26G Cam Install Update
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 1
From: Lenexa, KS (KC)
26G Cam Install Update
Well, finally got some time off work and started replacing the stock cams with 26G's. Job has gone okay so far, but after installing the pinion and cam gears this afternoon,they have zero backlash. Looks like I'll need to call Andrews first thing in the morning to get one size smaller pinion gear. [:'(] Sure was looking forward to finishing up tonight -- so was the wife, she wants her parking space back! Oh well, better to take care of business now and do it right rather than damage something later.
I rented all the tools and had planned to press everything in, but after reading about some using and recommendingthe oven/freezer method I thought I'd give it a try -- worked great on the cams, gears, and outer bearings. Also checked the crank runout before removing the cam plate and it was .0015, well within the .003 allowed. After putting the new cams and bearings in, everything rotated freely and felt great. If only the pinion and cam gear had some backlash. [:'(] Hope going to the 31T gear doesn't cause a problem, but since I have no backlash at any engine position, I probably really need the 31T gear.
I've got around 35k on the bike, and although the outer tensioner pad looked good, the inner tensioner was in bad shape. It hadn't gone to metal yet, but it was close, and had even developed a crack, so I doubt I'd made it another 1,000 miles. I'll try to go to the garage tonight and take some pics of the tensioners. Would have taken pics of the job, but dang it's sort of been done before, so not much else I could have added. You've seen tenionsers too, but I've got to show them to somebody! LOL.
Anyway, for all of you out there who think your tensioners are in good shape (like I thought based on the condition of the outer pad), don't take anything for granted. These tensioners are wear items and they do just that, especially if you have a bike with more than 30k.
Thought I'd provide you with an update --- many of you have provided me with good info over the past several months and I owe you big time.
Hopefully I can post "job completed" soon.
Jim
I rented all the tools and had planned to press everything in, but after reading about some using and recommendingthe oven/freezer method I thought I'd give it a try -- worked great on the cams, gears, and outer bearings. Also checked the crank runout before removing the cam plate and it was .0015, well within the .003 allowed. After putting the new cams and bearings in, everything rotated freely and felt great. If only the pinion and cam gear had some backlash. [:'(] Hope going to the 31T gear doesn't cause a problem, but since I have no backlash at any engine position, I probably really need the 31T gear.
I've got around 35k on the bike, and although the outer tensioner pad looked good, the inner tensioner was in bad shape. It hadn't gone to metal yet, but it was close, and had even developed a crack, so I doubt I'd made it another 1,000 miles. I'll try to go to the garage tonight and take some pics of the tensioners. Would have taken pics of the job, but dang it's sort of been done before, so not much else I could have added. You've seen tenionsers too, but I've got to show them to somebody! LOL.
Anyway, for all of you out there who think your tensioners are in good shape (like I thought based on the condition of the outer pad), don't take anything for granted. These tensioners are wear items and they do just that, especially if you have a bike with more than 30k.
Thought I'd provide you with an update --- many of you have provided me with good info over the past several months and I owe you big time.
Hopefully I can post "job completed" soon.Jim
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 656
Likes: 13
From: Des Moines, Iowa
RE: 26G Cam Install Update
I am installed a 31G into my bike. Here is what I found on my machine:
Inner cam gear back lash 0 atthree positions and .0005 at the fourth.
Outer cam gear backlash 0 at two positions and .0015 at the fourth.
Crankshaft runout with the cam plate installed at .002
Inner cam gear back lash 0 atthree positions and .0005 at the fourth.
Outer cam gear backlash 0 at two positions and .0015 at the fourth.
Crankshaft runout with the cam plate installed at .002
RE: 26G Cam Install Update
ORIGINAL: Taterdog
Well, finally got some time off work and started replacing the stock cams with 26G's. Job has gone okay so far, but after installing the pinion and cam gears this afternoon,they have zero backlash. Looks like I'll need to call Andrews first thing in the morning to get one size smaller pinion gear. [:'(] Sure was looking forward to finishing up tonight -- so was the wife, she wants her parking space back! Oh well, better to take care of business now and do it right rather than damage something later.
