I think I may go that route to save a few bucks when I do my cams, vs buying a tool to use it once. Does anyone other than Autozone offer this service? I have Advance Auto and Napa locally but my closest Autozone is an hour away.

 

You're gonna need an installer, too. Despite what a lot of people say about using the old cam to tap the new bearings in or using one of those 2 in 1 tools, You really need a proper installer with a plate that attaches across the front of the cam chest, allowing them to be installed perfectly straight and countersinking them to spec (30/1000). I bought two different tools which, cost me about $145 w/shipping and I'll be keeping them for awhile, anyway. But buying the tools, using them and then turning around and selling them for a slight loss is another option. You still save big when you compare the total cost for doing it yourself to taking the bike to a dealer or indy and having them install the cams.

 

O' Reilly's rents specialty tools, too. Ya buy it then return it all very legit, they even advertise their method. I use a local tool rental company. They have, nearly, everything. Costs like $8-12 per day w/ $20 deposit, around here.

 

i would buy/use/sell...but that's me.

 

I bought the Jims Tools remover and installer off of e-bay for my EVO. I am glad I did as they worked really well without any guess work. I think I paid $150 for both tools that had only been used once. Just makes it so much easier.

 

I figure if I was to take the bike to the shop the labor cost alone would justify the cost of the tools so I'll buy it to add to my perpetual tool set. I just purchased another bike same year and model as the one that got totaled and I will have to do the cam plate upgrade to it so the only thing I will have to buy is the parts.

 

Anyone familiar with the puller/installer tool from Heartland Products? I would post a link, but don't know how from my phone. Anyway, it appears to be a combo type tool with a plate that sells for $104 on Ebay. Anyone used it?

 

I bought both my tools from Heartland. They worked fine. You probably won't be able to tap that puller shaft head thru the bearing, as is, tho. I tried and couldn't do it, so I thought they sent me the wrong size. I finally just took a clamp I had on hand and compressed the splines slightly (they stay compressed, but don't go too far or you won't be able to push the expander shaft thru) and then hammered the expander shaft thru once the puller head was thru the bearing. Good luck!

EDIT:
I exchanged several emails with Heartland and their CS was excellent. I did recommend that they send out their puller tools slightly compressed so that people don't think they are getting the wrong size, and they did say that they'd consider that. If you do go with Heartland, try and see if you can get the puller tool to go thru the bearing first before attempting to compress it. Then you'll see whether they took my suggestion seriously or not.

 

There is a puller and an installer set for sale now in the classifieds