cam tensioner issue
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 129
Likes: 1
From: Florissant
cam tensioner issue
Anyone have had issues as described in this article, what have you done about it?
http://blog.jpcycles.com/2012/11/i-love-harley-davidson-but-you-must-know-this/?utm_source=SilverpopMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_ campaign=newsletter&utm_content=2012-November-Biker-Buzz-nongc-minus-gmail&utm_term=twin_cam_defect&spMailingID=4054028 6&spUserID=MzQ3NDAyNDU1MjMS1&spJobID=167269262&spR eportId=MTY3MjY5MjYyS0
http://blog.jpcycles.com/2012/11/i-love-harley-davidson-but-you-must-know-this/?utm_source=SilverpopMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_ campaign=newsletter&utm_content=2012-November-Biker-Buzz-nongc-minus-gmail&utm_term=twin_cam_defect&spMailingID=4054028 6&spUserID=MzQ3NDAyNDU1MjMS1&spJobID=167269262&spR eportId=MTY3MjY5MjYyS0
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,982
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
The early T/C 88's definitely have an inferior design on their cam chain tensioners.
Some folks claim using synthetic oil increases the life of the tensioners but regardless of that, after 20,000 or so miles the tensioners should at least be checked for wear.
Failing to check and/or replace the tensioners can possibly lead to engine failure.
In addition to simply replacing the stock tensioners the options are either installing a gear drive or a hydraulic cam tensioner kit.
Around here, the stock replacement cost is between $350-$400 bucks.
I had my 2000 T/C upgraded this past spring with the S/E Hydraulic kit for about a grand and I think the gear drive is a little cheaper.
Some people complain about a little more noise with the gear drive set-up but both it and the hydraulic kit will last much longer than the OEM stuff.
Some folks claim using synthetic oil increases the life of the tensioners but regardless of that, after 20,000 or so miles the tensioners should at least be checked for wear.
Failing to check and/or replace the tensioners can possibly lead to engine failure.
In addition to simply replacing the stock tensioners the options are either installing a gear drive or a hydraulic cam tensioner kit.
Around here, the stock replacement cost is between $350-$400 bucks.
I had my 2000 T/C upgraded this past spring with the S/E Hydraulic kit for about a grand and I think the gear drive is a little cheaper.
Some people complain about a little more noise with the gear drive set-up but both it and the hydraulic kit will last much longer than the OEM stuff.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,148
Likes: 6,171
From: SE Michigan
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 366
Likes: 1
From: Galveston, Tx
Definitely an issue.
It’s a gamble really.
My 2004 FatBoy showed normal wear at 50K when I sold it. Ran SYN3 from the day I got it. But honestly, tensioner failure was always in the back of my mind. Guess I got lucky.
It’s a gamble really.
My 2004 FatBoy showed normal wear at 50K when I sold it. Ran SYN3 from the day I got it. But honestly, tensioner failure was always in the back of my mind. Guess I got lucky.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 190
Likes: 4
Had mine checked by dealer at 21k and inner tensioner was completly worn out. Went to gear drive and had new cams at the same time. Very little gear wine with this set up. Have to really pay attention to hear it. Just had Blacsktone oil analysis and got excellent report after 2 years with this set up.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 18
From: Orange, VA,
Having a 99 I bought this past June I did much research, the problem is different companies made the chains that the tensioners push on, some are rougher then others, also the springs were found to have more tension on them then others, thats why you have different amounts of wear, oil is not going to make much of a difference. Some will wear out in less then 20k and some will last over 50k, is a crap shoot. Mine were replaced by the indy I bought my bike from, they were shot a 38k, I have since driven it about 10k and just checked them, I do not like how they look and are wearing, I am taking the bike in Sat for the SE upgrade kit to include new cams, whole job is about $1,500 out the door. I to do not want to keep wondering when one will let go and have some peace of mind, is a design failure and should have been taken care of by the motor company, they are basically saying we admit there is a problem by making a upgrade kit and are telling us we have to pay for it or suffer the consequences. If you keep the old style in there make sure you check them every 10k miles in my opinion.
Trending Topics
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
There are dozens of threads in here about those tensioners. You have several choices: check at regular intervals and replace the worn stock components as required; upgrade with the SE kit that includes an improved design (my choice); or install a gear drive cam-set (expensive and not necessary IMHO).
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
Banned
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 11,232
Likes: 16
From: Socialist Republic of the USA
Having a 99 I bought this past June I did much research, the problem is different companies made the chains that the tensioners push on, some are rougher then others, also the springs were found to have more tension on them then others, thats why you have different amounts of wear, oil is not going to make much of a difference. Some will wear out in less then 20k and some will last over 50k, is a crap shoot. Mine were replaced by the indy I bought my bike from, they were shot a 38k, I have since driven it about 10k and just checked them, I do not like how they look and are wearing, I am taking the bike in Sat for the SE upgrade kit to include new cams, whole job is about $1,500 out the door. I to do not want to keep wondering when one will let go and have some peace of mind, is a design failure and should have been taken care of by the motor company, they are basically saying we admit there is a problem by making a upgrade kit and are telling us we have to pay for it or suffer the consequences. If you keep the old style in there make sure you check them every 10k miles in my opinion.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 2
From: Niagara, Ontario, Canada
Heres mine a few months ago, bike has 20k miles. Ive had the bike 2 years, always run regular 20w50 dinosaur oil. Was a sherrif/supervisors bike, had an easy service life. Theres not even a wear groove in the tensioners, really took a load off my mind. I was constantly thinkin about these damn things while riding, had to get in there and see for myself!
