Tensioners
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
From: ontario, Canada
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
From: ontario, Canada
If he has the hydraulic tensioners then he should have less concern, although I would still be having a look, then he'll know for sure!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,543
Likes: 6,419
From: Honah Lee
The reason yours does not wear is the cam chain is a roller chain. It grooves in and then rolls. However at 50K or 8-10 years I would check it for cracks in shoes. Somewhere alone the line the first ones used the same hard tensioners before they went to the softer white ones. Took Harley two tries to get it right. The Hydraulic was just smoke to hide the link chain crap. Insert is yours and how they wear. Note mileage at 90K. Third is mine and they never stop wearing and Harleys SE conversion even leaves the back one with the same link chain. Forth is Harley's SE conversion with hydraulic on a link chain. Another Harley $1500 JOKE down a rat hole.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Sep 14, 2018 at 11:15 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
From: ontario, Canada
I intend on checking mine every 20k, an easy task, and I would suggest anyone who has a concern about there's do the same, and make whatever repairs or upgrades they wish when they're needed. May be scary to some that HD has this issue, but really, not that much of a disaster if treated as a wear item and checked on a regular basis. Shame its there, but it is what it is, deal with it and ride on.....
Last edited by ShadowMonster; Dec 27, 2012 at 08:25 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,712
Likes: 9,219
From: Snow Hill, NC
74000 miles on my 07 and i changed the cams at around 5000 and they were 90% good so i left them in there...will check them at around 120000...
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 783
Likes: 66
From: Sacramento
At 65k miles on my 07, I replaced my tensioners two weeks ago. From the looks of them, I could have gone another 40k miles at least. I purchased the tensioners and gaskets prior to pulling the exhaust and cam cover off. Since I was already there I chose to replace them. Otherwise, they weren't needed.