timing chain tensoiners
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Ann Arbor, MI
RE: timing chain tensoiners
The tensioners failed at about 55K on my 99 UC. They were covered under warranty along with the cam bearings and plate. I checked and replaced mine again at 110,000. They were not too bad yet, but since I was there anyway, they got changed. I bought the special tool to hold the sprockets while torqueing the bolts. A buddy's went out at 35K on an 03. see ya Ken
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 21
From: central florida
RE: timing chain tensoiners
well i got 27 k and 10 months left on my warranty so ill find out. i get a ticking on the left side after riding bout an hour-occurs when i let off the gas . sounds like a lifter.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,476
Likes: 3,950
From: Vermont
RE: timing chain tensoiners
ORIGINAL: ronk
defintely time to change. My tech, who worked for the factory says between 20k ans 25k max. Maybe earlier
defintely time to change. My tech, who worked for the factory says between 20k ans 25k max. Maybe earlier
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 1
From: Lenexa, KS (KC)
RE: timing chain tensoiners
Mine has 32k and no noise yet, nor any sign of a problem in the oil filter, and last time I looked the outer tensioner looked pretty good. But, for me it's time for a change, so my geared cams, lifters, pushrods, etc. are at the local UPS waiting for delivery to my door next Monday. No sense worrying about tensioners any more. 
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 1
From:
RE: timing chain tensoiners
If you hear the tensioners, it's too late. They're already worn into metal and it's being ground into little pieces headed for the oil pump. Most don't worry much about them since they trade before it's an issue. For the ones who keep their bikes, 30K is a reasonable mileage to at least have a look. Good oil, meaning synthetic, is a good preventative, if you plan keeping the bike. As for gear drive cams, they are a very expensive alternative. They can make additional engine noise which is why HD didn't do the same. Nothing wrong with the chain drive setup - just another maintenance area.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
RE: timing chain tensoiners
These things are all over the board as far as wear issues go. A friend of mine has over 83,000 miles on his '00 Road Glide, which has never had the cam chest opened up - all original! Go figure!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 1
From: Lenexa, KS (KC)
RE: timing chain tensoiners
Bad thing about tensionsers: unlessyou look, you really don't know what's going on. And unless you pull the cam plate and look at the inner tensioner, you still don't know for sure. Too bad there's not a sensor that would give some warning, since it's such a PITA to check.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 46
RE: timing chain tensoiners
I may have to tear into it. Just replaced the head gaskets in April. It had the graphite ones on & started to leak, replaced with SE MLS. Where is the best place to get gear drivin & what brand? Might as well go with adjustable push rods while I am at it,what is the best brand for those as well? Thanks
Toby
Toby
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,236
Likes: 7
From: Bellingham, WA
RE: timing chain tensoiners
I haven't found where HD says it's an inspection item. I've got 25K on my 06 now and 3 more years of extended warranty. I just don't see why I should be paying for the inspection cost. And if they are out of spec I also pay the replacement costs. Doesn't it make sense to not worry about it and just let the sucker blow up?