Softail Models Standard, Custom, Night Train, Deuce, Springer, Heritage, Fatboy, Deluxe, Rocker and Cross Bones.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Cam Chain Tensioner Help!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 22, 2009 | 09:56 PM
  #1  
Scubamike's Avatar
Scubamike
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 726
Likes: 12
From: Eugene, OR
Default Cam Chain Tensioner Help!

Ok guy's here is my question. I have a 2001 FXST with about 49,000 miles on the bike twin cam 88B carburated with stage one. I recently inspected the cam chain tensioners and feel they should be replaced(original about 50% wear). I have a service manual and am looking at doing it myself. I am thinking of selling the bike and am trying to perform this task on a budget but I would feel better if I let it go if I replaced them. My question is I have heard there is a after market kit with the gaskets and tensioners for replacing them with the same type of units maybe from Drag Specialties for around $160 but I have not been able to locate such a kit. Does anybody know if such a kit exist and from what vendor. Otherwise what parts from HD do I need to order to replace. I am planning on using the original push rods, I know this will add time to the process but it will save me money. Thanks for the input.
 
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2009 | 11:31 PM
  #2  
qwispichkn's Avatar
qwispichkn
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 417
Likes: 1
From: Northwest PA
Default

My guess is that you have been thinking about getting a new bike and don't want to sell your bike with half worn tensioners.

You're like me. I would have a guilty concious if I let that go.

I would just let potentional buyers know that they will need changed.
 
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2009 | 03:51 AM
  #3  
hpfatboy's Avatar
hpfatboy
Banned
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,436
Likes: 13
Default

I agree, sell it the way it is. Let the new owner deal with it, as long as your up front about it! Find out what it costs, and deduct it from your asking price.
 
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2009 | 04:27 AM
  #4  
raaaaaa's Avatar
raaaaaa
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 920
Likes: 1
From: Northern NJ
Default

I have done mine! with that said I had a expert watching my every move....it takes patience.....my take is, if you do it and f@!# it up then how would ou feel after you sold the bike, or worse could not sell it at all....

I say change them yourself but use the harley parts, they are not that much....call your local dealer and ask how much the job is....you will feel better...
 
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2009 | 06:27 AM
  #5  
trigger1911's Avatar
trigger1911
Tourer
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 310
Likes: 39
Default

my local dealer near allentown, PA has a set special price of $350 to change cam chain tensioners but Harley won't admit to a problem with them!
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jeno123
Softail Models
8
Feb 19, 2021 11:20 AM
diverherb
Dyna Glide Models
2
Jun 20, 2017 04:17 PM
St Glide
Softail Models
48
Jun 21, 2016 05:32 PM
big papa AZ
Touring Models
23
Aug 12, 2011 08:27 PM
gumshoe4
Dyna Glide Models
21
Dec 8, 2010 05:40 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:07 AM.

story-0
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-4
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-5
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE
story-9
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

Slideshow: Graeme Billington's left-hand-drive Shovelhead is as much about problem-solving as it is about classic Harley form.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-30 11:27:08


VIEW MORE