Issues with '99 Twin Cam?
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Issues with '99 Twin Cam?
This has probably been discused to death on here but I hadn't had any real interest in it until I put a down payment on a '99 Dresser last weekend. Gonna pick it up this weekend, I've heard there were issues with the cam bearings and cam chain tensioners? What can be done to correct this, and how would I know what to look for? Is this something that I can do myself (I'm a pretty good shadetree mechanic, do all my own work on the bikes), or is this something that requires a machinist, etc.? Is someone could point me towards some links with discussions on this subject I would truly appreciate it!! 
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 18
From: Orange, VA,
There was a problem with the cam bearings, I have a 99 EG standard, I would guess yours have been updated already, I bought mine a few months ago and the indy replaced the tensioners, my bike had 38k on it, he told me they were already updated. The tensioners on TC engines from 99 to 06 have the spring type tensioners and they would wear out within 30K miles, if they wear out completely and come apart the plastic can ruin the oil pump or clog small oil passages and ruin the engine. If you check them every 5 to 10 thousnad miles they should not be a problem, I was told the second set will last longer since the chain should be smoother from the first set.
How many miles on your bike?
How many miles on your bike?
Last edited by fwb35; Aug 27, 2012 at 07:27 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
42,000 miles. The guy I'm buying it from bought it from a friend who needed cash and was flipping it to make a few bucks, so I have no idea if the issue was addressed or not. Any way to tell by looking at it? And does anyone have a part number for that HD hydaulic kit? Thanks for the quick replies guys!!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
other issues
tip over switch bracket can crack and break, causing the motor to stop
pinion bearing on pre Nov 1998 models
99 is 1st year twin cam so all the teething issues
last year of the single caliper brakes
magnetti marelli EFI is a mess for some- easy to swap to carb for about $600 if you are handy.
mike
tip over switch bracket can crack and break, causing the motor to stop
pinion bearing on pre Nov 1998 models
99 is 1st year twin cam so all the teething issues
last year of the single caliper brakes
magnetti marelli EFI is a mess for some- easy to swap to carb for about $600 if you are handy.
mike
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 18
From: Orange, VA,
If you have 42k on it I am guessing they have either been changed or updated to the hyd tensioners or gear drive. As far as the other issues I just turned 43k on mine and it runs great, either the other issues have been fixed or yours did not have them. Other then the cam tensioners it is a good engine, I believe 99 to 03 had forged cranks with very good bottom ends. If you want to check just pull off the cam cover, you can clearly see the outside tensioner and be able to see what kind you have.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Awesome, thanks! I'll search around to see if I can find some pics to see what I'm looking at, I'm used to the old school stuff so I would have no idea what to look for!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 18
From: Orange, VA,
Fits '99-'05 DynaŽ models, '00-'06 SoftailŽ models and '99-'06 Touring models. Installation requires separate purchase of Spacer Kit P/N 25285-08, Cam Service Kit P/N 17045-99D and Drive Gear Retention Kit P/N 25533-99A.
MSRP US $499.95
You will need the other parts with the kit, see above, plus adjustable push rods to avoid taking the top of the engine apart, I was just quoted $1,300 parts and labor to do the job from my local HD dealer. I would replace the lifters as well while I was in there. People will also tell you to upgrade your cams, I like the way my bike runs and do not need more power, just want it to be dependable and last.
MSRP US $499.95
You will need the other parts with the kit, see above, plus adjustable push rods to avoid taking the top of the engine apart, I was just quoted $1,300 parts and labor to do the job from my local HD dealer. I would replace the lifters as well while I was in there. People will also tell you to upgrade your cams, I like the way my bike runs and do not need more power, just want it to be dependable and last.