Cams
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2005
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Cams
Question on cams. If someone had HD SE cams put into the bike when it was new, which cams were they most likely. I found SE1, SE2. How would these cams compare to comparable EV cams from Andrews? Would or should the dealer, that did this work, have changed the cam bearing, as well, or did they likely not bother. this would have been in a Softail, not bagger or Dyna. Thanks ahead of time for any input.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
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From: Haslet Texas
While I can't answer your cam question it depends on the year of the motor on whether or not the dealer would have even thought about changing the cam bearing.
What year are you asking about?
What year are you asking about?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Poolville
That's why you should do a compression test before you take it apart.. base line..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,093
Likes: 7,619
From: Poolville
That would be correct and for it to properly perform you're static compression should be up around 10.5:1. If it was your ccp should be up around 190 psi maybe a little more with worked OEM heads and higher comp Pistons.. if the left they left the Pistons alone and just bolted on SE heads then your static comp would be up around 9.5-9.6:1 and ccp of around 170 psi.. knowing the cam and a compression test will tell a lot..
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Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Haslet Texas
A good mechanic would have changed the cam bearing but you can never be sure unless you take a look or have paperwork detailing what the mechanic did.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: NC USA
SE-1 cam (25487-87) was made by Crane and had a keyed gear. The SE-1 has since evolved (same specs) to a (part#)-A and (part#)-B but I have no idea of their respective manufacturer. And yes, they are awesome above 3500 rpm but nothing special below that. I've had 3, and they each failed on the bearing end within 15,000 miles. The B-138 bearing didn't fail, the hard surface flaked off the cam.
Being a 1996, it came with the inferior INA bearing which is fine with a stock cam, but won't hold up to a high lift/fast ramp "performance" cam. I honestly don't remember when HD started offering the "expanded" line of SE cams, late '90's maybe (?). If I had to guess, based on the assumption a dealer installed a performance cam circa 1994 I'd say it's likely SE-1. But as mentioned, there's no way to know which cam/bearing was used without taking it apart.
Being a 1996, it came with the inferior INA bearing which is fine with a stock cam, but won't hold up to a high lift/fast ramp "performance" cam. I honestly don't remember when HD started offering the "expanded" line of SE cams, late '90's maybe (?). If I had to guess, based on the assumption a dealer installed a performance cam circa 1994 I'd say it's likely SE-1. But as mentioned, there's no way to know which cam/bearing was used without taking it apart.