Checking the cam chain tensioners?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,520
Likes: 3,953
From: Vermont
Then release tension and pull the tensioner away from chain and inspect. To do the rear, you can use a dental mirror and flashlight and pry the tensioner away and inspect. Here's what it looks like under the cover.
Last edited by dawg; Nov 11, 2009 at 06:09 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 73
From: MA
Inspecting the front tensioner is very easy since it is right in plain sight. To inspect the rear, you have to view it with a dental mirror while prying it back away from the chain. It's do-able but a PITA. You will have to replace the gasket. I have yet to be able to do my inspection without destroying the gasket.
You should also roll you scoot up onto a couple of pieces of 2 x 6's then lean it over onto the jiffy stand. This will allow you to take off the cover without draining your oil.
You should also roll you scoot up onto a couple of pieces of 2 x 6's then lean it over onto the jiffy stand. This will allow you to take off the cover without draining your oil.
Last edited by soos; Nov 11, 2009 at 06:14 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,146
Likes: 471
From: along the Front Range in Colorado
....... this is why i LOVE this forum ....... photos of vital parts of our HD's ! While I'd heard of the cam chain tensioners & some issues associated w/them, I'd never seen one or understood where the dmd things were. Now that I've seen one, I can understand why the little plastic things wear out.
... So, what the difference between the orange one pictured and the replacement/upgrade that MoCo now sells ?
... So, what the difference between the orange one pictured and the replacement/upgrade that MoCo now sells ?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 73
From: MA
At the very top of this pic, you see what looks like a sharks fin behind the cam plate. This is the rear tensioner. On the front of the plate you see a nub with a small hole in it. You have to pry back the tensioner thru the gap with a screw driver. When you have it pried back far enough insert a nail into the hole of the front nub. This will hold the tensioner away from the rear chain and allow you to insert a dental mirror inte the gap to view the tensioner. As I said earlier, this can be a PITA.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,520
Likes: 3,953
From: Vermont
The new ones are hydraulic and don't have the spring tension system. They are also made of a different material
Trending Topics
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 73
From: MA
Gotta be a freakin echo in here.....
Last edited by soos; Nov 11, 2009 at 07:31 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski