How hard is it to get to the cams?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 3, 2010 | 07:34 PM

woodworking1

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 765

Likes: 1

From: Maryland

How hard is it to get to the cams?

I have a 99 883c with the 1200 conversion. It was installed by the stealer by the previous owner. I was told that when the conversion was done there were "mid range cams" put in. All other work done on the bike was documented except that. So I am not 100% sure what was done. I am figuring the only way to check is to pull them and measure them. If I am correct in assuming this, how difficult of a task is it? Any input will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
John

Nov 3, 2010 | 07:39 PM

harleyphoenix

Road Captain

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 588

Likes: 1

Couldn't you find out the lift by dropping the upper pushrod cover and measuring the movement of the pushrods?

Nov 3, 2010 | 07:50 PM

woodworking1

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 765

Likes: 1

From: Maryland

LIGHTBULB!!! Stock rods = stock cams
Correct me if I'm wrong.

Harleyphoenix-you are on to something. It made me realize that I have stock pushrods, hence no top cover.

I just read in my manual that the stock cams are stamped with a "D" If my above assumption is wrong, then all I have to do is pull the cover and take a look.

Last edited by woodworking1; Nov 3, 2010 at 07:53 PM.

Nov 4, 2010 | 06:02 AM

DaytonaSportster

Tourer

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 381

Likes: 1

From: Daytona Beach, FL

Most cams will work with "stock" pushrods and there covers.
Just take off the cam cover, and look.
Its what, 6-8 bolts and a new gasket,

Nov 4, 2010 | 06:22 AM

xFreebirdx

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 7,604

Likes: 38

From: Landrum, SC , elevation 986'

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaytonaSportster

Most cams will work with "stock" pushrods and there covers.
Just take off the cam cover, and look.
Its what, 6-8 bolts and a new gasket,

+1, but there are exceptions to that. My heads were decked for higher compression so I had to use shorter pushrods.

Last edited by xFreebirdx; Nov 4, 2010 at 06:22 AM. Reason: speeling

Nov 4, 2010 | 08:45 AM

cHarley

Club Member

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 16,320

Likes: 306

From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaytonaSportster

Most cams will work with "stock" pushrods and there covers.
Just take off the cam cover, and look.
Its what, 6-8 bolts and a new gasket,

Be sure and follow the instructions in the Service Manual for removing the cam cover. It's real easy to drag a cam out with the cover, and then you'll have more work than you bargained for.

Nov 4, 2010 | 06:16 PM

woodworking1

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 765

Likes: 1

From: Maryland

Thanks for the advise cHarly. I was hoping you would chime in! That's the kinda valuable info I need. What are your thoughts on the stock pushrods with cams? I was told they were SE mid range cams if that makes any difference. I'll will end up removing the cover and putting an eyeball on them if there is a chance they are not stock, I am dying to know!

Thanks,
John