twin cam primary chain adjustment
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,114
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
I always check the primary chain tension cold.
1. Jack up the bike.
2. Remove the primary inspection cover(4 screws).
3. Remove the spark plug wires.
4. Bump the engine until you find the tightest spot on the chain.
5. Check the freeplay according to the spec, I believe it is 1/2-5/8 of an inch(cold), not sure but the owner manual has it.
6. If it is too loose, break the 1/2in nut off and bring the chain guide a notch or 2 upward.
7. Tighten up the 1/2in nut and check the tension, you are done.
Be careful when you loosen the nut, the guide may drop, once it drops, it is a pain in the *** to pull it back up, use coat hanger to hold it in place.
1. Jack up the bike.
2. Remove the primary inspection cover(4 screws).
3. Remove the spark plug wires.
4. Bump the engine until you find the tightest spot on the chain.
5. Check the freeplay according to the spec, I believe it is 1/2-5/8 of an inch(cold), not sure but the owner manual has it.
6. If it is too loose, break the 1/2in nut off and bring the chain guide a notch or 2 upward.
7. Tighten up the 1/2in nut and check the tension, you are done.
Be careful when you loosen the nut, the guide may drop, once it drops, it is a pain in the *** to pull it back up, use coat hanger to hold it in place.
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
I always check the primary chain tension cold.
1. Jack up the bike.
2. Remove the primary inspection cover(4 screws).
3. Remove the spark plug wires.
4. Bump the engine until you find the tightest spot on the chain.
5. Check the freeplay according to the spec, I believe it is 1/2-5/8 of an inch(cold), not sure but the owner manual has it.
6. If it is too loose, break the 1/2in nut off and bring the chain guide a notch or 2 upward.
7. Tighten up the 1/2in nut and check the tension, you are done.
Be careful when you loosen the nut, the guide may drop, once it drops, it is a pain in the *** to pull it back up, use coat hanger to hold it in place.
1. Jack up the bike.
2. Remove the primary inspection cover(4 screws).
3. Remove the spark plug wires.
4. Bump the engine until you find the tightest spot on the chain.
5. Check the freeplay according to the spec, I believe it is 1/2-5/8 of an inch(cold), not sure but the owner manual has it.
6. If it is too loose, break the 1/2in nut off and bring the chain guide a notch or 2 upward.
7. Tighten up the 1/2in nut and check the tension, you are done.
Be careful when you loosen the nut, the guide may drop, once it drops, it is a pain in the *** to pull it back up, use coat hanger to hold it in place.
lol thanks man i just dove in and we fiugered it out, and the thing did drop and it was a pain in the *** to get back up the only thing we did not do was remove the plug wire. and bump the motor how important is this step? i think we have the chain set just right? it did quiet down some, but will it ever be quiet free?? or will i always hear some noise? thanks for the post thogh..
i am getting ready to change the oil and tranny as well any tips or pics and info on that would be great.. thanks man.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,114
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
It is not a real big deal to bump the engine, the reason to do that is to take up the slack at the tightest point of the drive gear. If the chain is too tight, you will hear a whining noise after it gets hot. How's the shifting now? It should shift much better after the adjustment. For primary chain lubricant, I use AMSOIL 20w50, gear box I use Redline Shockproof gear oil.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 3
From: Peoria, AZ
Bike should be raised rear tire and in fourth gear after unhooking battery/maxi-fuse and spinning the tire by hand. The whole purpose is to find the tightest part of the chain and adjust there. Leaving the power on is a safety issue: next time try pulling out the starter gear with the ignition OFF. You'll be missing that hand. Service manual gives a detailed DIY.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,578
Likes: 4
From: Northern California
Have not tried the following method on a Harley, but has anyone taken out the spark plugs, put it in forth gear, then rolled the bike until the tightest point in the primary chain can be determined? This eliminates jacking the bike. Rolling resistance from compression is gone with the plugs out.
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Clanton, Alabama
After you do it for the first time the next time will be easy. It's hard to roll the bike and check the chain too. Easier to jack it up and turn it.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,578
Likes: 4
From: Northern California
Could be. Roll the bike three feet, kickstand down, check primary chain, another three feet, etc.
