Cam Chain Tensioners
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
Likes: 7
From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
I thought the ones in the first post looked "cooked" to me (been hot).
I wonder if he has a bad chain? An out of align chain? Friction will make heat rappidly.
I'm not saying they never made a yellow version, but I have not heard of it yet.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,611
Likes: 104
From: Southern Colorado
This topic comes up every now and again and so it remains at the top of my priority list to think about changing.
Soooo....I was at the dealer Friday evening and talked with two tech's in the service dept. (I trust these guys and anything they have to say)....they told me that as a rule-of-thumb they see cam chain tensioners needing to be replaced at 45,000 miles on average. I still have 13k to go on my bike so this will be a winter 10/11 project.
Soooo....I was at the dealer Friday evening and talked with two tech's in the service dept. (I trust these guys and anything they have to say)....they told me that as a rule-of-thumb they see cam chain tensioners needing to be replaced at 45,000 miles on average. I still have 13k to go on my bike so this will be a winter 10/11 project.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,719
Likes: 1
Anyone thinking about using the old tensioners because they have little wear...
Those orange tensioners were made with a process which produced the bubbles beneath the smooth outer surface. Once you skim that smooth surface off, there is less area for the chain to ride on, and that leads to faster wearing of the inner material. So, just because there isn't much wear at the time of removal, don't overlook that. Spend the extra few bucks to change them out for the new type if for nothing else but peace of mind...
Those orange tensioners were made with a process which produced the bubbles beneath the smooth outer surface. Once you skim that smooth surface off, there is less area for the chain to ride on, and that leads to faster wearing of the inner material. So, just because there isn't much wear at the time of removal, don't overlook that. Spend the extra few bucks to change them out for the new type if for nothing else but peace of mind...
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 763
Likes: 1
From: North Edwards, CA
That Explains it
Anyone thinking about using the old tensioners because they have little wear...
Those orange tensioners were made with a process which produced the bubbles beneath the smooth outer surface. Once you skim that smooth surface off, there is less area for the chain to ride on, and that leads to faster wearing of the inner material. So, just because there isn't much wear at the time of removal, don't overlook that. Spend the extra few bucks to change them out for the new type if for nothing else but peace of mind...
Those orange tensioners were made with a process which produced the bubbles beneath the smooth outer surface. Once you skim that smooth surface off, there is less area for the chain to ride on, and that leads to faster wearing of the inner material. So, just because there isn't much wear at the time of removal, don't overlook that. Spend the extra few bucks to change them out for the new type if for nothing else but peace of mind...
-clutch-
P.S. Thanks for sharing...that's what makes this forum a great place to be between the rides!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 73
From: MA
My guess would be in '08 for the change to the ivory colored pad. The OP says he has an '07 which is the first year of the change over to the new style tensioners for the entire touring line up. I just bought the SE Hydraulic Cam Plate Kit #25284-08.
Last edited by soos; Jan 10, 2010 at 02:12 PM.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
Likes: 7
From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
This topic comes up every now and again and so it remains at the top of my priority list to think about changing.
Soooo....I was at the dealer Friday evening and talked with two tech's in the service dept. (I trust these guys and anything they have to say)....they told me that as a rule-of-thumb they see cam chain tensioners needing to be replaced at 45,000 miles on average. I still have 13k to go on my bike so this will be a winter 10/11 project.
Soooo....I was at the dealer Friday evening and talked with two tech's in the service dept. (I trust these guys and anything they have to say)....they told me that as a rule-of-thumb they see cam chain tensioners needing to be replaced at 45,000 miles on average. I still have 13k to go on my bike so this will be a winter 10/11 project.
Matter of fact, the OP's tensioners are the first ones I saw with wear on them (newer style).
.
Last edited by Faast Ed; Jan 10, 2010 at 02:12 PM.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
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From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
My 08 has the pure white ones.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,437
Likes: 15
It did flow into the oil filter and that is where they found a couple of pieces. This all took place because I was asking the service mgr about the cam tensioner. He told they would open up the oil filter and check for any signs. I asked because the bike had 80,000k miles and never had them checked before. The service tech found a couple small piece in the oil filter. In checking the oil pump you could see the scratches in the bore section. Both were replaced under ESP, so I did not question them about it all that much. I have about 105,000K on it now and no issues with the oil pump.
Digger
Camas, WA
Digger
Camas, WA
That must be a record for miles, I have never heard of a any brand bike with 105,000,000 miles
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,655
Likes: 9
From: Northwest Arkansas
According to the '07 parts manual the primary number is 39968-06 and the secondary is 39969-06. Those are the same part numbers listed in the '09 manual.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,213
Likes: 0
From: Cape Coral, Fl.
Those Tensioners look fine to me.
