primary chain tensioner
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 684
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
primary chain tensioner
I have about 51,000 on my 08 eGlide. I have changed engine oil every 2500 miles and tranny + primary fluid every 5000 miles religiously.
With the number of miles I am starting to think I should look at the primary chain tensioner. Since they took away the inspection cover on the primary cover (not derby) I will have to pull the cover to inspect it... which looks like kind of a big deal to me.
So, other than pulling the cover and looking at the tensioner, is there any way to tell it needs to be replaced by the way the bike shifts or runs? All seems fine, but I'd rather to some maintenance up front rather than repair damage later.
And how big a deal is this project?
Thanks.
With the number of miles I am starting to think I should look at the primary chain tensioner. Since they took away the inspection cover on the primary cover (not derby) I will have to pull the cover to inspect it... which looks like kind of a big deal to me.
So, other than pulling the cover and looking at the tensioner, is there any way to tell it needs to be replaced by the way the bike shifts or runs? All seems fine, but I'd rather to some maintenance up front rather than repair damage later.
And how big a deal is this project?
Thanks.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,698
Likes: 11
From: Longview, Washington
I have about 51,000 on my 08 eGlide. I have changed engine oil every 2500 miles and tranny + primary fluid every 5000 miles religiously.
With the number of miles I am starting to think I should look at the primary chain tensioner. Since they took away the inspection cover on the primary cover (not derby) I will have to pull the cover to inspect it... which looks like kind of a big deal to me.
So, other than pulling the cover and looking at the tensioner, is there any way to tell it needs to be replaced by the way the bike shifts or runs? All seems fine, but I'd rather to some maintenance up front rather than repair damage later.
And how big a deal is this project?
Thanks.
With the number of miles I am starting to think I should look at the primary chain tensioner. Since they took away the inspection cover on the primary cover (not derby) I will have to pull the cover to inspect it... which looks like kind of a big deal to me.
So, other than pulling the cover and looking at the tensioner, is there any way to tell it needs to be replaced by the way the bike shifts or runs? All seems fine, but I'd rather to some maintenance up front rather than repair damage later.
And how big a deal is this project?
Thanks.
You should have a shop manual before you tear into anything!!
What will you do if you open it up and find the tensioner shoe is worn down? That's right, you'll want to change it. To do that, you will need the manual because you can't guess about the process or torque values.
On my 07, I was going after the inner primary bearing because I knew there was a problem from the noise my primary was making. Ended up pulling the inner prmary which is a fairly big job but very doable with a manual.
If you don't have a shop manual, you can get one at an Ebay store for around $50.
Good luck on you job.
Steve
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 3
From: Southeastern Michigan
Yup easy job, should just cost you the primary oil if you're just checking. You can re-use the Primary Gasket.
FWIW I just had mine apart at 45K and it is starting to wear. Minmimally, but it did have approximately 1/16" to 3/32" chain grooves worn into it. Plenty of wear left - I just wonder if it'll wear faster now that it's worn in? I'm wondering about my Cam Chain Tensioners now too?
FWIW I just had mine apart at 45K and it is starting to wear. Minmimally, but it did have approximately 1/16" to 3/32" chain grooves worn into it. Plenty of wear left - I just wonder if it'll wear faster now that it's worn in? I'm wondering about my Cam Chain Tensioners now too?
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 684
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
Already have the shop manual... it was the first thing I bought for the bike.
This will probably be a winter project... Being October, we'll probably get our first blizzard in the next couple of weeks, so I'll probably do it then.
Thanks for the advice.
This will probably be a winter project... Being October, we'll probably get our first blizzard in the next couple of weeks, so I'll probably do it then.
Thanks for the advice.
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 684
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
Yup easy job, should just cost you the primary oil if you're just checking. You can re-use the Primary Gasket.
FWIW I just had mine apart at 45K and it is starting to wear. Minmimally, but it did have approximately 1/16" to 3/32" chain grooves worn into it. Plenty of wear left - I just wonder if it'll wear faster now that it's worn in? I'm wondering about my Cam Chain Tensioners now too?
FWIW I just had mine apart at 45K and it is starting to wear. Minmimally, but it did have approximately 1/16" to 3/32" chain grooves worn into it. Plenty of wear left - I just wonder if it'll wear faster now that it's worn in? I'm wondering about my Cam Chain Tensioners now too?
Thing is, from what I hear getting the cam cover off is a bugger. A lot of smacking with a rubber hammer is involved.. which kind of bothers me.. because I think smacking with a hammer ought to be done by some one more qualified than myself.
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Give me a call..............I'm good at beatin' **** with a rubber mallet
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,698
Likes: 11
From: Longview, Washington
Isn't there a video floating around of you beating the $hit out of a cam cover????
Link anyone???
Link anyone???