Cam Chain Tensioners
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 34
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From: Idaho
Cam Chain Tensioners
I'm about to have the 95 inch conversion done on my '05 Deluxe. This is a good time to get rid of my cam chain tensioners, but am undecided as to whether I should go with gear driven or hydraulic. I'm sure I'm not the first guy here to have this question - what's the general opinion? Advantages to one or the other, any reasons to go with one over the other? I don't want to spend a fortune, but at the same time want this to be done as right as it can be....any of your thoughts or experiences are appreciated!
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
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From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
having an 07 I've read most post in here on the new Hyd system and it seems to be doing great. Some are predicting they'll go easy 100k.
Still if U go with gears make sure Ur crank run out is within the limits, then U'll never have to wonder or worry about the tensioners at all...
If Ur doing a BB Ur probably doing cams anyway. I am not sure, but I think U'd save money by going with gear cams (I've never priced them) rather than getting new cams and then also do the Hyd system kit for the tensioners also. Should be fairly easy to price parts and see.
If U stay with the cams U have now, then the savings might be with going the Hyd kit and take the worry out..
Still if U go with gears make sure Ur crank run out is within the limits, then U'll never have to wonder or worry about the tensioners at all...
If Ur doing a BB Ur probably doing cams anyway. I am not sure, but I think U'd save money by going with gear cams (I've never priced them) rather than getting new cams and then also do the Hyd system kit for the tensioners also. Should be fairly easy to price parts and see.
If U stay with the cams U have now, then the savings might be with going the Hyd kit and take the worry out..
Last edited by oct1949; Feb 3, 2010 at 10:21 PM. Reason: added
Former Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,364
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Make sure to measure crank run out if you are doing gear drives. I hear you get more pwoer from gears but i replaced my stock tensioner shoes in my 02 at 40k. They were not nearly worn all the way, but i was glad I did it. I figure at 65k I'll have another look to see how they are looking. A good friend checked his hydraulic tensioner at 38K and had no wear at all.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,364
Likes: 40
From: Los Angeles, CA
Make sure to measure crank run out if you are doing gear drives. I hear you get more power from gears but i replaced my stock tensioner shoes in my 02 at 40k. They were not nearly worn all the way, but i was glad I did it. I figure at 65k I'll have another look to see how they are looking. A good friend checked his hydraulic tensioner at 38K and had no wear at all.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 12
From: Westchester, NY
I did my 95" and Cam upgrade last Winter. Went with the new Hydraulic Tensioners and Andrews Conversion 37N Cams. I considered Gears but didn't want to deal with some of the potential issues like Crank-Runout and Noise (whinning). So far so good but I haven't put too many miles on since last Winter, maybe a few thousand.
Mike
NY
Mike
NY
Banned
Joined: Oct 2007
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Quote Mike NY: I considered Gears but didn't want to deal with some of the potential issues like Crank-Runout and Noise (whining). There is a little noise, but at least no WORRIES or SURPRISES.
What's the use of quiet when you have a TICKING TIME BOMB IN YOUR CAM CHEST! 
Give me a little noise anyday, with PEACE OF MIND!
What's the use of quiet when you have a TICKING TIME BOMB IN YOUR CAM CHEST! Give me a little noise anyday, with PEACE OF MIND!
Last edited by hpfatboy; Feb 4, 2010 at 03:23 AM.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,928
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From: Desert S. West
If you had a pre-2003 I'd say go with gears if the runout is ok. Otherwise I'd go with the Andrew Hydro kit with the upgraded oil pump with 20% more scavenging. The crank quality went way down after 2002.
The HD kit leaves the silent chain on one of the cams I think whereas the Andrews kit uses the newer roller chains.
The HD kit leaves the silent chain on one of the cams I think whereas the Andrews kit uses the newer roller chains.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: Jackson, TN
Chain or gear
I had the tensioners replaced in my bike at 50K. Decided to stay with the springs, I was unaware of the upgrade kit to hydraulics at that time. If you decide to go with the gears you definately get the crank runout checked.
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