I rented all the tools and had planned to press everything in, but after reading about some using and recommendingthe oven/freezer method I thought I'd give it a try -- worked great on the cams, gears, and outer bearings. Also checked the crank runout before removing the cam plate and it was .0015, well within the .003 allowed. After putting the new cams and bearings in, everything rotated freely and felt great. If only the pinion and cam gear had some backlash. [:'(] Hope going to the 31T gear doesn't cause a problem, but since I have no backlash at any engine position, I probably really need the 31T gear.
I've got around 35k on the bike, and although the outer tensioner pad looked good, the inner tensioner was in bad shape. It hadn't gone to metal yet, but it was close, and had even developed a crack, so I doubt I'd made it another 1,000 miles. I'll try to go to the garage tonight and take some pics of the tensioners. Would have taken pics of the job, but dang it's sort of been done before, so not much else I could have added. You've seen tenionsers too, but I've got to show them to somebody! LOL.
Anyway, for all of you out there who think your tensioners are in good shape (like I thought based on the condition of the outer pad), don't take anything for granted. These tensioners are wear items and they do just that, especially if you have a bike with more than 30k.
Thought I'd provide you with an update --- many of you have provided me with good info over the past several months and I owe you big time. Hopefully I can post "job completed" soon.
Jim
Well, finally got some time off work and started replacing the stock cams with 26G's. Job has gone okay so far, but after installing the pinion and cam gears this afternoon,they have zero backlash. Looks like I'll need to call Andrews first thing in the morning to get one size smaller pinion gear. [:'(] Sure was looking forward to finishing up tonight -- so was the wife, she wants her parking space back! Oh well, better to take care of business now and do it right rather than damage something later.
I rented all the tools and had planned to press everything in, but after reading about some using and recommendingthe oven/freezer method I thought I'd give it a try -- worked great on the cams, gears, and outer bearings. Also checked the crank runout before removing the cam plate and it was .0015, well within the .003 allowed. After putting the new cams and bearings in, everything rotated freely and felt great. If only the pinion and cam gear had some backlash. [:'(] Hope going to the 31T gear doesn't cause a problem, but since I have no backlash at any engine position, I probably really need the 31T gear.
I've got around 35k on the bike, and although the outer tensioner pad looked good, the inner tensioner was in bad shape. It hadn't gone to metal yet, but it was close, and had even developed a crack, so I doubt I'd made it another 1,000 miles. I'll try to go to the garage tonight and take some pics of the tensioners. Would have taken pics of the job, but dang it's sort of been done before, so not much else I could have added. You've seen tenionsers too, but I've got to show them to somebody! LOL.
Anyway, for all of you out there who think your tensioners are in good shape (like I thought based on the condition of the outer pad), don't take anything for granted. These tensioners are wear items and they do just that, especially if you have a bike with more than 30k.
Thought I'd provide you with an update --- many of you have provided me with good info over the past several months and I owe you big time.
Hopefully I can post "job completed" soon.Jim
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 3
From: TX
RE: 26G Cam Install Update
Jim... You might want to check that lash again on the outer gear pair and check it in several places. Many times, you may not fell the lash but you can "hear it" (tink - tink - tink) as you rock the outer cam gear back & fourth.
If you really need an undersized pinion gear, they can hook you up.
If you really need an undersized pinion gear, they can hook you up.
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 1
From: Lenexa, KS (KC)
RE: 26G Cam Install Update
Yep, aclass, beena long time coming, but based on the condition of my tensioners I'm sure glad I've replaced them with gears. Once I get this backlash thing settled I should be in good shape.
Kruzin, when you sayyou measured backlash between the outer and inner cam gears which gears are you talking about -- pinion(crank) gear and cam gear mounted on the outside of the cam plate, or front and rear cam gears located inside the cam plate? If it's the two outer drive gears, are you having any problems running with that tight a fit???
