopicsDiscussion for motor builds, cams, head work, stripped bolts and other engine related issues. The good and the bad. If it goes round and around or up and down, post it here.
I've gone down the rabbit hole too far to even know what to do anymore! We just got a new to us 2002 Harley Ultra Classic. Looks like the only issue with these is the Cam Chain tensioner. The bike has 66,000 miles on it. Just got back from Harley Davidson and got all the service records from 2002/2006 when it had 56,000 miles. Doesn't ever look like it's been done. So we are DEFINITELY going to take it to get the shoes looked at. Assuming they have not been done we also need to replace the oil pump and upgrade to a kit or just replace the shoes. From what I'm reading it looks like either way we go we need to check it again at 20,000 miles?? I'm so confused 😳😳. And if we do a kit what kit do ya suggest? Praying we get it open and it's all good! But if it not what do ya all suggest I do?? (Not taking it back to Harley Davidson to do the work)
Mr. Gray, I cleaned up your OP; don't know how all that other stuff infilrated into your post but it's now gone.
I ran a '02 FLHT for years; lots of performance, cosmetic and other enhancements; '02 was a great year IMHO, loved that bike. I agree with Max that with the current mileage, the only thing that really needs attention are the cam chain tensioners. Many are being replaced with the CYCO tensioners that have been lasting a long time and those that have made that replacement check them every 20K-25K miles which could be once every two years, or longer for some. Replacing the chains and tensioners with gears and gear driven cams is the only way to eliminate the maintenance issue. Of course, once you cross that threshold, new cams are required and you have the chance for a performance upgrade by replacing the OEM cams with something a little stronger.
My suggestion would be to replace the tensioners and inspect the oil pump in the process; no need to replace the pump unless it it out of spec which is why Max is curious about oil pressure at cruise RPMs. I would suggest checking compression as well, just to get a read on the condition of the top end. I would not put off replacing the tensioners; they have been known to fail catastrophically without warning. The tensioers in my '05 FDXSTD were gone at 12K miles and at 25K miles in my '02 FLHT.
Once that is done, ride the bike, feel it out handling, brakes, power, etc. and think about what you might want to improve on; there is plenty.
Sounds like you are not planning to take the bike to a dealer so if you are a DIY guy, get the HD service manual for your bike; you will need it. Keep coming back here for help from owners that have been where you are. BTW, you did not mention if the "Harley tax" has been paid, i.e., the first upgrade most do which is replace OEM intake and exhaust with hi-flow components.
You need to check the inner shoes too. At that mileage I would replace both and not screw around. I'd personally do lifters and cam bearings. But front and rear shoes for sure.
Back one looked good too. Just couldn't get a good picture of it
It is debatable if you can really see it good, IMO. Some claim they can with a dental mirror. With your mileage it would be on my list to do this year or next winter. When do fail it is a big deal, and can be quite the crap shoot as to when. Some have failed really early and some gone long time.
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2002 Ultra Classic
