timing chain tensoiners
Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 640
From: San Ramon, Ca
RE: timing chain tensoiners
Had 203 cams installed @ 9500 miles. My cam tensioner shoes were 1/3 worn. Prior to that, I had a VIN check done. The dealer told me that my 2000 had the "updated" cam bearings. When the independant shop I go to had it apart, he found the earlier 99 style bearings in there. Imagine that !! Talk about a mushroom cloud on the horizon. I'm sure glad we caught it. I'm sure it would have grenaded by now.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 643
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RE: timing chain tensoiners
ORIGINAL: Retired_Ted
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.
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.
I hate plastic orange bits and pieces in my filter and oilpump.
At 30K I took the tensioners and chains out ,and installed
S&S .510G gear drive cams.
No more worries and no more maintenance
Greetz Peter
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 452
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From:
RE: timing chain tensoiners
Just finished doing mine this morning. 33k miles on an 02 RK. Outer wasn't too bad but the inner was ready to fail- maybe good for another 5 k before it lunched. I tried to get my local HD dealer to do the job on extended warranty - NO. If they haven't failed, (wrecked chains, cams, bearings, etc) they couldn't do it under a general maintenance inspection. I wonder if I complained about excessive noise it would have been covered?
It is about a 10 hour job for a rookie, no big deal, no surprises, made a brass lock to hold the outer gears. My bike loves me for showing her the respect she deserves.
It is about a 10 hour job for a rookie, no big deal, no surprises, made a brass lock to hold the outer gears. My bike loves me for showing her the respect she deserves.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 1
From:
RE: timing chain tensoiners
ORIGINAL: wldbill
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?
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?
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 46
RE: timing chain tensoiners
relli, that sounds like the rockers moving side to side. From what I understand, it is a common noise. Mine also does that noise.
Toby
Toby
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 643
Likes: 0
RE: timing chain tensoiners
ORIGINAL: twistedcherokee
Is ther any warnig on the timing chain tensoiners going bad? My engine seems a little louder in that area but no clatters or clangs. Thanks
Toby
Is ther any warnig on the timing chain tensoiners going bad? My engine seems a little louder in that area but no clatters or clangs. Thanks
Toby
www.stampedemrc.com/spark/tensioner.htm
Just go for gear drive and S&S cams (complete set)
Greetz Peter