Cam chain tensioner????
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 65
Likes: 2
From: Robbinston, Maine
I've got an '01 Ultra with 40k miles. I'm in the process of switching to hydraulics now. The tensioners were worn down quite a bit. I had no previous problems with the bike but I'm sure glad we checked them now.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
the tenssioners should be good up to 30000 miles at minimum,ride the bike this year than next year do a cam change with the timken bearings put new lifters in her and some adjustable push rods and then ride that bitch hard for another 50000 worry free miles.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
not all of the 05s are having valve seal problems they didn;t use the same seal thru the whole porduction run if your bike was made after june you should be good and the way you will find out is by increased oil consumption my 05 can run 5000 miles between changes( and i havent changed the seals) with out adding oil
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
Likes: 7
From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
not all of the 05s are having valve seal problems they didn;t use the same seal thru the whole porduction run if your bike was made after june you should be good and the way you will find out is by increased oil consumption my 05 can run 5000 miles between changes( and i havent changed the seals) with out adding oil
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Just got mine back, 04 ultra, 32k mi. mine the spring & shoe fell out when i pulled the cover off. My buddys 2000 night train has 75k on it & his look new!!! Drop the pipe & peg & pull the cover. Look at the outside shoe , if its good, you only lost a gasket & an hour. If not it could cost an engine!!! Good luck!!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,549
Likes: 3,954
From: Vermont
The rear shoe needs to be checked too, not just the front.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 253
Likes: 1
From: S E Michigan
I too have an '01 FLHTCUI with 44,140 miles. As the 3rd owner, I suspected the tensioners weren't checked. To ensure worry-free riding on long trips I decided over this winter to have the SE Hydraulic upgrade done. Also, wanted the new oil pump to keep things lubricated & cool. The local Harley dealer opened her up and the outer shoe was worn 20% the inner shoe was down 50%. With that being said my real problem was discovered to be the front cylinder cam lobes were scored deeper than .050" (bad lifters). I already had intentions to change them to SE-204's. I need more torque to haul the better-half around. I replaced the lifters and both inner/outer cam chains. Total cost for the complete lower half rebuild (bearings, lifters, cams, plate, oil pump, chains, tensioners, gaskets, etc.) including a 15% parts & labor discount was $1500.00. After all the work was done, the dyno run showed a 10% HP gain and an 8% torque gain. The numbers are Max HP=68.58 & Max Torque=80.77.
Last edited by kdfcogwheel; Feb 22, 2010 at 11:18 AM. Reason: Add info
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I BOUGHT THE WARRANTY 7 YR ON MY 04 RADGLIDE. I TOOK IT IN BEFORE I WENT ON A CROSS COUNTRY TRIP AND TOLD THE SERVICE MANAGER OF MY PLANS FOR A CROSS COUNTRY TRIP AND EXPLAINED I HAD 30,000 + AND WANTED THEM TO CHECK OUT MY CAM CHAIN TENSIONERS.NOW THIS IS 5 YRS INTO THE WARRENTY. THEY DID AND THEY WERE WORN. hE CALLED THE FACTORY AND SAID." HEY WE CAN CHANGE THEM NOW OR WAIT UNTILL THIS GUY LAUNCHES HIS MOTOR SOME WHERE IN DEATH VALLEY AND BUY HIM A MOTOR." THEY APPROVED THE WORK AND THE DEALER PUT IN NEW OIL PUMP HYDRAULIC TENSIONERS LIFTERS AND CHAINS $50 DEDUCTABLE. DEPENDS ON THE DEALER I GUESS. JUST MY EXPERIENCE.
