Replace these tensioners??

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Oct 26, 2025 | 08:56 AM

#11

kink04fxd

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Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 425

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From: Mid-Mo.

It will look just as bad, probably worse.

Oct 26, 2025 | 05:09 PM

#12

dawg

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2006

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From: Vermont

Agree on going through the top. Replace the breather baffles, drill out the supports, install rockouts, install the full compliment inner bearings, check everything else out (oil pump, bypass valve, etc).

Oct 26, 2025 | 08:18 PM

#13

nutsandbolts5212

Road Warrior

Joined: Sep 2009

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From: Shitcago, Illinois

Do what the others are telling you, replace them. Otherwise, you'll be doing this ........

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/twin-...this-88-a.html

Ride safe!

Oct 26, 2025 | 09:44 PM

#14

Leimy

Road Master

Joined: Feb 2021

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From: Phoenix Arizona

yup. Replace.

Oct 27, 2025 | 06:14 AM

#15

Riffraff123

Road Captain

Joined: Jun 2013

Posts: 733

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From: Rochester NY

Replace for sure!! Use Cyco pads for new ones or switch to hydraulic with the better oil pump and plate. And you can't get a small space heater for your garage? I work on mone with a small blower going next to me and I'm good in way upstate NY near Buffalo. You know we get cold!

Oct 27, 2025 | 06:30 AM

#16

prockey

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Joined: May 2015

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From: CT

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riffraff123

My "garage" is a two story barn with the lower part converted to two garages. I have a small electric heater that I will use but unless it's very close, it doesn't do much to keep me warm. Better than nothing though.
With the advice here, I plan to do the work so it's done when Spring comes and I'm not facing it then when I want to be riding.

Oct 27, 2025 | 06:35 AM

#17

prockey

Thread Starter

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Joined: May 2015

Posts: 195

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From: CT

Draining fuel & protecting the inside of the tank question

Quote:

Originally Posted by nutsandbolts5212

Do what the others are telling you, replace them. Otherwise, you'll be doing this ........

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/twin-...this-88-a.html

Ride safe!

For sure. That's why I opened it up now. The original owner seemed to know nothing about the tensioners and had no record of checking/replacing them, so I was afraid to keep riding until I knew the condition of them.

I don't know how long this will take me to complete as my schedule is pretty crazy. When I drain the gas, is there anything I should do to protect the inside of the tank to prevent condensation and/or rust ?

Oct 27, 2025 | 07:37 AM

#18

nutsandbolts5212

Road Warrior

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 1,426

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From: Shitcago, Illinois

Quote:

Originally Posted by prockey

I would suggest that you wait till early spring. That way you can make some time, educate yourself on what needs to be done, and knock it out. Plus it will be warming up. As far as the gas tank, just drain and put off to the side. It's not gonna take you weeks to do this unless you make it that way. I would also suggest changing out the inner cam bearings as well. There are plenty of videos on doing both. And be sure to store the bike correctly.

Also, use Cyco shoes, gaskets either Cyco, Cometic, or OEM if possible.

Ride safe!

Last edited by nutsandbolts5212; Oct 27, 2025 at 07:39 AM.