Used Cams
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,437
Likes: 15
heck every bike that has ever been started has used cams lol. People change lifters without changing cams and if your inner and outer (if you have them) are in good shape and your oil system works nothing wrong with used cams as long as they look good.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
Used roller cams should have few issues. I pull my race roller cam every freshen up in my race motor, and the lobes never get the same lifters because it isn't important. I run twice the spring pressure and 1 1/2 times the rpm of a HD motor. Like said earlier, if you can't feel it with your finger nail, there is insignificant wear and the cam is fine. These are rolling friction parts, not sliding friction like a flat tappet design cam. Those you NEVER (except with ceramic lifters!) ever put together with used lifters unless the parts go back in exactly as removed. I would not be afraid to buy any used cam provided I could check it or get a reference for the seller.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 828
Likes: 2
From: USA
I puchased low milage pulls (2000 miles) from a CVO and saved myself $150. No wear pattern that I could feel on any of the running/contact surfaces. Only some slight discoloration. I put them in last Spring and did not experience any problems at all last year. If you are buy them from someone that lives too far away for you to physically inspect them before purchase then insist that they send you some pictures of them before purchasing. Also, I think that if they are pulled from a low milage motor that is a plus.
Last edited by jimski; Jan 30, 2011 at 08:26 AM.
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 3
From: Open Road, USA
Hell, I saw brand new cams on ebay last night for less than 100.00.....Don't remember what they were, I think SE 203's and something else...Speaking of 203's what will they do for 88 motor, I want a little more power midrange with being radical.
Joe
Joe
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 636
Likes: 1
From: Monterey, CA
Thanks for the replies. I guess I can cut a lot of corners on buying extras for the bike, but when it comes to internal engine parts, it is best just to bite the bullet and buy new.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,711
Likes: 9,214
From: Snow Hill, NC
Damn SON, We didn't make you feel warm n fuzzy...LOL...It is entirely your choice.
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 3
From: Open Road, USA
Yep, no warm and fuzzy feelings, I guess. I wouldn't worry to much about what a few opinions are. I would ask questions about the cam or any other used parts. How long were they installed, was the bike ran hard(racing ,etc)oil changed regularly,etc. If they only have a few miles on them or none, I would buy them if I am saving money. Some don't care about saving money. More money in my pockets more bling I can buy and more road trips Momma and me can take...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,313
Likes: 5
all the money we spend on these bikes wheels big bores ect. and we wanna skimp by buying used cams. again thats me i bought the fuel moto 555 cam kit comes with everything u need for the install $580.00 shipped. for external dress up parts yes maybe i would buy used but internal parts i buy new. but thats me good luck on your choice.
Rick
Rick
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 8
From: Detroit, the asshole of America
I'd have no problems whatsoever about running a used roller cam. Inspect it to make sure the wear pattern looks normal (not the result of running incorrect, soft valvesprings, etc), and just install it and go.
Definitely would pass on used rings, bearings, spark plugs and oil (
) but roller cams are a perfectly good item to buy used.
Definitely would pass on used rings, bearings, spark plugs and oil (
) but roller cams are a perfectly good item to buy used.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 190
Likes: 2
From: Central MA
There is no reason to have concerns about using a low mileage roller cam that came out of a heathly engine. A visible inspection of the cam lobes and surfaces that ride on the bearings should tell you all you need to know about the condition. You may see a few lines but if you can't feel them with a finger nail they aren't a concern. These are not the flat tappet cams of old that wore the lobes down over time.