cam tensioners
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Perry Ohio
cam tensioners
I was just reading a thread on cam chain tensioners.How would I know if they were going bad? What would it sound like? When I read some of these threads i get parinoid. Then i think my bike is having problems. What is asign of the tensioners going bad? I have a 2000 RK with 15000 miles on it. I just bought it in Oct. Haven't got to ride it much. It has a s&s carb. and sounds like some kind of cam. Runs good in midrange.I bought it from a HD dealer they performed the 15000 mile checkup when i bought it.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 153
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From:
I seriously doubt that the dealership checked the tensioners at 15,000 miles. While some talk about sounds or cutting open your oil filter and checking for an excessive amount of orange particales, I agree with 69z28 and Leftcoaster that the only way to tell if the tensioners are excessively worn is to remove the front exhaust and take the cam chest cover off and look. PLEASE be sure to inspect the inner tensioner carefully. It is harder to see (you'll need a dental mirror) but mine was ready to grenade at 24,000 miles while the outer tensioner still was somewhat servicable. I am thankful that forum members advised me to check both tensioners because the wear rate is highly variable.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 275
Likes: 1
From: Jax, FL
Rock4gzus is right, remove the front pipe, take off the cam cover, and use a dental mirror and flashlight to check the rear shoe. My front one didn't look that bad at 30K, but the back one was just about ready to go.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,200
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From:
No need to drain oil - main oil pan is below the cam chest. Will get like a little oil that is in there that has not drained down - so keep a rag under the cam chest when you open it. Also, be aware the cam cover might be a bit difficult to come loose - so a few taps with a rubber mallet might be needed.
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Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 17,265
Likes: 21
From: Los Angeles, CA
No need to drain oil - main oil pan is below the cam chest. Will get like a little oil that is in there that has not drained down - so keep a rag under the cam chest when you open it. Also, be aware the cam cover might be a bit difficult to come loose - so a few taps with a rubber mallet might be needed.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 752
Likes: 0
From: North East, Florida
When they fail, you can hear a rattle. Almost like stones in a coffee can. The tensioners are much easier to replace than most people think. You do need a service manual and a good torque wrench. You can do the job on the kick stand, but a lift makes it much easier. If I remember right parts are around $150.00.