Cam chain tensioner problems with an 88
#11
04-03-2012, 05:45 PM
Tourer
Welcome to the Forum...unfortunately about a year too late. Lots of good info here about the failure of the Cam Chain Tensioners. Switched mine out last winter (plus new cams) Better ride now and peace of mind. Until of course something breaks I didnt expect!
#12
04-03-2012, 06:06 PM
Road Warrior
Ummmm....welcome to a decade ago. 
This is a very well know problem for any early TC88. Tons of info out there on it, on the internet and otherwise. Solution: Get rid of that stock crap, upgrade to new HD type or go with gear drive.
This is a very well know problem for any early TC88. Tons of info out there on it, on the internet and otherwise. Solution: Get rid of that stock crap, upgrade to new HD type or go with gear drive.
Last edited by Jack Straw; 04-03-2012 at 06:13 PM.
#13
04-03-2012, 06:12 PM
Road Warrior
. I spoke to dealer, they told me they would NOT replace old style shoes. They only do the upgrade cam plate/oil pump and of course recommend, new bearings upgraded cam, adjustable push rods, lifters, exaust, power commander, dyno. What kind of F'n racket are they running over there. .....
I can't believe they told you that. Oh, but I'm certain they're serious. As in, they'll refuse to do it without taking you for more money (with other upgrades). Granted, the cam plate/oil pump upgrade is a good one, especially for early twinkies..but still.
#14
04-03-2012, 06:42 PM
I've thought about it. Got an 05 that will hit 70K tonight on the way home. Have not replaced the shoes yet. They looked pretty good last winter at 55K. I spoke to dealer, they told me they would NOT replace old style shoes. They only do the upgrade cam plate/oil pump and of course recommend, new bearings upgraded cam, adjustable push rods, lifters, exaust, power commander, dyno. What kind of F'n racket are they running over there. I'm not ready to upgrade yet. Yeah, nothing in the owners manual or service manual about even checking those F'ers.
Should have been a class action suit a long time ago on this one. I realize that a retro fit for free is expensive. Yeah, I've been one of the luckier ones so far but I'm on borrowed time now. I can't afford what the dealer "thinks" I should do.
I've got a slight oil seep in the rear rocker cover, so I know I will have to remove the tank to change the gasket. May as well slip the push rods out, clamp up the lifters, remove cam chest cover, take out the plate and replace the shoes myself. May take a couple of days to do but .....
Should have been a class action suit a long time ago on this one. I realize that a retro fit for free is expensive. Yeah, I've been one of the luckier ones so far but I'm on borrowed time now. I can't afford what the dealer "thinks" I should do.
I've got a slight oil seep in the rear rocker cover, so I know I will have to remove the tank to change the gasket. May as well slip the push rods out, clamp up the lifters, remove cam chest cover, take out the plate and replace the shoes myself. May take a couple of days to do but .....
If you can't afford to go with gear driven cams, at least replace the shoes on your own. The dealer that refuses to perform that job for you is a bullshit dealership. It was Harley's shitty design to have those cheap pieces of crap in there to begin with…you'd think that they would offer owners some kind of discount or deal to replace them.
#15
04-03-2012, 07:56 PM
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Real solution: Get a better built bike, Triumph, Vic, or go jap any of these will do....
#17
04-03-2012, 08:20 PM
Road Master
I've thought about it. Got an 05 that will hit 70K tonight on the way home. Have not replaced the shoes yet. They looked pretty good last winter at 55K. I spoke to dealer, they told me they would NOT replace old style shoes. They only do the upgrade cam plate/oil pump and of course recommend, new bearings upgraded cam, adjustable push rods, lifters, exaust, power commander, dyno. What kind of F'n racket are they running over there. I'm not ready to upgrade yet. Yeah, nothing in the owners manual or service manual about even checking those F'ers.
Should have been a class action suit a long time ago on this one. I realize that a retro fit for free is expensive. Yeah, I've been one of the luckier ones so far but I'm on borrowed time now. I can't afford what the dealer "thinks" I should do.
I've got a slight oil seep in the rear rocker cover, so I know I will have to remove the tank to change the gasket. May as well slip the push rods out, clamp up the lifters, remove cam chest cover, take out the plate and replace the shoes myself. May take a couple of days to do but .....
Should have been a class action suit a long time ago on this one. I realize that a retro fit for free is expensive. Yeah, I've been one of the luckier ones so far but I'm on borrowed time now. I can't afford what the dealer "thinks" I should do.
I've got a slight oil seep in the rear rocker cover, so I know I will have to remove the tank to change the gasket. May as well slip the push rods out, clamp up the lifters, remove cam chest cover, take out the plate and replace the shoes myself. May take a couple of days to do but .....
I just did it 3 weeks ago as my first motor project
It took about 3 hours total. I took the rockers off (not the box) and removed the push-rods and tubes. I reused all the stock stuff, new front and back shoes, kept original cam bearings (plan on doing a cam swap this winter)
The parts are 60 bucks for each of the tensioners.
I have a service manual and a you tube link.....it was not a biggie to just swap out the stock parts till later
I am traveling and on my company laptop so the bookmark is not with me but do a search on you tube and you will find some real detailed instructions
Good luck
#18
04-03-2012, 09:22 PM
Hey Schu, what do you do with that thing? Sit in the garage and stare at it all night? 20K Really?
#19
04-03-2012, 09:40 PM
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well, when I got it it had 6K on it. I've ridden it about 7K from last July until now. Figure I'll get 7 or 8K in this year, and that will knock it up to around 20. Heck, I've put more miles on it in 9 months than the previous owner did in 8 years
