Should I change my cams?
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Should I change my cams? **UPDATE**
Bike is a 2008 Road King Anniversary. When I purchased the bike new, I had the Stage 1 kit installed, also had the engine upgraded to the 103" with the SE 255 cams.
Now for the problem:
I am now on my 4th starter clutch about to change to the 5th. They should have installed or asked at least about installing the ACR's. Did not know anything back then. Now I somewhat do.
I have a couple options I am thinking about doing.
1. Remove heads and have them drilled out and manual releases installed (~$800 quoted by shop)
2. Change cams to the S&S Easy start. (~$900, cams, HV oil pump, gaskets, push rods, tapets, being installed by me)
Now, the kicker, When the engine gets opened up, I could have issues. Bike has 102,000 miles.
Runs good, but somehwat high mileage for cam change. I will be removing the SERT and installing something else.
Was looking at Fuelmoto and their 107 kit, but I am 2000 miles away.
What should I do? Please don't say "Get a new bike".
Now for the problem:
I am now on my 4th starter clutch about to change to the 5th. They should have installed or asked at least about installing the ACR's. Did not know anything back then. Now I somewhat do.
I have a couple options I am thinking about doing.
1. Remove heads and have them drilled out and manual releases installed (~$800 quoted by shop)
2. Change cams to the S&S Easy start. (~$900, cams, HV oil pump, gaskets, push rods, tapets, being installed by me)
Now, the kicker, When the engine gets opened up, I could have issues. Bike has 102,000 miles.
Runs good, but somehwat high mileage for cam change. I will be removing the SERT and installing something else.
Was looking at Fuelmoto and their 107 kit, but I am 2000 miles away.
What should I do? Please don't say "Get a new bike".
Last edited by sirgarreth; May 18, 2017 at 02:05 PM.
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From: Orange County
I have issues with the jackshaft too, broke the gear twice. Some more reading, in case you're interested.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touring-models/1171553-compression-release-or-easy-start-cams.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touring-models/1171553-compression-release-or-easy-start-cams.html
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As of now, I have not had any issues other than the hot starts.
Just got off the phone witha tech at S&S. He recommended the MR103 easy start cams, but told me to look into changing the compensator to the Baker Compensator and says that is probably my problem. Got to look into that now.
Just got off the phone witha tech at S&S. He recommended the MR103 easy start cams, but told me to look into changing the compensator to the Baker Compensator and says that is probably my problem. Got to look into that now.
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Joined: Jan 2014
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From: The Redneck Riviera
JMHO;
It's a bit of a tough call,,, putting $1k into an Engine with 108k miles on it,,, Oil Consumption, Compression Test, Crank Run-out are considerations?? as to how far you want to go?? as to "while we're in there..." a "slippery slope" to the amount of $$$$ ended up $pending... Where does it $top?? A lot of us have been there LOL
At some point a Crate Motor becomes a co$t effective alternative...
Since you seem to like your setup (>100k miles, only issue stated is the hot start) I would go with the Compression Releases ('have the Manual CRs in the '01 no big deal)... Staying with your set-up will alleviate any potential Tuning, push rod, etc... issues...
Down the road when a "refurb" becomes necessary you will have more flexibility...
Continue to enjoy your Bike without creating any new "problems" to solve...
The MCR Co$t seems a little steep, is the $800 turnkey?? Have you shopped around??
Is there any particular reason for the HV oil pump??
There are mixed reviews on the Baker Compensator,,, I stayed with the latest SE in the '09... If the SE Kit requires the new Rotor, you can just have your's trimmed and $ave...
While a 107 Kit might sound like fun,,, Beware!! It could open up a huge can of worms for someone that rides as much as you do,,, And the supporting Mods (on an Engine like yours) can really add up... (see Crate Motor above LOL)
I've always liked the "Duracells"... One of my favorite colors...
Keep us Posted...
It's a bit of a tough call,,, putting $1k into an Engine with 108k miles on it,,, Oil Consumption, Compression Test, Crank Run-out are considerations?? as to how far you want to go?? as to "while we're in there..." a "slippery slope" to the amount of $$$$ ended up $pending... Where does it $top?? A lot of us have been there LOL
At some point a Crate Motor becomes a co$t effective alternative...
Since you seem to like your setup (>100k miles, only issue stated is the hot start) I would go with the Compression Releases ('have the Manual CRs in the '01 no big deal)... Staying with your set-up will alleviate any potential Tuning, push rod, etc... issues...
Down the road when a "refurb" becomes necessary you will have more flexibility...
Continue to enjoy your Bike without creating any new "problems" to solve...
The MCR Co$t seems a little steep, is the $800 turnkey?? Have you shopped around??
Is there any particular reason for the HV oil pump??
There are mixed reviews on the Baker Compensator,,, I stayed with the latest SE in the '09... If the SE Kit requires the new Rotor, you can just have your's trimmed and $ave...
While a 107 Kit might sound like fun,,, Beware!! It could open up a huge can of worms for someone that rides as much as you do,,, And the supporting Mods (on an Engine like yours) can really add up... (see Crate Motor above LOL)
I've always liked the "Duracells"... One of my favorite colors...
Keep us Posted...
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From: Virginia
Do as little as possible to solve your issue unless you want to spring for a rebuild. Which will be here sooner than later.
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From: The Redneck Riviera
'Gotta laugh at myself,,, The gist of my previous Post...
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Flaheatwave, yeah I was quoted $800 for the mcr's.
Th HV oil pump was mainly since it was going to be out, put a new one in.
Now though, I am wondering if if is the compensator. Spoke to a stealer here and they said they new SE compensator does not work on my bike. He said I am unable to upgrade to the SE comp. Does not seem right. Need to speak to another shop. Hard to find good shop here in MIA. Taking bike to shop tomorrow and talk to them and see what they say.
Th HV oil pump was mainly since it was going to be out, put a new one in.
Now though, I am wondering if if is the compensator. Spoke to a stealer here and they said they new SE compensator does not work on my bike. He said I am unable to upgrade to the SE comp. Does not seem right. Need to speak to another shop. Hard to find good shop here in MIA. Taking bike to shop tomorrow and talk to them and see what they say.