Cam tensioners at 38,890
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
40k on my bike,checked tensioners and had to replace.as well as a push rod,valve,clutch,rotors,brakes,service,wiring issue.my partner who helped me repair the bike said it was a time bomb.how could they not have made somthing with a wheel and a bearing to tension chain.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 354
Likes: 119
From: Penna.
I don't consider myself "lucky". I've been checking the wear on the tensioners at frequent intervals and at the last check they we were down .030", .090" is maximum. I split the oil filter at every change as an additional check looking for orange material and it isn't there.
Why did they not wear like others have experienced, can't say. It is what it is.
Why did they not wear like others have experienced, can't say. It is what it is.
Supporter
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,056
Likes: 248
From: Milton Mills NH
The cost to replace Vs the cost to repair, I would replace them early on. They may look good, but the material has been stressed with hot and cold too many times. If you are in there looking, you should replace just to be safe. JMHO
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
Plus One on that post. Heat is the enemy of plastic. It becomes brittle from the heat cycles, and can shatter at any time once brittle. I spent a few years of my life in a plastic factory, and one of the products we made were knock sensors, for Chrysler and Volvo. It was the plastic that failed on the bell shaped sensors, keeping us busy making replacement parts.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,473
Likes: 15
From: River City Western Canada
I'm going with the Screaming Eagle Hydraulic Cam Tensioner Upgrade Kit, I already have adjustable push rods so that's a savings. I picked up the kit on eBay for $350 and my guy is doing the install for $200...good deal I think
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 28
From: Kokomo, IN
I just think that for every failure you hear about on the internet there are 1,000's out there without any issues. My outside tensioner is original with 55,000 on it and has less than 2% wear. I replaced the inner at 43,000 cause I was in there and it had 5% wear. They are definitely a wear item and they need to be checked. But in our group everyone has 35,000 miles + and we check them and haven't found one close yet.
And I keep reading how they are $60 to replace the pair, list price is $65 apiece from Harley. Maybe back in the day they were, but not now.
And I keep reading how they are $60 to replace the pair, list price is $65 apiece from Harley. Maybe back in the day they were, but not now.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 0
From: FLORIDA