Cam Swap Thread for Dummies!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,909
Likes: 4
From: Kalifornia
Cam Swap Thread for Dummies!
I’ve been wanting to do a cam swap on my bike for awhile now but never really got up the nerve to get into the engine. Recently, I decided to do some work on my frame and needed to remove the tank. And you know how the story goes – since I’ll have the tank off anyway, it won’t be that big of a deal to open up the rocker boxes and pull the push rods and so on and so on… And what better way to spend your Thanksgiving weekend than wrenching on your Harley? (Yeah, ok riding would be better but I've got all winter to ride 
)
Well, I do not have a ton of experience working on bikes or cars. I do have a modest set of tools and can follow the directions on my service manual ok. I’m sure there are a lot of you out there in the same boat as me. This thread is mostly intended for those that may be on the fence about doing a cam swap yourself or having someone do it for you. (And I’m not calling anyone a dummy - other than myself - if they don’t do their own work. I’ve had my bike at my Indy’s a few times too.)
My plan is to take a bunch of photos and try to write up a fairly detailed guide on what I did so that if I fck up along the way, I'll have something to look back on and also in the hopes that it might help someone out in their future cam project. I’ve already got the tank off and will be taking this on tonight and possibly through the weekend (yes, I intend to take my sweet *** time
)
If you've got advice or suggestions, I'm all ears. I have learned a ton from the people on this forum and still have a ton more to learn. If you want me to take pictures of anything in particular while I've got things apart, let me know. I like taking pictures.
I've got my fingers crossed!
)Well, I do not have a ton of experience working on bikes or cars. I do have a modest set of tools and can follow the directions on my service manual ok. I’m sure there are a lot of you out there in the same boat as me. This thread is mostly intended for those that may be on the fence about doing a cam swap yourself or having someone do it for you. (And I’m not calling anyone a dummy - other than myself - if they don’t do their own work. I’ve had my bike at my Indy’s a few times too.)
My plan is to take a bunch of photos and try to write up a fairly detailed guide on what I did so that if I fck up along the way, I'll have something to look back on and also in the hopes that it might help someone out in their future cam project. I’ve already got the tank off and will be taking this on tonight and possibly through the weekend (yes, I intend to take my sweet *** time
)If you've got advice or suggestions, I'm all ears. I have learned a ton from the people on this forum and still have a ton more to learn. If you want me to take pictures of anything in particular while I've got things apart, let me know. I like taking pictures.
I've got my fingers crossed!
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,747
Likes: 5
From: Central Cali
Good luck Micah! Just wait til you ride it after the swap! You won't be able to wipe the grin off your face.
BTW...what part of Cali are you in?
BTW...what part of Cali are you in?
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Road Warrior
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From: Kalifornia
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 970
Likes: 19
From: Philippines
Done a few cam services. I always recommend adjustable push rods. Just cut the old rods out with bolt cutters. Big time and labor saver! No need to remove the tank or rocker box covers.
Notes:
-If you purchase Harley's cam service kit. You'll be scratching your head wondering why you have parts left over. The service kit includes items for 06 and under, and 07 and above.
-Insure that when you install the inner cam bearings, the lettering on the bearings faces outward.
-Mark the cam chains so that when re-installed, they travel in the same direction as before.
-Make Damn sure that you install a New oil pump suction O-Ring and that the oil pump is properly aligned.
-Use assembly Lube.
Notes:
-If you purchase Harley's cam service kit. You'll be scratching your head wondering why you have parts left over. The service kit includes items for 06 and under, and 07 and above.
-Insure that when you install the inner cam bearings, the lettering on the bearings faces outward.
-Mark the cam chains so that when re-installed, they travel in the same direction as before.
-Make Damn sure that you install a New oil pump suction O-Ring and that the oil pump is properly aligned.
-Use assembly Lube.
Last edited by olongapo1; Nov 21, 2012 at 07:17 PM.
