cam chain tensioners
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 229
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From:
cam chain tensioners
What is everyone doing about thier cam chain tensioners on 2000 to 2005 models Is it like a time bomb in your engine. When should they be checked. What does it cost to replace them. Should I be freaking out or what? Feedback needed. I have 17,000 miles on my springer classic.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,053
Likes: 12,327
From: Arkansas
Replaced mine with the hydraulics at 45,000 and they were starting to show quite a bit of wear. From what I understand it's a bit of a crap shoot. Ask 10 people here and you will more likely than not get 10 different answers. Like the man said.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkqnAh_5ODw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkqnAh_5ODw
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 970
Likes: 19
From: Philippines
30,000 miles on my Fatboy and the tensioners were more that 50% degraded. Replaced them with stock components due to the fact that I mainly use the bike for long leisurely rides. My Night Train has 18,000 miles with normal wear however when the tensioners require replacement on this bike, I'll upgrade to the Hyd system because I ride it very aggressively.
IronAss is correct. Tensioners fail at different intervals. I always recommend checking them at 20,000 miles then at each 5,000 thereafter. Cheap insurance.
IronAss is correct. Tensioners fail at different intervals. I always recommend checking them at 20,000 miles then at each 5,000 thereafter. Cheap insurance.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,364
Likes: 40
From: Los Angeles, CA
I first replaced mine in my 2002 at 40K miles and the shoes were about 50% worn as well. I used stock components and just replaced the shoes. 20K later they were completely torn up. Then I put in the new setup. No more need to check and worry.
Drew
Drew
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,796
Likes: 36
From: Toronto, Ontario
at 38K miles, the tensioners were almost done, but the problem is the bearings were about to kill my engine.
You can see what the damage here
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...r-averted.html
I got the Hydraulic setup from Andrews (including the 37 cams).
For 17000 miles you are OK probably.
You can see what the damage here
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...r-averted.html
I got the Hydraulic setup from Andrews (including the 37 cams).
For 17000 miles you are OK probably.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,473
Likes: 15
From: River City Western Canada
Just replaced with SE Hydraulic kit with 15k on the clock ...the inner shoe had a chuck missing and signs of a crack starting and outer was still fine.
I would suggest going this route because not only do you get the new style tensioner but also the high flow oil pump
Have to ask yourself are you willing to roll the dice.
Inner
Outer
I would suggest going this route because not only do you get the new style tensioner but also the high flow oil pump
Have to ask yourself are you willing to roll the dice.
Inner
Outer
Last edited by 2kids3pets; Aug 30, 2011 at 08:47 AM.
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Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
U can just replace the pads with the same as stock. reports of the second set lasting long because the chains has worn and they seem to last longer on the replacements.
or U can do the HYD tensioners install like the newer 96'er.
Or U can do gear cams and do away with them and get Urself a big boast by installing the cams.
Cost ????? cause it depend who, where, what, and how U do them.
or U can do the HYD tensioners install like the newer 96'er.
Or U can do gear cams and do away with them and get Urself a big boast by installing the cams.
Cost ????? cause it depend who, where, what, and how U do them.
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