Cam chain tensioner rumor

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Aug 14, 2008 | 09:20 PM

#31

Taterdog

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 2,183

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From: Lenexa, KS (KC)

Quote:

Originally Posted by realbiker

As other post have said it's the earlier models that should keep up with it. Also not just Tourbikes, all TC88's

Yep, you're right on.

Aug 14, 2008 | 10:01 PM

#32

cardboard

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 3,909

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From: Livingston, Texas

My buddy has 36,000 on his 06 Standard, he just changed to gear drive and upgraded the cams.
I tore my 08 bike down and went with TW6-6 chain drive cams at 15,000 shoes looked good.
After my buddy seen my chains and how easy it was to do my bike he wished he had of went with the new style chains drive.

You must check Pinion shaft runout before you go with gear drive cams !

Aug 14, 2008 | 10:11 PM

#33

FXSTDSE2

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 2,009

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From: South Jersey

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1FLTRI4ME

I think most of the wear is because the side of the chain that rubs on the pads is rough due to the characteristics of metal stamping.This why some people polish the chain when reinstalling.

I will agree with that. The most common practice around here (my neck of the woods) if you can't pony up the $$ for gear drive or update is to replace the tensioners if you have over 30K. The old tensioners have polished the chains for you. And if it blew, they polish the new chains like polishing the trim for a classic car restoration. They should be smooth and shine like chrome when you are finished.
I will add that the Ultra listed below has 95K and the 2nd set just came out with the 4th can change. The rear one looked almost new and the front one was worn .040 which is about 10%. I did change the chains and would recommend new chains on high mile motors if you are in there.

Last edited by FXSTDSE2; Aug 14, 2008 at 10:21 PM.

Aug 14, 2008 | 11:27 PM

#34

atexn4christ

Road Master

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 979

Likes: 1

From: Glenn Heights,TX now in Vegas

28,800+ on my Road Glide haven't checked it, but no probs yet. Looking to get Andrews 26g soon.

Aug 14, 2008 | 11:42 PM

#35

seantx

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Joined: Sep 2007

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White Knight's avatar makes it hard to stay on task here....

Just 10K on 06 RK but no problems so far.

Aug 15, 2008 | 06:12 AM

#36

Araba Shriner

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 1,213

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From: Cape Coral, Fl.

Quote:

Originally Posted by white trash

I heard a rumor today that the cam chain tensioners are goin bad at about 10k + on the touring bikes. Sounds like bull crap. Anyone else heard or know about this?

Im not real sure how to tell if a chain tensioner is bad ... Is it performance loss or a noise you hear?

Sorry this sounds kinda elementary, but Im just not familiar with the problem it causes.

Thanks for the headsup

Aug 15, 2008 | 07:05 AM

#37

MrHd1

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 452

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From:

I too would ask where have you been.* The fact that it is not listed as a "normal wear item" benefits those with extended warranties.* I agree with inspection begining at 25K.* You can se the inside shoe with the right sized inspection mirror. This problem is in no way unique to the touring bikes.

Aug 15, 2008 | 07:07 AM

#38

HDDOC

Road Captain

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 602

Likes: 10

From: Bradenton, FL.

If you decide to go the gear drive route, make sure you measure the pinion shaft run out, any more than .002" I would use ther new roller chain and camplate with the hyd tensioners. Cheapest way is to replace the stock tensioners. Doc