cam chain tensioners
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,909
Likes: 6
From: Livingston, Texas
RE: cam chain tensioners
Hmmm I'd have the cam plate pulled by a Indy Mechanic and have have the new style cam plate and chains installed and the new style tensioners put in for good luck.When you pull the outter cam plate you can see the tensioner on the outside but not the inside tensioner. I'd have a new style oil pump installed also, its better at pickin up oil.
If the tensioners go out its going to tear up more stuff.
If the tensioners go out its going to tear up more stuff.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 334
Likes: 0
From: Frederick, Colorado
RE: cam chain tensioners
Very timely post. I have an 03 Road King with 32k miles, I have it in the shop now for tires , fluid changes, and I the guys asked to look at the tensioners while they had it. They just called me today and told me the bad news, they are shot, almost down to metal. I am leaving on a 3000 mile trip in two weeks, I am glad I had them look. My suggestion is if the tensionersare on your mind have them checked! A few hundered bucks beats a few thousand any day.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 4
From: Celebration, FL
RE: cam chain tensioners
Changed mine at 26000. Front was starting to go, and the rear was completely failed, without a peep. I only noticed something wrong when it was on a Dyno, just around 25,000, and I hearda slight rattle when they started the Dyno, and my ears were at cam level. I ended up with slight Oil Pump damage from floating plastic, but the bike ran like a champ nonetheless. The rear tensioner is on the left. Notice the lack of plastic on the sides. It was completely flipped backwards, and wasn't even making contact with the chain anymore. The worst part is that I had the local dealer check them at 25,000, right before I took her to the Dyno,and they said they look pristine.
RE: cam chain tensioners
I work with a fellow that has a 01 Classic and his lasted 70K miles. But when they came apart, he knew it. Had to remove the oil pan and clean out the plastic, among other house keeping items inside the engine. Very expensive fix but the bike is now nearing 100k on the rest of the engine.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From:
RE: cam chain tensioners
If your asking you better change em. Pulled mine at 25k and looked o.k. not great o.k.,, go gear drive w/ a mild cam 26g,510g.,hq.0034. if you have a carb. open the a/f screw 3 turns out get a sporty needle.maybe a bump up on the main jet. my 02 EGS has the s/s 510g,95",w/a thunder jet kit. Runs great. Steve
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 681
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta
RE: cam chain tensioners
replacing mine at 25000 miles. like said in a earlier post labor the same to inspect as it is to replace, just parts extra.shoes $65.00 each gasket/bearing kit $65.00 = $195.00 + 3 hours labor If you have the money same labor to put in gear drive cams just the difference in cost of cams etc.
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From:
RE: cam chain tensioners
Mine lasted 13000 miles along with the cam bearings that probaly due to the tensioner having nothing left .The stator lasted 11000 miles.If there was problem with a 01 Ultra mine got it.I bought the bike a year ago with 6700 miles on it.I swithced from HD oil to mobil 1 V-Twin when I got the bike.I should be ready for lots of riding now that everything has been replaced unless there is something else that Harley screwed.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,162
Likes: 1
From: Just South of Detroit, MI
RE: cam chain tensioners
Every bike seems to be different when it comes to this issue. A buddy with a 99 Dyna lost his completely at 36,000 and had to have major engine repairs, another with an 00 Ultra replaced his due to excessive wear at 18,000. I swapped mine out for gear drives at 58,000 and the tensioner feet still looked really good.