Cam Chain Tensioner
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,033
Likes: 29
RE: Cam Chain Tensioner
ORIGINAL: Merlinii
Was planning to replace with the S&S gear-drive unit. While hunting one down at the performance shops, I found out that a problem has come up. The gear units are causing crankshaft runout, and they're holdig off on using them until more is known. That's not good.
Was planning to replace with the S&S gear-drive unit. While hunting one down at the performance shops, I found out that a problem has come up. The gear units are causing crankshaft runout, and they're holdig off on using them until more is known. That's not good.
The sloppy cranks are mostly being found in later model bikes. The '99-01 bikes have a forged crank that is stronger and truer. The '03 and up bikes have a cast crank, which is inferior to the earlier crank.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,033
Likes: 29
RE: Cam Chain Tensioner
ORIGINAL: Merlinii
. I suspect if you're not running synthetic oil, you might want to do this earlier than 40k as your wear could be greater.
. I suspect if you're not running synthetic oil, you might want to do this earlier than 40k as your wear could be greater.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
From: Queen Creek, Az
RE: Cam Chain Tensioner
ya thats crazyness ive never heard anything about the gear drives doing this, both on this forum and at local indy shops and fello riders. regaurdless im going with gears its a waste of time and money to deal with the stock setup. i run over 20k a year just in my commute soo i'll take my chance i guess cant be much worse than the tens shellin the oil pump and lifters?!?!?! [>:]
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,238
Likes: 0
From: Desmoines, Iowa
RE: Cam Chain Tensioner
yes it is a crap shoot. some last and some don't why your guess is good as any.my niece husband has a 04 and mine is a 05 and we both had about 8000 miles on the bikes and they were wore. so replace with gear drive . but then again word has it. that on newer bikes the shoe's are better.but they say that alot.and there is some things you throw the book out and check any way.it can save trouble down the road.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 522
From: Dutchess County, NY
RE: Cam Chain Tensioner
Had mine inspected at 37,000.
The mechanic said they still looked good and to come back in a year.
Just got back from a 3200 mile trip to Key West and the bike ran great.
The mechanic said they still looked good and to come back in a year.
Just got back from a 3200 mile trip to Key West and the bike ran great.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
RE: Cam Chain Tensioner
yup
it's a plot by HD
05 heritage and at 41k i decided to pop the cover; lo and behold, toast. there's good news though; it didn't get into the metal shoe parts.
replaced with the hyd. tensioners with roller chain; higher volume oil pump and a bunch of other new parts.
just turned over 45k and it's clicking a little but i think i'll re-adjust the push rods.
ride safe, please
it's a plot by HD
05 heritage and at 41k i decided to pop the cover; lo and behold, toast. there's good news though; it didn't get into the metal shoe parts.
replaced with the hyd. tensioners with roller chain; higher volume oil pump and a bunch of other new parts.
just turned over 45k and it's clicking a little but i think i'll re-adjust the push rods.
ride safe, please
Stage I
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Canada
I'm changing the tensioners myself. I've seen cheap replacement shoes on eBay, I was wondering if anyone has tried them? And if anyone knows how much they are from the dealer
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
From: Greeley, CO
I have read that the reason it seems to be a 'crap shoot' is because of the initial quality of the chain. The individual parts for the chain are stamped, when the dies are fresh they stamp out a nice smooth part but as they age the edges become a bit ragged. This rough ragged edge wears the shoes much faster. Sounds like a pretty good explanation to me.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
Nice thread resurrection! You have many options. Do some "tensioner" searches in the search bar.