Chain Tensioner...maybe a better question
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Club Member
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Missouri
Chain Tensioner...maybe a better question
I have an 07 RKC. Are the hydraulic cam chain tensioners more prone to wear than the primary tensioners? I have 43,000 miles and indy mech. thinks at next service I should have at least the cam chain tensioners checked. I think if he's checking one side probably should have both checked if were gonna check. What are the symptoms of a worn cam chain tensioner? Symptoms of worn primary chain tensioner?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: SE Michigan
Its like colon cancer, once you have symptoms is almost too late. But I've not heard that the hydraulic tensioner system has had any problems with wearing shoes, has anyone had their cam tensioners wear out with the new system?
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: TOAK western branch
You can have them checked if you like but I wouldnt loose any sleep over them. In my 07 I am almost at 100,000 and my primary has barely enough to catch a fingernail and my cam tensioners were half worn at 90,000. Take some pictures when he opens it up.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: TOAK western branch
There is one picture with a melted and destroid one but I believe it was due to a bad tune or some other external issue, not the tensioners fault.
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From: Missouri
Well if I do have him do it, is there anything else he should look around at while he's in there. I'm sure he will anyway but anything specific he should be looking for? It does seem the normal Harley ticking, sewing machine sound was louder this riding season. Is it me or does the 'what everyone says is the normal sound of a Harley' get louder as the bikes get more miles on them.
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From: Honah Lee
Your roller chain if indeed that what it is will last life of motor. Harley phased in in around that time frame. The hydralic part is smoke Harley used to hide their screw up in saving 5 cents on the link chain. Once the outer links wear in the rollers roll and it will roll till the shoes get hard and brittle and break. Long time but probably should be inspected every 50k in hot climates. The hydraulic roller chain tensioner on a lot of car motors is hard rubber and seen them fine at 200K. link and roller example. See my album for my link. Do not think since the primary is similar setup that it will ever wear out. Mine at 30K had not even got to rollers yet and it's the old manual adjustable one. Do not think you will have any symptoms unless a shoe breaks and you'll know to stop then. I would let him inspect it and please take a few pictures and post here. With Harley's history how can you say for certain what you have in an 07?
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Sep 14, 2018 at 11:24 AM.
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