Hi,
I have a '05 EGC with 40K miles(makin me nervous about those tensioners!) and am thinking about trading up to an Ultra..
What year did they upgrade tensioners and, generally, how long do the new ones last?

Thanks in advance for any replies!
Gary

 

07, and they last nearly forever.


I'd look for 08 and up though. The 07's had some bugs in them (some of them).

 

The hydraulic tensioners started on the 07 models.

 

I think it was 2006 they changed them.

 

The upgrade to all models came in on the '07 models. I have heard that 80k plus is the life expectancy.

 

+1 the 07 with the 96". So the short answer is never, they didn't upgrade them on the 88

 

This is actually correct. The new tensioners were introduced on the '06 88" Dynas.

Then introduced to all models in '07 in the 96" engine.

 

Thanks for the replies! I'll see if i can scrape up the $ for a '07 or '08 if that doesn't work out i guess i'll have to upgrade mine in the spring.

 

It's still a tensioner pad (or shoe). Is there a difference in the material, or is it because they're hydraulic instead of spring tension?

I must be a frickin antique. I still like gear to gear.

Mine are still spring loaded. You have 40K on originals? You're brave.
I've stated this before, but mine were 1/3 worn (the inside one) @ 9500
miles. But thats on a 2000. I understand in late 00 or early 01 they did change tensioner shoes to a different design.

 

To switch over to the 07 will also require 07 and up cam support plate/bearings. Back on my old 2000 bagger, I switched over to gear drive cams when I went into the cam chest to replace my oil pump.

Either way you go is a definite plus, as well as knowing that bottom end will not self destruct after 40K.