Bike finally back...here are my tensioners

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Apr 9, 2009 | 10:22 PM

#21

Overdoo

Road Captain

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 673

Likes: 4

From: Charlotte NC

Cam Tensioners

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDRider2002

30K miles and running basically DINO oil. I'm most likely going to be switching to synthetic. As far as interval goes every 3000 miles, plus the end of the season. I will say the riding i do is generally 'aggressive', but who knows if that really even plays a roll. Mainly just enjoy the peace of mind to know its not an issue at this point. As far as the hyd. tensioner...i guess i really don't have an opinion...still trying to get used to the new cam more than anything.

If you change your oil at 3K intervals the difference between the Dino oil and synthetic is so minimal that cam tension wear would be show virtually no difference. The wear comes from the rough spots on the chain. The cam tensioner material is a relatively hard phenolic material but it still is softer that the chain. Guess who wins in the wear department. I had my changed out at 40K when I had my Wide Glide. Believe me they were almost completely gone. I asked several techs where I got my bike serviced and at other dealers and got the same answer. At 3k intervals the wear issue here would not have changed the way the pads wore.

Apr 9, 2009 | 10:43 PM

#22

Tn.Heritage

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 3,917

Likes: 184

From:

I went gear drive at 30,000 and I put in hq 0034's, anywho my tensioners would go another 30,000, or so it seemned, hardly any wear, Amsoil baby!!

Apr 10, 2009 | 06:19 AM

#23

GreenRK

Cruiser

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 173

Likes: 0

From: Flat Rock, NC

I checked mine a couple weeks ago and they looked just about like yours (maybe a bit less wear). I bolted the cover back up and said good for another year.

Oh yeah checked at 30600 mi.

Apr 10, 2009 | 06:37 AM

#24

aclass

Road Captain

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 627

Likes: 2

From: Blue Ridge Mtns

After 30K, those are some of the best looking shoes I've seen. Especially the inner one.
Enjoy the new cams.

Apr 10, 2009 | 07:07 AM

#25

1flhtk4me

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 10,675

Likes: 95

From: Billings,Mt.

Mine had almost as much wear at 30000.

Apr 10, 2009 | 10:45 AM

#26

electra glide

Road Captain

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 724

Likes: 2

From: Cincinnati Ohio

I changed mine at 22,500, they were worn, but fine for a while longer I guess. The next 20,00 will see a new drive, possibly these hydraulic tensioners. My ? is, can I use My SE 203 cams?

Apr 11, 2009 | 06:10 PM

#27

HDRider2002

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 1,142

Likes: 7

From: Michigan

Yeah, the Hyd. upgrade still uses all chain driven cams. So whatever cam is in there now will work just fine with the new kit.

Apr 11, 2009 | 06:58 PM

#28

nocarb

Road Master

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 868

Likes: 51

From: Illinois

Quote:

Originally Posted by Overdoo

I'm not sure if I agree with your first 2 statements. I disagree with the synthetic statement, my opinion on synthetic is it would make a difference. This is just an opinion based on the noticeable drop in wear metals on UOA's for trucks and bike both. I am not saying synthetic will fix HD's **** poor design.

I believe the chain tensioner wear comes from having a spring loaded tensioner applying too much pressure on chain all the time. When I replaced chain tensioner on my 02 I could not believe how much tension the springs had. If the chain was the problem wouldn't HD have changed the chain instead of the tensioner design?

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Apr 11, 2009 | 09:57 PM

#29

carpetride

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 4,128

Likes: 27

From: florida swamp

HD changed the design and material of the tensioner pads and the chain as well. The kit includes a new chain, sprockets, higher capacity oil pump and billet cam plate.

Last edited by carpetride; Apr 11, 2009 at 10:02 PM.