88cam tensioner question

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Aug 4, 2011 | 10:08 PM

Sledge Hammer

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Cruiser

Joined: May 2011

Posts: 154

Likes: 8

From: Cape Coral, Fl

88cam tensioner question

I am a new Harley rider and bought an '04 Ultra a few months ago. I see lots of comments about the cam tensioners being a problem. I have 18,000 miles on mine. I am aware of the cam plate update with hydraulic tensioners, but that is about $400+ just for the parts. Can't you just replace the original style tensioners? Sorry if this is a dumb question?

Aug 4, 2011 | 10:12 PM

captainron62

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Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 488

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yes, you can. the purpose of the screaming eagle kit is to "upgrade" as not only is it also a stronger set up it increases oil flow as well. Lots of adavantages there alone especially if you intend to do a stage 2 kit or something of the sort.

Aug 4, 2011 | 10:14 PM

outlaw481

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Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 83

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From: NE PA

You can..but for the cost of the parts (gaskets and oil too) and knowing your gonna have to do it again, might as well do it once and be done...at least IMO..

Aug 4, 2011 | 10:14 PM

mrmud4x4

Road Captain

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 702

Likes: 16

From: Zebulon, NC

Yes you can...some folks do it...I think the dealerships will charge 200 or 300 for cam shoe change. Not sure of the part number on the shoes but they are either $80 each or $80 per set.

Most folks agree...it's just putting off the inevitable...

My bike has almost 22K miles and the inside shoe is worn.

I just ordered the upgrade and performance cams today for it.

Aug 4, 2011 | 10:19 PM

dawg

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 28,552

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From: Vermont

I'd ride it until it has about 30k and then pull it down and change it out to the SE hydraulic version. By then you should have the money for the parts.

Aug 4, 2011 | 10:21 PM

dickey

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 19,982

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From: Florida

There are a couple ways you can go. You can go to gear drive cams, as long as your crank runout is within specs, or you can go to the new style hydraulic units. You can replace just the stock tensioners, but then you gotta do it again somewhere down the line. At 18K, it ain't an emergency, but you should start thinking about it. Since you're in WI, your riding season's relatively short, so you may get 1 more season before you have to seriously start thinking about the upgrade. Best way to avoid cam tensioner problems is

on't lug the motor, and don't engine brake too much. I have also heard that synthetic oil makes them last longer, but not sure about this one.

Last edited by dickey; Aug 4, 2011 at 10:26 PM.

Aug 4, 2011 | 10:39 PM

DK Custom

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Joined: Nov 2010

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From: Hickory Flat, Mississippi

My experience has been that most tensioner shoes need replacing somewhere between the first 20k to 30k miles. After that they tend to last a bit longer, as much as 40k to 50k. However, that is not a guarantee, have seen him broken apart in 15K too.

Upgrading to the hydraulic is easier if you are planning on some serious miles. If just a few thousand a year, might be more economical to just replace the shoes.

Kevin
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