evo cam bearing 101
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 66
Likes: 2
From: oklahoma
this thread might have been started three years ago but there are a few of us newbie's on here needing all the photo's and advice we can get, I just finished reading this thread and soon to be moving to another as I am a novice to harley motors and do not have the money to pay HD to do this stuff for me.....So thanks to all and hope I gain more knowledge through you all....
Stage I
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Anoka
I have an 86 FLHTC with 50,000+. I do now have noise like a cam bearing and planned to look for the problem this winter.
Were the crap bearings used in the earlier evo's and would the issue of shimming be an issue if the original cam is still usable?
Were the crap bearings used in the earlier evo's and would the issue of shimming be an issue if the original cam is still usable?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 127
From: Middle of Kansas
I posted earlier on this thread that I was going to wait till it started going bad before changing mine. Well, I decided to go ahead and change it in the fall a year ago. Mine looked fine at 27,000 miles, but I am glad I changed it. I used Harley quick install pushrods ($100.00) and Jims Tools puller and installer, that I got off of e-bay. The Torrington brg. is only about $10.00, and the gaskets and "O"rings for the pushrod tubes are only a few bucks. It took me about a day to change it out, and I took my time. I did not change the cam or lifters as they both looked good and the stock cam works fine for me. The adjustable pushrods are well worth the money to me to not have to remove the rocker boxes and tanks, and I don't have any leaks. I cut the old pushrods out with bolt cutters. It really is a fairly easy job using the manual and common sense. I have put 6,000 miles on it since I changed mine without problems.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,008
Likes: 464
you should have changed the cam, you would be happier if you did. I know how you feel, I left my 85 all stock/original until last year. My big reason to hold back was that the early evos had flat top pistons, with no valve notches. "Bolt in" cams won't work with them. I finally waited long enough that I could justify tearing into a perfectly good running engine (even though it was still running fine).
I did an EV27 cam, KB 9.5 pistons/rings, SE pushrods, harley B lifters, intake/exhaust valves and springs, and a S&S Super E.
Like you I had no real complaints before (except the original carb was kind of crappy), but I love it now.
I did an EV27 cam, KB 9.5 pistons/rings, SE pushrods, harley B lifters, intake/exhaust valves and springs, and a S&S Super E.
Like you I had no real complaints before (except the original carb was kind of crappy), but I love it now.
Novice
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: bc canada
evo cam brng
hay guys ya i know this is a old thread but as a newbie resurecting a 89 ultra classic this was a good read..justa quick question was ita sound that you pick up on or was it silver in the oil or did you cut the filter open? thanks sj
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 12
From: Bluffton, South Carolina
Any one or all three can/will indicate problems. Remember every time you work on your bike the disassembly is like an autopsy. You need to examine each piece carefully for any signs of current or future problems. You also need to keep up with current events, if a large number of riders are having a problem with a particular thing chances are that you will probably have a similar problem too!!! This will keep the future breakdowns to a minimum. Hope this helps.