Cam Chain Tensioners?
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Joined: Mar 2006
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Cam Chain Tensioners?
I have a 2000 RK with about 40K miles. I haven't had a single problem with this bike but am a little worried about the cam chain tensioners. Any honest opinions on replacement. Mechanics would have you believe this is a serious problem but I haven't heard this from many owners. I ride pretty hard and do mostly tour type riding and would like to know if I need to replace or mod the existing setup.
Thanks in advance.
Chiz
Thanks in advance.
Chiz
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Joined: Mar 2006
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RE: Cam Chain Tensioners?
S&S gear drive...do some cams while your at it along with a cam plate ... maybe even a fueling oil pump ...and then a kit....an while your at it...give that scoot some HEAD...a hot dyno tune and put another 40 on it 
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Concord, CA
RE: Cam Chain Tensioners?
Everything I have read says to treat them just like a timing belt in a cage.
Every 40-60k miles and all is good. It also seems that the MoCo planned for failure by putting in screens to protect the motor in the event of failure. Replacement and some cleaning is all that is supposedly required. Can anyone verify that one?
Gear drives are supposed to have a whole new set of issues, however I don't know what those issues are. Maybe noise?
Every 40-60k miles and all is good. It also seems that the MoCo planned for failure by putting in screens to protect the motor in the event of failure. Replacement and some cleaning is all that is supposedly required. Can anyone verify that one?
Gear drives are supposed to have a whole new set of issues, however I don't know what those issues are. Maybe noise?
Supporter
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,366
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From: Ozark, AL
RE: Cam Chain Tensioners?
Other than the noise, I haven't heard of gear drive issues. They are supposed to eliminate valve timing variations due to a worn chain and tensioner assembly. Anybody know for sure?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: TX
RE: Cam Chain Tensioners?
The S&S gear drive is a great product. I put 40k on my last RG before I traded it, after motor mods. I have heard people mention gear noise, but I would put that engine next to any stock engine for a drive train noise comparison - it was quiet. It is a good move when you change cams, but the gear set costs more than the cams. I was checking this week & directparts.com has Andrews gear drive cams for ~$250 and the requisite gear set is another ~$389 (gears & install kit).
That said, I would have a look at the stock tensioner pads after 40k. I would not go into another riding season before I replace them. But.... that's just me.
That said, I would have a look at the stock tensioner pads after 40k. I would not go into another riding season before I replace them. But.... that's just me.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: London, Canada
RE: Cam Chain Tensioners?
ORIGINAL: PhilM
That said, I would have a look at the stock tensioner pads after 40k. I would not go into another riding season before I replace them. But.... that's just me.
That said, I would have a look at the stock tensioner pads after 40k. I would not go into another riding season before I replace them. But.... that's just me.
Three of us with about the same mileage as you. Two were worn but not too bad. Third one worn right into the metal. Needless to say, all three got changed this winter.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2005
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From:
RE: Cam Chain Tensioners?
I've read about the cam tensioner and 2005 / 2006 oil burning issue with twin cam motors to the point that it's hard for me to believe that Harley yet understands how to design and build a motorcycle engine that is considered, in modern day terms, reliable and of low maintenance. Yet, people keep buying them like there's no tomorrow.
Let the buyer beware. To spend that much money buying, what is, basically, a low performance motorcycle knowing that after not too many miles a very significant amount of money will likely have to be spent to keep it running is beyond rationale. I'm not that damned emotional about my Harley. Just another 2 cents.
Let the buyer beware. To spend that much money buying, what is, basically, a low performance motorcycle knowing that after not too many miles a very significant amount of money will likely have to be spent to keep it running is beyond rationale. I'm not that damned emotional about my Harley. Just another 2 cents.
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 583
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From: Maine
RE: Cam Chain Tensioners?
Check/change the cam tensioners at 30K miles. At the same time, I would replace the stock lifters with a new set of stock lifters. If it is the first time in the cam chest, I would change out the bearings from the INA bearing to a Torrington bearing. You should be good for another 30K miles. BTW, the inner seems to wear more than the outer tensioner, use a dental mirror to check the inner.
If you do go with gear cams, still do the lifters every 30K and change to the Torrington bearing.
If you do go with gear cams, still do the lifters every 30K and change to the Torrington bearing.