Cam Project Final Write-Up

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Apr 8, 2010 | 11:47 AM

#61

Big_Al47

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 5,568

Likes: 110

From: Fort Worth, TX

Awesome write up! This is above my comfort level of doing, but enjoyed reading the process and seeing all the pics.

Apr 8, 2010 | 03:48 PM

#62

iclick

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 11,615

Likes: 50

From: Baton Rouge, LA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big_Al47

Awesome write up! This is above my comfort level of doing, but enjoyed reading the process and seeing all the pics.

You can do it. Just read the manual and follow the steps, along with the suggestions in these write-ups. I was nervous too, but it's really quite easy, just a bit time-consuming if you take your time like I did. What you'll learn is worth the time, and it is a great bonding experience with your bike.

If you know someone who's done the job before, invite him over for a cook-out, and mention that beer will be on-hand. When he shows up, say "By the way...." while handing him a cold brewsky and being down-wind of the BBQ pit. I'm betting he'll hang around awhile.

Apr 8, 2010 | 09:43 PM

#63

Eddie Haskell

Tourer

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 358

Likes: 24

Quote:

Originally Posted by atrain68

Just a heads up on the pushrod adjustment. If you are using the HD tapered adjustable pushrods use 3.5 turns when using the Woods TW6-6 cams. I exchanged emails with Bob Wood and this recommendation came directly from him. This should quiet the valve noise down considerably.

I have a little bit of tapping noise with 2.5 turns but nothing that is bugging me too badly. The valve noise goes away when the engine is fully warmed up. Readjusting to 3.5 turns should be very easy.

I used the Andrews EZ install push rods and without having anything to compare them to I will say they weren't bad. I'm thinking the SE push rods with the new shorter tubes would make the job much easier. I was really only worried about the push rods when I decided to do my own cams. I went 4 turns and thought "damn, these things are tight, I hope 4 turns is correct" but I waited 1/2 hour and I'll be damned the lifters bled down and I could spin the rod between my fingers. I really doubted they would bleed down, fear of the unknown I guess, not worried anymore.
The hardest part of my whole project so far has been the air cleaner install, specificaly removing the bracket attached on the backside of the throttle body.
I haven't gotten to reinstalling the exhaust as of yet, removal was a piece of cake, I guess low mileage helps.
I'll let you know what happens when I pull the trigger, hopefully tomorrow evening, but maybe Saturday.

Last edited by Eddie Haskell; Apr 8, 2010 at 09:46 PM.

May 9, 2010 | 09:39 PM

#64

wild_ivan242

Intermediate

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 25

Likes: 0

From: Woodland Hills, CA

Sweet man! Great write up. Thx!

May 9, 2010 | 11:05 PM

#65

Scubamike

Road Captain

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 726

Likes: 12

From: Eugene, OR

Great write up! Now its going to cost me more money because now I want to install new cams on my 09 SG. Well I guess it will wait until next winter

May 11, 2010 | 05:59 PM

#66

ronljn

Novice

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 18

Likes: 0

From: Southeast WI

Earlier this year, American Iron Magazine did a story on a cam change. Good pictures and narration. I don't know about you, but I need all the pictures I can get.

May 12, 2010 | 06:19 AM

#67

RDM

Road Master

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 883

Likes: 2

From: Clearwater, FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scubamike

Great write up! Now its going to cost me more money because now I want to install new cams on my 09 SG. Well I guess it will wait until next winter

No need to wait until next winter. On the newer bikes this can be done in 4 to 6 hours on a rainy afternoon. I've done both of my bikes (one twice because I went bigger) and bikes for four friends since the first of the year. Messing with the exhaust is the hardest part of the process.