I have been reading a lot lately about the cam tensioner issues that plagues the TC88.I thought since i was doing my winter storage routine anyway I would rip apart my oil filter and have a peek inside to you know, see how long I've got. Unless someone tells me that's gold i see in there, i would say my days are numbered.

 

Not sure about this but could have sworn the plastic in the 88 incher's are a white color.

Hydraulic ones are the orange color.

Sure someone will chime in

 

Videos on Youtube show similar colored shoes on both.

 

Just pulled the cam plate on my '01, and as far as I can tell it is the first time it has ever been off. My tensioners are orange...

 

Here's the worst of two I changed at 35,000 miles on my '02 Heritage.



Can't say how bad yours is, but we all know what happens if you wait too long.

I have read somewhere that using synthetic oil increases the distance in mileage that you have to replace them.

Mal

 

I've performed this maintenance service on several bikes. The spring tensioners are orange in color and Yep, you're due for a tensioner replacement. You have several options:

1. Replace the spring tensioners with stock OEM parts.

2. Upgrade the system with Harley's Screamin Eagle Hydraulic Tensioner system.

3. Upgrade with an aftermarket Hydraulic system.

Unless you're a Wrench, and have the proper bearing removal and installation tools you'll need a shop to perform this maintenance procedure. Whether you decide to replace with OEM parts or upgrade to hydraulics depends on budget and how long you plan to keep the bike.

Whatever your decision, I recommend that you install adjustable pushrods which will prevent the removal of the tank and rocker box covers. The labor savings may offset the cost of the rods.

If you want more information on the SE Hydro upgrade shoot me a PM.

 

So the real question is what cams are you going to put in there and are you going to do a big bore and take it to 98"?

 

Wow looks like you just caught that in the nick of time. I have put 10k on the bike since I've owned it and first thing i did was changed all fluids to Amsoil. Don't know the previous maintenance history of the bike unfortunately.

 

[q uote=soft 02;10718502]So the real question is what cams are you going to put in there and are you going to do a big bore and take it to 98"?[/quote]

You must be a mind reader. I had planned a build in the future, this little discovery may have just forced my hand. Fuelmoto 98"big bore kit, leaning towards the 555's, maybe throw in the "B" headwork.