'04 FLHRSI Cheap Cam Tensioners Upgrade Advice
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
I did the Cyclo shoe change on mine several years ago.
Would I go this route again today? No. The price of the hydraulic conversion kit from Harley has dropped to where it's very competitive to the Cyclo shoe replacement project. Yes, the Cyclo shoes alone are very cheap. But when you add in the jig and tools needed, it's very close price wise.
Would I go this route again today? No. The price of the hydraulic conversion kit from Harley has dropped to where it's very competitive to the Cyclo shoe replacement project. Yes, the Cyclo shoes alone are very cheap. But when you add in the jig and tools needed, it's very close price wise.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 169
Likes: 30
From: Gulf Harbors/Woodlands, FL
I just changed out my stock spring tensioners for a replacement set at 25,500 miles. The wear wasn't terrible on them, but about maybe halfway with pitting. I did it for piece of mind. I also bought the Cujo tool which made swapping the inner spring tensioner a breeze. Check out mcspareparts.com. Good stuff, great help.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 199
Likes: 35
From: southern Wisconsin
I did mine with Twin power set.
Used my stock push rods.
My bike had 41,000 on it with never being done. They where for sure in need of it when I got in there.
Don't forget complete gasket and o-ring kit !!!!!!!
Wish I would have gone with the hydraulic chest while I was in there. But I plan on doing some kind of build next winter.
Used my stock push rods.
My bike had 41,000 on it with never being done. They where for sure in need of it when I got in there.
Don't forget complete gasket and o-ring kit !!!!!!!
Wish I would have gone with the hydraulic chest while I was in there. But I plan on doing some kind of build next winter.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 124
Likes: 35
From: Fayetteville Arkansas
I went with the Harley hydraulic upgrade kit on my 04 Road King two years ago.
it works great, but if I was doing it again, I think I might just put new shoes on and check them every year for wear. Mine were ready to change at about 30,000 miles, but I only put about 5 thousand miles a year on that bike. New pads would have been a good solution for years probably.
i don't plan on ever getting rid of that bike, so I can't complain either way.
it works great, but if I was doing it again, I think I might just put new shoes on and check them every year for wear. Mine were ready to change at about 30,000 miles, but I only put about 5 thousand miles a year on that bike. New pads would have been a good solution for years probably.
i don't plan on ever getting rid of that bike, so I can't complain either way.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,580
From: Wisconsin, USA
Personally, with only 18k miles on the clock I wouldnt do more than open the cam chest to take a peak at the tensioner wear. Id wait to replace everything when you have the funds to do what you want and dont settle and rush it just because of your current financial situation. Inasmuch, Id get a better tuner when you get cams which would also cost more.
As usual, Dawg gives good advice. I had my SE Cam Chain Tensioner and Oil Pump upgrade at 30k. Kept the stock pushrods. Still have them at 50k.
My bike has a Stage One, does not have a tuner, was flashed.
Did you change cams as well or stay OEM?
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,064
Likes: 405
From: Cedar BC
Due to unexpected financial setbacks, looks as if I have to abandon the hydraulic chain drive cam tensioners upgrades. 
Currently looking at getting these items instead:
1) Cyco Cam Tensioner Shoes $15 <----- Cyco pads via http://twincamtensioner.com/product/...tensioner-kit/
2) Andrews TW21 Cams $250
3) Torrington B-156 inner cam bearings $16
4) Baisley LMR-002 oil spring $13
5) Dobeck EJK Gen 3.5 Tuner $225
If there's anything I've overlooked asides from outer cam bearings and gaskets,
please let me know.
Much appreciated!
Currently looking at getting these items instead:
1) Cyco Cam Tensioner Shoes $15 <----- Cyco pads via http://twincamtensioner.com/product/...tensioner-kit/
2) Andrews TW21 Cams $250
3) Torrington B-156 inner cam bearings $16
4) Baisley LMR-002 oil spring $13
5) Dobeck EJK Gen 3.5 Tuner $225
If there's anything I've overlooked asides from outer cam bearings and gaskets,
please let me know.
Much appreciated!