cam tensioner failure
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 310
From: coastal sc
cam tensioner failure
cam tensioner failure when did yours go. I hear so much about this. I am very concerned with mine going bad. I visually inspected about 2000 miles ago, looked fine. I have a 2000 ultra. I was wanting to get some feed back from all the touring riders as to which bike and which years had failure at what mileage. so if you have had failure in the cam department,could you list what happened and what had to be done to fix it, and ofcourse mileage year and model. thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,982
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
I bought my 2000 Ultra new and it was serviced religiously either by me or the dealership.
The dealership never mentioned the cam chain adjusters and I ran it to about 39,000 miles and then had the "95" Big Bore Kit installed and they installed new adjusters.
At about 75,000 miles, I had the S/E Hyd. cam chain adjuster kit installed and the old adjusters were not in very good shape.
I've talked to one guy that that ruined his '03 Fatboy engine at 25,000 miles because the adjusters had broken up and blocked the engine oil flow.
FYI--The 2000-T/C 88 engine warranty, due to cam bearing failure was extended to 50,000 miles (not sure if years are considered)at least for the original owner.
You didn't say how many miles you have on your bike, or how long you intend to keep it, but I'd consider replacing the cam chain adjusters at 30,000 or so miles, and if you're planning on keeping it a long time, perhaps you may want to consider upgrading to the S/E kit (it also includes a H.O. oil pump), or gear drives if you don't mind the extra noise.
The dealership never mentioned the cam chain adjusters and I ran it to about 39,000 miles and then had the "95" Big Bore Kit installed and they installed new adjusters.
At about 75,000 miles, I had the S/E Hyd. cam chain adjuster kit installed and the old adjusters were not in very good shape.
I've talked to one guy that that ruined his '03 Fatboy engine at 25,000 miles because the adjusters had broken up and blocked the engine oil flow.
FYI--The 2000-T/C 88 engine warranty, due to cam bearing failure was extended to 50,000 miles (not sure if years are considered)at least for the original owner.
You didn't say how many miles you have on your bike, or how long you intend to keep it, but I'd consider replacing the cam chain adjusters at 30,000 or so miles, and if you're planning on keeping it a long time, perhaps you may want to consider upgrading to the S/E kit (it also includes a H.O. oil pump), or gear drives if you don't mind the extra noise.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 498
Likes: 25
From: Hampshire, UK
I've just replaced them on my 2002 Road King at 65k miles. Looks like the outer had already been replaced as it was a different shoe material to the inner, which was toast! It hadn't broken up but there were a few small fragments sitting around and it was on the verge of chewing up the metal.
Both replaced with all the bearings, including inner cam bearings by myself. Thought about going the hydraulic route, but I think I am going to save my pennies and when these are done go the gear driven route.
Both replaced with all the bearings, including inner cam bearings by myself. Thought about going the hydraulic route, but I think I am going to save my pennies and when these are done go the gear driven route.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 507
Likes: 3
From: 2 miles from the Sun!
Hi
Those tensioner shoes are a wear item like brake pads or oil. The original material has been updated if I understand correctly. There are quality aftermarket ones also. Don't wait get them changed out if they are original for new and ride the bike.
Russ
Those tensioner shoes are a wear item like brake pads or oil. The original material has been updated if I understand correctly. There are quality aftermarket ones also. Don't wait get them changed out if they are original for new and ride the bike.
Russ
Trending Topics
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,020
Likes: 69
From: Twin Cities, MN
Cam bearings went at 10k and when I upgraded the tensioners at about 30k they were long overdue. Not complete toast. I was lucky.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