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 1
From: Lenexa, KS (KC)
RE: 26G Cam Install Update
Yeah, Phil, I was hoping to at least hear something, but I'm getting nothing. I rotated the engine but no change at any position, so my fit must just be too tight.
After I call tomorrow to get the undersized gear, I'll go ahead and remove the 32T gear. It was a tight fit getting it on with the bolt, and I'm sure it'll be even tighter with the zero backlash mesh with the cam gear. Should I be able to pry the pinion gear off, or do you think I'll need a gear puller? Only thing that concerns me is there isn't much room between the back of the pinion gear and the cam plate. What do you think?
After I call tomorrow to get the undersized gear, I'll go ahead and remove the 32T gear. It was a tight fit getting it on with the bolt, and I'm sure it'll be even tighter with the zero backlash mesh with the cam gear. Should I be able to pry the pinion gear off, or do you think I'll need a gear puller? Only thing that concerns me is there isn't much room between the back of the pinion gear and the cam plate. What do you think?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 3
From: TX
RE: 26G Cam Install Update
You need to use a puller, like a steering wheel puller. You can get one @ AutoZone for less than $10.
All the pinion gears have the same number of teeth. They have to, in order to keep the cams & crank rotating @ a 2:1 ratio. Undersized simply means a tiny bit smaller, NOT less teeth. You will not notice a visual difference.
All the pinion gears have the same number of teeth. They have to, in order to keep the cams & crank rotating @ a 2:1 ratio. Undersized simply means a tiny bit smaller, NOT less teeth. You will not notice a visual difference.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 1
From: Lenexa, KS (KC)
RE: 26G Cam Install Update
ORIGINAL: PhilM
You need to use a puller, like a steering wheel puller. You can get one @ AutoZone for less than $10.
All the pinion gears have the same number of teeth. They have to, in order to keep the cams & crank rotating @ a 2:1 ratio. Undersized simply means a tiny bit smaller, NOT less teeth. You will not notice a visual difference.
You need to use a puller, like a steering wheel puller. You can get one @ AutoZone for less than $10.
All the pinion gears have the same number of teeth. They have to, in order to keep the cams & crank rotating @ a 2:1 ratio. Undersized simply means a tiny bit smaller, NOT less teeth. You will not notice a visual difference.
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
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 291
Likes: 18
From: Kentucky
RE: 26G Cam Install Update
I too am currently installing the Andrews 26G gear drive kit. My runout and all backlash measurements were good.
FYI, my scoot has 27k on it and the tensioners were worn. The outside one had a groove about 1/16" while the inner showed only slight wear. Both tensioners, if the current rate of wear continued, could have easily made 50k miles. I have used only Amsoil since buying the bike used with 8k miles in 2005. Not saying the Amsoil made the tensioners wear so well, but they were much better than I expected to find.
I hope to get it running tomorrow, to cold to ride, but I am very anxious about hearing how much gear whine is present, or hopefully the lack of gear whine.
Good luck on the rest of your install.
04Ultra
FYI, my scoot has 27k on it and the tensioners were worn. The outside one had a groove about 1/16" while the inner showed only slight wear. Both tensioners, if the current rate of wear continued, could have easily made 50k miles. I have used only Amsoil since buying the bike used with 8k miles in 2005. Not saying the Amsoil made the tensioners wear so well, but they were much better than I expected to find.
I hope to get it running tomorrow, to cold to ride, but I am very anxious about hearing how much gear whine is present, or hopefully the lack of gear whine.
Good luck on the rest of your install.
04Ultra
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 1
From: Lenexa, KS (KC)
RE: 26G Cam Install Update
04Ultra, sounds like you have a nice install going. I think we'll both be satisfied with replacing the tensionsers when all is complete. I've been running Mobil 1 V-twin in mine for the past 2000 miles, and had Redline in it 4000 miles before that (when I bought it used). I don't know what the previous owners used. My outside looked very good, but inside was about shot. I'm sure using a good synthetic over the long haul helps to prolong their life. Let me know how she runs when you get her buttoned up.