How I Checked Cam Chain Tensioners on TC88 03 RKC
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 762
Likes: 1
Nice write-up with great pics. I have an 02 RKC and had mine checked/replaced through my indy with S&S gear drive with 510g cams at 33k miles. Here's the pics of the tensioners. The worst one was the inner. (I sure hope that you were able to fully see the inner tensioner...) Going gear drive was one of the best things that I think I've done to my bike (also the Heritage bars were a great mod). Better torque for climbing these N. GA/E. TN mountains, no hesitation when really getting on the throttle... and the great part is that I never have to worry about them anymore. I have 43k miles on the bike now and hope to get 100k or more. The gear drive set w/cams is only around 600.00
95 cylinders/pistons with 9.8:1 compresssion coming next week. Cant wait to feel the difference!
95 cylinders/pistons with 9.8:1 compresssion coming next week. Cant wait to feel the difference!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
Nice writeup, karz, and great pictures !
Irays, your inner was about the worse one I've seen a picture posted of, that was still in service. Mine "looked good" at 30,000, until removed, when a crack was detected that passed clear through one across one corner, which could have broke off at any time.
I also agree with your price on gear drives...careful shopping can get a lot better price than a $1000. I bought a complete Andrews 21G kit on ebay for $529 (American Classic Motors), new lifters and adjustable pushrods and covers from my Harley dealer, who gave me a discount, and had the whole works installed during my 30,000 mile service, for a total cost of $1008, including labor. I, too, couldn't be happier, and now don't have to worry about them again.
Incidently, at 30,000, all my Ultra had seen was Syn 3.
Irays, your inner was about the worse one I've seen a picture posted of, that was still in service. Mine "looked good" at 30,000, until removed, when a crack was detected that passed clear through one across one corner, which could have broke off at any time.
I also agree with your price on gear drives...careful shopping can get a lot better price than a $1000. I bought a complete Andrews 21G kit on ebay for $529 (American Classic Motors), new lifters and adjustable pushrods and covers from my Harley dealer, who gave me a discount, and had the whole works installed during my 30,000 mile service, for a total cost of $1008, including labor. I, too, couldn't be happier, and now don't have to worry about them again.
Incidently, at 30,000, all my Ultra had seen was Syn 3.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 6
From: Jax, FL
This is what an HD engineer told me when I asked about why these wear out and the benefit of the SE kit. When my 99 and 03 get to 20K I'll be putting the SE kit in.