I got a great deal(FREE) on a set of screaming eagle 203 cams for my 03 RKC. I have been told that I need to install replace the push rods with adjustable rods and also change out the oil pump to an after market brand. Does anyone know anything about this kind of work and if I need the new oil pump?

 

Are you doing the work yourself? How many miles on the bike? You dont necessarily need a new oil pump. But if your bike has some miles on it there are other things you need to look at and change while you are in there. Check and replace any worn cam chain shoes. Replace the inner cam bearings with torrington's and not harley bearings. If the bike has as many as 25K miles I would replace the lifters. The oil pump should be checked for wear. If it has much wear replace it with a better one. If you are doing the work yourself there are a lot of things you need to be careful about and special tools you will need to borrow or rent. How many miles on those 203 cams? If they have any wear at all on them I would not even bother with em free or not. Good luck

 

If you don''t want to remove the rocker boxes and rockers, you will need to cut the old pushrods out and install adjustables. Depending on mileage, a new oil pump, whether H=D or aftermarket is up to you. Inner cam bearings are highly recommended.

 

To gain some better oil flow zippers sells few kits particularly the axtell oil bypass kit.

 

The bike only has about 23k on it. As for the cams they have some minor wear but nothing to worry about according to the guys here at work. One of em was a HD tech before he left and went to to work for the navy. Yeah I was going to leave the rocker boxes on and just cut the old push rods out.
So with only 23k miles on the bike should I just keep the old oil pump installed? I was looking at Dennis Kirk for push rods but don't really know what Im looking at. Any recommendations?

 

1. Get the service manual for your bike before you start the work and read the section covering cam R/R three times before you start.

2. Change inner cam bearings as has been suggested; HD part number 24017-10. You can rent a blind hole puller from AutoZone, just be sure the correct collet is in the kit. You can install the new bearings "caveman" style with one of your old cams used as a "driver" and tap them into the bearing bore. They should be installed numbers facing out and flush with the case. Freeze them over night and liberally apply assembly lube before installing. Or you can spend $100+ for the Heartland inner cam bearing R&R tool.

3. Even if the tensioner shoes are not worn, replace them with the CYCO shoes.
http://www.harleydavidsontensioner.com/

4. SE Tapered Quick Install pushrod kit, HD PN 18404-08; a complete kit with pushrods, O-rings and clips. Learn how to adjust pushrods so you get it right the first time. With only 23K miles on the lifters, I would not replace them. They are the "B" lifter and are the best the MoCo used; made in the USA by Delphi. Just pay attention to what bore they came from and replace them in the same bore. Orientation of the oil hole does not matter.

5. I would not be concerned with the OEM oil pump but if you want to replace and upgrade, Drag Specialties now sells an upgraded oil pump for the early models.



6. You can use the brake to hold the pinion shaft to R/R the rear cam and pinion sprockets or you can buy the cam sprocket locking tool.

7. If you have not yet upgraded the motor to Stage I with hi-flow intake and exhaust, you are pissing in the wind installing cams; the motor needs to breathe.

8. If you have upgraded to Stage I and the motor is EFI, the next upgrade after cams should be a fuel management system and a dyno tune. If carbed, a re-jet is in order.

9. Rocker box cover, cam cover, cam plate O-rings, lifter block and exhaust port gaskets will be required.

10. You will need foot and inch pound torque wrenches and some cam/assembly lube.

 

Thanks for all the information guys DJ I currently have a maint book for the 01-04 night train which from what I have been told is the same same engine and I could use that book instead of shelling out the 60+ for a new one that covers the Roadking. Again thanks for all the great information.

 

Actually, the motor in the Night Train is a "B" motor and your Road King is the "A" motor. However, the section on cam R&R is the same. I hope the SM that you have is the HD manual and not the Clymer or some other; the HD manual is the best. If you plan to keep the RK and do your own work, I strongly recommend spending the $60 on the correct manual. I would go so far as to also recommend the purchase of the HD parts manual for your bike as well. How much did you pay for the bike? Why balk at another $60 for the best tool in a DIY tool box?

 

Good point DJ after trade in I paid 4k for it. I do plan on getting the road king manual eventually but working on a budget right now. So Im piecing everything together one at a time. The manual I have is the HD manual. Thanks again for the information it has been very helpful and much appreciated.

 

Interesting on that replacement pump, the add shows for a 96 engine, I assume the one pictured won't work on his early model. Which part number is the early twin cam? really no need to replace the stock pump anyway as long as it is in good condition.