Pulled the cam chain cover today to inspect the cam chain tensioners. The primary was worn about 2 mm.(about 1/2 of the shoe)Just under what the manual says to replace. The inner showed hardly any wear at 21000 miles.
Can I just replace the primary shoe only, by removing the snap ring from the post and removing the tensioner and shoe without any special tools.
I knowI should do both, but the inneris good and I can't afford to do the gear driven cam thing right now. After wrestling with the exhaust for most of a afternoon, I'd like to do a fix and not worry about it for another 20000 miles.
Mark

 

It can be done. I took mine apart that way. I would think if you used some thin metal like a shoe horn to slide it on past the chain might work for installing it. Be careful of the spring tension.

 

It is very difficult to do and you run the chance of ruining a $35.00 piece.

 

Like the others have said, the spring is very strong. It won't fly around the room or anything if it slips, but it takes a strong wrist. It can be done, but be careful.

 

Thanks guys, I'm thinking with two strong men it could be done. What is it? about 1 1/2 turns on the spring. Like to get by with the cheap fix for now.

 

I pulled the timing cover on my Dyna today to check the wear on the cam shoes. The wear appears to be less than half of what the manual says. I've got 48,500 miles using Mobil 1 V-Twin, actually started using synthetic at 10,000 miles. Guess i should start thinking about changing them out. At least I have a few more miles left in them.

 

I would say the easiest way to replace the tensioner is to remove the outer sprockets and chain............that will give you the room you need to work. With the chain removed, the tensioner will go forward and release the tension from the spring..........you can remove the old one and install the new one that way. Then use a pair of channel locks to rotate the new tensioner back and install a small nail to hold it back in place. Reinstall the sprockets and chain again, then pull the small nail to let the tensioner go back against the chain. Make sure to have the timing alignment dots lined up on the sprockets.

Steve

 

How did you check the inner tensioner without taking the outer sprockets and cam plate off?

 

Dental mirror works great for this.

Steve

 

maineultraclassic is right on both counts. However I did replace both tensioners. Made a post with pics of tensioners and new bars since then. Need to learn how to post a link.