Cam Shoe Question
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: Maryland/Florida
Cam Shoe Question
I have a 2004 Electric Glide with 50,000 miles. It is in service at this moment. I'm told the cam shoes are worn, but not cracked, etc. They are recommending replacement which I was going to do anyway. A few years ago I bought the ESP (service protection). Warranty will cover the work and parts if I replace as original. The service manager is suggesting I put in a hydraulic system which would cost me $300.00. My thoughts are, the bike did well these last 6 yrs,/50K miles, I don't know how much longer I'll keep this bike and will I put another 50k on it if I do?
My question is: Would you opt for the more expensive system, or stay with the way it was originally built? TIA
My question is: Would you opt for the more expensive system, or stay with the way it was originally built? TIA
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 474
Likes: 3
From: Los Angeles, CA
I would probably opt for the more expensive hydraulic set up. You were fortunate to get 50,000 the first time, but would you be as lucky the next go around? For the peace of mind, I'd upgrade while I was in there. Then, even if you do trade it in, you'll have positive karma built up towards the next owner...and who couldn't use a little extra positive karma? BTW, I don't think there is a 'wrong' answer...good luck with your decision.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 12
Is the $300 the difference between what the ESP will pay and the cost to upgrade? If not can you pay just the difference between the two? What about lifters? Id also replace the inner cam bearings with torringtons while youre in there.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: Maryland/Florida
$300 is the cost above the ESP. I'm thinking of just replacing the shoes.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
Cam shoe tensioner wear seems to vary; on my '04 EG, they were toast at 40K and had them replaced under the ESP along with a cam change and new lifters; I paid the $50 deductible and the cost of pressing the cams. This was before the hydraulic tensioner was available.
Given the uncertainties of your situation, I'd suggest just doing the replacement cam shoes, but do the bearing; it's an inexpensive but worthwhile improvement.
Carl
Given the uncertainties of your situation, I'd suggest just doing the replacement cam shoes, but do the bearing; it's an inexpensive but worthwhile improvement.
Carl
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 131
Likes: 20
From: iowa
My tensioners at 28000 looked to have little wear and my oil pressure always seems more than adequate. From what I can gather, some cam chains were rough and prematurely wore the tensioner pads. Yours do not seem to have that problem. There are better things to spend the $300 on than an upgrade. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: Maryland/Florida
My tensioners at 28000 looked to have little wear and my oil pressure always seems more than adequate. From what I can gather, some cam chains were rough and prematurely wore the tensioner pads. Yours do not seem to have that problem. There are better things to spend the $300 on than an upgrade. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 280
From: North Cental Iowa
I think for the $300 you would have a very good selling point when you decide to sell or trade, almost everyone that knows Harleys knows that the tensioners are a problem. I think you would get back the $300 & a lot more when selling, it's about a grand if out of your pocket if you don't have warranty. As others have said replace the inner cam bearings either way you go, should be $50 or less.