I shopped around, but I did a 95 kit, 203 cams, upgrade hydraulic cam plate and oil pump, inner bearings, and thundermax. All for about $1400, but I did the install myself.

 

i replaced my adjusters at 40k..one of them was worn down and about to break apart..all you need to do is replace the cam chain adjusters..you could get them on ebay for under $100..i have seen them as low as $20-free shipping before..and you need a cam cover gasket..then you should inspect them in another 30-40k miles..the factory manuel tells how to inspect and replace them..not too hard

 

With the thousands of 88 engines that Harleys made it would be interesting to know what percentage of cam shoes needed replacing before say 20,000 miles, probably not many, just a bummer if your bike happens to be one.

 

gb1286 posted on my album were I inspected mine.. ''If I'm not mistaken....the problem with the cam chain tensioners mostly applied to th early 1999 era TC engines, the problem was fixed by HD in 2000??? Someone let me know if I am correct...........''

my guess was

'Not an expert but the fix came about when they went to the roller chain. Once the links groove in it rolls across the plastic (delrin) shoe. The link chain depending on rpm and roughness of it will rub through till the shoe breaks. Mine have held up. Think the fix came around 2006 or so.'

 

I put in a Headquarters cam at 25,000 miles, and since I was in there anyway I simply replaced the cam chain tensioners at the same time ('06 Heritage). One tensioner (I don't recall which) was about halfway worn and the other showed hardly any wear at all. Since the tensioners are only about $60 apiece, I replaced them both. I'll check again at 50,000 miles and replace as necessary. Despite all the hype, I could see no justification whatsoever to go to the expense of gear-driven cams or replacing the set-up with the new system. If it makes you feel better, fine, but that's the only reason I can think of for doing it rather than simply checking the tensioners from time to time. It isn't as if they're going to be fine one day and explode the next.

 

Where are the cam tensioners? Under the points cover???? If so, that seems pretty easy to get to.


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That is exactly how it happens. They run the best right before they blow up.

 

It's more complicated than that. You first have to move the muffler bearings which is a bitch. The water pump is in front of the cam radiator and then you have to de-torque carb's fuel injector. This stuff takes time.

 

if you can buy new cam tentioners for less than $100 what is the advantage of doing all the upgrading? I guess my thing is it's not a hot rod so to just replace with new ones would be ok wouldn't it?

 

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