Twincam2003-63,000mi
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6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: Ohio
Twincam2003-63,000mi
I bought a 03 in 2011. It had 44k on it. At 48k I had the cam tensioners check. Service said they were good for another 1k, so I had them replaced. I now have 63k on it and nothing unusual is happening. The motor sounds the same and running good. Is there anyway I can find out if the tensioners were replaced before I bought it? Through serial number? Is there any 'good news' about the old tensioner set-up?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 96
Likes: 1
From: Oahu
Unless the previous owner kept records, there is no real way to determine when the tensioners were replaced as they are consumable items and are not serialized. I've gotten 65k out of my first set and about 35k on the second and about 30k on the 4th set before I had to replace my lower end and upgraded to the new style cam plate with hydraulic tensioners. Other people have reported much less than 30k on the spring type tensioners. I never had a set disintegrate as some have reported. My experience has been that the tensioners typically have worn down to the point where the engine would make a noticeable ticking sound.
25k miles would be a good safe mileage to change them out or at least check them.
25k miles would be a good safe mileage to change them out or at least check them.
Last edited by nahanhoku; Apr 13, 2015 at 01:26 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
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From: Wisconsin, USA
I did the SE upgrade on my '03 at 32k. Tensioners were 2/3 worn.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 522
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From: Glendale, Arizona
Mine is an 2009 Ultra, I put in a new barnett clutch when I had 85,000 miles on my bike. I decided to do the tensioner while I was at it although no real bad wear on existing one. I have owned the bike from new. I now have 111,000 on it and still look good.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: Pasadena TX
His bike has the spring loaded tensioners, yours are hydraulic.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
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From: Eastern Ohio
The op is talking about cam chain tensioners I believe you're referring to your primary chain tensioner. Opposite sides of the engine.
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 143
Likes: 2
From: Ottertail, MN
Since the shoes are plastic, should age effect them at all (Deterioration)?. I just picked up an '06 with 3000 miles, and hadn't planned on checking the tensioners until 20k. But it may take a few more years to get there. I hate worrying about those da** things, what was Harley thinking.