Cam tensioner question
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 719
Likes: 69
From: Waxhaw NC
Cam tensioner question
I am the 3rd owner of an 02 Ultra. I have seen a number of threads discussing the need (?) to replace the cam tensioners. Why is this recommended? Is there a symptom to look for? Bought bike with 32K - is there a way to tell if they were replaced by a previous owner?
Thanks
Thanks
only way is to pull the cover off and look at them, they will have no symptons when they go they go, the frount one is easy to see with the cover off, the back one is hard, and that is most offen the bad one, I replaced mine at about 40000 miles the frount was still good the back had a big chunk broke off, put new cams and berrings and the new oil pump in at the same time. If they go out you're dead in the water right there
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 18
From: Orange, VA,
If they go they can take your engine, the plastic can clog oil passages and ruin the engine, I would have them checked asap and upgrade to the new style with better oil pump, once that is done you will have many happy miles, that is a good year for HD's
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 3
From: North Georgia
You need to check yourself or have them checked. Not sayin' you've got to replace.
Decided to replace mine on my '99 king and got everything together. Opened it up @ 43k miles and don't think they'd have lasted much longer.
Beav
Decided to replace mine on my '99 king and got everything together. Opened it up @ 43k miles and don't think they'd have lasted much longer.
Beav
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,473
Likes: 15
From: River City Western Canada
You really need to check them or have someone do it...I had 20 k on my 01 Deuce and the outer was fine but the inner was cracked and had a piece missing. I when with the hydraulic kit.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,473
Likes: 15
From: River City Western Canada
You really need to check them or have someone do it...I had 20 k on my 01 Deuce and the outer was fine but the inner was cracked and had a piece missing. I went with the hydraulic kit.
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 154
Likes: 1
From: Erie, PA
16K miles on my 06 RKC. Had mine hydraulic tensioner upgrade kit from harley installed a month ago along with a mild set of SS cams. Mine were both worn between 50 and 75%. I am not a hard rider and have used Mobil 1 V Twin syn since day one. bottem line, at least check them. Sucks that Harley does not even mention this things in the manual.