I know this thread has been reviewed extensively but I wanted to post this bit of information I have researched.

I have an 02 fatboy with 20K miles. This weekend I pulled the cam cover to inspect the tensioner shoes. The front shoe had almost no wear, the rear of course was worn at or near its limits.

The issue is as always cost. I was thinking I could do this upgrade myself for perhaps less than letting another shop do it. I did the research at the HD dealer and online for all part and tools needed for me to do this in my garage. I found the savings of 200 to 300 dollars in labor was not worth it for me to do the job. The cost quoted at the local HD dealer was $1100.


On my model year the existing Cams and bearings need pulled from old plate and pressed into new plate. About $90 at my HD dealer.

Below is a list of items needed to do this job and the cost I found. Almost 900 dollars in parts and tax.

my 2 cents worth.





Screamin' Eagle® Hydraulic Cam Chain Tensioner and High-Flow Oil Pump
Upgrade Kit PN 25284-11 $484.95

This kit updates the cam chain tensioner of your Twin Cam 88® engine
to the latest design, as featured on the Twin Cam 96 engine. The
billet cam support plate has been designed to allow the installation
of the Twin Cam 96 hydraulic cam chain tensioner to Twin Cam
88®-equipped models. These Hydraulic Cam Chain Tensioners will
significantly outlast® the spring loaded tensioners, and are an ideal
addition to an engine modified for improved performance. In addition,
'02-'06 models utilize a Twin Cam 96 single row front roller chain and
sprocket (included in kit). '99-'01 models use Original Equipment
front silent chain and sprocket to retain the cam position sensor
function. The kit includes an improved Screamin' Eagle® High-Flow Oil
Pump that provides increased oil pressure at high-operating
temperatures. This kit increases the oil supply by 23% and scavenging
by 50% when compared to the '99-'05 Original Equipment oil pump, and
reduces operating temperature of bearings to improve bearing life.

Fits '99-'05 Dyna® models, '00-'06 Softail® models and '99-'06 Touring
models. Installation requires separate purchase of Spacer Kit P/N
25285-08, Cam Service Kit P/N 17045-99D and Drive Gear Retention Kit
P/N 25533-99A. (see below prices)



Screamin' Eagle® Cam Chain Tensioner Spacer Kit, 25285-08 $20.00

Required for installation of Screamin' Eagle® Hydraulic Cam Chain
Tensioner Upgrade



Cam Service Kit P/N 17045-99D $110

This kit contains the gaskets and bearings required when replacing a
cam in a Twin Cam engine.

Fits '99-later Twin Cam models.



CAM DRIVE GEAR RETENTION KIT 25533-99A $7.50



Plus

Harley TC Inner Cam Bearing Installer + Puller Tools Ebay 110.00

 

Sounds to me like you just don't want to take on the project??

If you buy the parts from Newcastle or Surdyke which are both discount H-D dealers, you can get the parts you listed for about $500, including shipping.

If you DIY the job, that looks like a $600 savings to me and, by most accounts, definitely worth not farming the job out to a shop; especially because it is cave man simple.

If you use the "oven-freezer" method to install the outer cam bearings on the cams and to install the assembled cams/bearings into the cam plate, you don't need the dealer to press anything on/off. Open the below link and click on the 1550 Big Bore/510 Cam Install and go to page 2; oven/freezer method explained, with photos in detail.

http://harleyhog.freewebsitehosting.com

As for tools, if you want to spend the $110 on the inner bearing R/R tool, I certainly wouldn't try to talk you out of it. However, there is another way if you want to save that $110. Go to AutoZone and "rent" their blind hole puller, be sure and get the correct size collet, won't cost you anything to remove the innner cam bearings. You can install them with using one of your old cams. Freeze the bearing over night, apply a little assembly lube, place the bearing on the old cam shaft, line it up and tap it in; numbers facing out and flush with the face of the bearing boss. If you do buy the tool, you will be able to sell it to a forum member sometime in the future and recover some of your cost.

You just need the service manual, the motivation and will to take on the project and save a fair amount of money. I am sure you can find something to spend that $500-$60 on, like head work??

 

DJ,

I will take a look at all your information, thanks for the reply. It is hard to find someone who has knowledge in actually doing this.

Which service manual do you have exactly.

James

 

James,
Buy the Harley service manual for your bike. It's more expensive but worth every penny.

 

I have two bikes; '05 FXSTD and '02 FLHT and the factory parts and service manuals for both. I wouldn't buy anything but the factory manauls; the MoCo got those right, they are very good.

 

You took the cam cover off and you didn't just bang this out yourself? You were only an hour away from finishing the whole project.

You can get H-D parts from lakeshore or surdyke and save 20% plus sales tax. Lakeshore had a deal going for free shipping.

If you really want to do this on the cheap, I have the whole cam chest parts I removed from my '07 that I no longer have a use for.

 

Hello again,

This is why these forums are worth their weight in gold.

Surdyke price for all HD parts above

555.93


Lakeshore

504.28



Any likes for the HD service manuals on the cheap ; )

 

Jeff can you contact me off forum?

 

I am interested Jeff if James pass'

 

If Jeff and James both pass, I will take the parts off your hands. Assume that you are hawking the cam plate and oil pump. PM me the others fall out.