Article on Engine Defect
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 1,966
From: Great State of Canada
"Those Bastards" !!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 1,966
From: Great State of Canada
Oh, FWIW, I've also become aware, from past reading, that there is a reason for the use of the cam chain. I won't go into details because I'm not technically proficient enough to defend that reason but its not just there because of uninspired engineering on HD's part. The topic can be easily Google'd.
Last edited by HKMark23; Mar 27, 2015 at 07:13 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,845
Likes: 16,583
From: Wisconsin, USA
The guy obviously is OCD, and gets overly excited. But it has a lot of good points.
I just had my 2003 Cam chain tensioner upgraded, and a lower gasket leak fixed. Wasn't cheap.
I just had my 2003 Cam chain tensioner upgraded, and a lower gasket leak fixed. Wasn't cheap.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,295
Likes: 485
From: St Louis
A lot of folks are saying that there is a lot of bias in this article. The truth is, I know quite a few folks who have had these issues. burying your head in the sand does not remove the problem. replacing the cam chain shoe is relatively easy to do, but you really should not have to do this.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 541
Likes: 3
From: Sherwood Park AB Canada
I started reading this article several years ago and got bored quick. This guy really likes to hear himself talk. HDs are mechanical beasts. All mechanical things wear out at some point. Many have inherent design issues and HD is no different. If you cannot accept HDs issues, then perhaps a Honda GW will better suit you. Me, I maintain my bike properly and will continue to twist the throttle of my 17th HD as hard as ever, not worrying that the latest little noise or vibration will cause it to explode.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
Yes, that article is old.
But some of it remains current. IMHO, any manufacturer that puts plastic parts in engines that run as hot as our Harleys do, deserves all the lawsuits and problems that come from it.
In our Harleys, you have plastic (nylon) on the primary chain tensioner, and on the cam chain.
FWIW, I spent several years of my life working with plastics for Telex, Inc. Remember seeing all the NFL headsets that said TELEX? Yeah, well, I made those on my shift. Along with hearing aids for Wards, Sears, and others. Same product, different name.
Look up the melting points of plastics (FYI, 428 °F (220 °C) is the melting point of nylon) Compare to the possible temps running inside our engines when we are stuck in traffic. Look up "heat stress of plastic." How many times are those tensioners "heat stressed"? Like, every time you ride? Have you ever noticed how the plastic bulb holder around a headlight bulb just seems to "fall apart" when you change a bulb on an older vehicle? That's heat stress. Come to your own decisions. That's why I have gear cams in my bike....
We also made knock sensors for Chrysler and Volvo. Anyone who thinks their hot running engine runs fine on regular gas should see an oscilloscope showing engine knock, and then study up on Harley's incredible engine management system. How many of you know that the spark plug is the knock sensor? But that's a whole 'nother subject.
But some of it remains current. IMHO, any manufacturer that puts plastic parts in engines that run as hot as our Harleys do, deserves all the lawsuits and problems that come from it.
In our Harleys, you have plastic (nylon) on the primary chain tensioner, and on the cam chain.
FWIW, I spent several years of my life working with plastics for Telex, Inc. Remember seeing all the NFL headsets that said TELEX? Yeah, well, I made those on my shift. Along with hearing aids for Wards, Sears, and others. Same product, different name.
Look up the melting points of plastics (FYI, 428 °F (220 °C) is the melting point of nylon) Compare to the possible temps running inside our engines when we are stuck in traffic. Look up "heat stress of plastic." How many times are those tensioners "heat stressed"? Like, every time you ride? Have you ever noticed how the plastic bulb holder around a headlight bulb just seems to "fall apart" when you change a bulb on an older vehicle? That's heat stress. Come to your own decisions. That's why I have gear cams in my bike....
We also made knock sensors for Chrysler and Volvo. Anyone who thinks their hot running engine runs fine on regular gas should see an oscilloscope showing engine knock, and then study up on Harley's incredible engine management system. How many of you know that the spark plug is the knock sensor? But that's a whole 'nother subject.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Are you really suggesting that the primary tensioner shoe is made of the same stuff as your wife's tights? I also have worked with plastics and there are two broad groups, thermo plastics and thermo-setting plastics. Some of these modern materials are performing wonders in a wide variety of applications and environments.