I was swaping cams on my 2009 twin cam and noticed the snap ring is curved. Is this normal or should it be flat? It looks like it was made that way to keep it tight in the groove, but then it also could be slopy manufacturing this is the first one I have had out so I dont know if this is normal or not?
Im shure someone here will know.
Thanks

 

It is supposed to be curved, in a preloaded, springy kinda way.

 

A photo would be good

 

yep, preload.

 

snap rings are typically made by stamping them out of a sheet of steel. This leaves one side of it with sharp edges, and one side with rounded edges, and can leave it somewhat distorted in a cone shape. The trick here is that the sharp edged side (or convex side) always faces away from the bearing, so thrusting forces tend to flatten the snap ring rather than try to push it out of the groove.

 

Could someone please tell me what kit number contains the snap ring?
I have all the necessary its for my 99 road king classic to convert to the hybrid Screaming Eagle cam plate. Since I am going with the adjustable push rods, I did not need the kit with the head gaskets and o-rings. I think the snap ring that goes onto the front can is in that kit. Is this right?

 

Snap ring is HD #11461

 

Thanks oldhippie

 

Exactly. The curved shape provides a preload against the cam plate.