Stuck
Stuck
Problem. I have all the tools, parts and manual to install my cams but am a bit hesitant. You see the bike is only a year old (yesterday, Happy Birthday Rachael) and I still have 1 year of warranty left. I am installing SE 255 cams so I am using HD parts just not sure how the dealer will react if I have a problem down the road.
What would you do??????
Thanks
What would you do??????
Thanks
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 934
Likes: 54
From: SE Wisconsin
Problem. I have all the tools, parts and manual to install my cams but am a bit hesitant. You see the bike is only a year old (yesterday, Happy Birthday Rachael) and I still have 1 year of warranty left. I am installing SE 255 cams so I am using HD parts just not sure how the dealer will react if I have a problem down the road.
What would you do??????
Thanks
What would you do??????
Thanks
actually, I got the same bike, same year, and putting the same cams this winter.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
me- ? I'd wait for the warranty to run out.*
otherwise it's all your expense should there be a problem with the motor ( even unrelated to the cams)
2.) work like that I'd have it done by someone who does it all day, every day.
- I could do it, I can do it, I have tools and automotive training.
BUT an experienced tech may recognize a problem that I wouldn't-- that is the benefit of experience.
That's my take. I'm surprised daily by riders who try procedures on the Harley, they wouldn't do on their car--- and for some riders, even bolting on an air cleaner or headers seems to be above them
mike
* this was the approach 20 years ago, ride the bag off of it for the 1 warranty period ( now 2 years)--- then once the bike is "yours" do what you want. ( excepting reversible 'bolt on parts)--- I have seen warranty claims denied for modified carbs- first thing they'd do is check the plug over the idle mixture screw which their fingers)
waiting is a small price for the protection should there be a problem with the bike that the warranty would cover
otherwise it's all your expense should there be a problem with the motor ( even unrelated to the cams)
2.) work like that I'd have it done by someone who does it all day, every day.
- I could do it, I can do it, I have tools and automotive training.
BUT an experienced tech may recognize a problem that I wouldn't-- that is the benefit of experience.
That's my take. I'm surprised daily by riders who try procedures on the Harley, they wouldn't do on their car--- and for some riders, even bolting on an air cleaner or headers seems to be above them
mike
* this was the approach 20 years ago, ride the bag off of it for the 1 warranty period ( now 2 years)--- then once the bike is "yours" do what you want. ( excepting reversible 'bolt on parts)--- I have seen warranty claims denied for modified carbs- first thing they'd do is check the plug over the idle mixture screw which their fingers)
waiting is a small price for the protection should there be a problem with the bike that the warranty would cover
Last edited by mkguitar; Oct 21, 2011 at 11:55 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 17
From: Wisconsin
I did my 2008 when it was about six months old and had the same reservations. This time around, I did my 2012 when it was 18 days old with 2000 miles on her and aftermarket parts, 4 weeks later with 4400 on her, I ain't lookin' back, would do it again in a heartbeat. I say go for it.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Problem. I have all the tools, parts and manual to install my cams but am a bit hesitant. You see the bike is only a year old (yesterday, Happy Birthday Rachael) and I still have 1 year of warranty left. I am installing SE 255 cams so I am using HD parts just not sure how the dealer will react if I have a problem down the road.
If a warrantable issue pops up after your cam job and it is determined the cam work was at least in part to blame, IMO they would be within their rights to deny the warranty work. OTOH if the cam install was unrelated the issue becomes much more nebulous, and I'm not sure if any legal institutions like the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act would protect you. For example, in the case of my tranny job, why couldn't HD say the cams increased the output of the engine beyond the capacity of the tranny components. That would be bogus but it would be my task to prove them wrong.
Last edited by iclick; Oct 21, 2011 at 12:34 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 17
From: Wisconsin
Tough call, and how warranty work is handled depends very much on the dealer. For example, in Sept. 2009 I had some tranny work done on the bike which at that time was 10 months after the warranty had expired. By that time I had installed a PCV with Auto-Tune, AC, mufflers, and 255 cams--and my dealer didn't flinch. The tranny problems had been reported before the warranty had expired and HD picked-up the entire tab on the job. I am fairly confident the dealer did not mention any of the mods to HD during their discussions, so a dealer's attitude toward its customers is the biggest hurdle, IMO.
If a warrantable issue pops up after your cam job and it is determined the cam work was at least in part to blame, IMO they would be within their rights to deny the warranty work. OTOH if the cam install was unrelated the issue becomes much more nebulous, and I'm not sure if any legal institutions like the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act would protect you. For example, in the case of my tranny job, why couldn't HD say the cams increased the output of the engine beyond the capacity of the tranny components. That would be bogus but it would be my task to prove them wrong.
If a warrantable issue pops up after your cam job and it is determined the cam work was at least in part to blame, IMO they would be within their rights to deny the warranty work. OTOH if the cam install was unrelated the issue becomes much more nebulous, and I'm not sure if any legal institutions like the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act would protect you. For example, in the case of my tranny job, why couldn't HD say the cams increased the output of the engine beyond the capacity of the tranny components. That would be bogus but it would be my task to prove them wrong.
I've already done the stage 1 myself so I guess the dealer would say that was the problem anyway. I haven't read too much on here about spinning cam bearings. Other than that and using the stock push-rods I doubt anything else would go wrong. Oh and by the way the bike has 6000 miles on it right now.
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