Checked My Cam Tensioners......
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6,673
Likes: 502
From: Orange County
i really like the 'spark plug/piston ring analogy....pressing cams off and on, new bearings etc. there is a youtube video about a tool to replace the rear shoe without taking the cams off, if a guy has the means and ability to make one of those, that gets closer to 'while you are in there'.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Hudson, Florida
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
Brother, I want you to think about what you just said;-)
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
Because HD doesn't want you to have ANY knowledge or tools that would cut into their service or aftermarket parts business. No way are they gonna produce a $35.00 tool to keep even ONE cam chain tensioner job out of the service department.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,191
Likes: 2,423
From: USA
Fwiw, I made one of those tools. Got the tensioner out with it. More of a headache then just tapping the cams out.
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Joe Kucinski
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
As a side not to this tensioner issue. Does anybody know what year they changed the cam chains to a roller type chain. As I remember, the original cam chains were stamped and had fairly sharp links that made the cam chain tensioners wear even faster?
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 894
Likes: 6
Gooood question. The earlier chains were marketed as a "quiet chain". Then they changed manufacturers and the chain is exactly like the primary chain. Since mine is an 02, I'm going to replace the stock tensioners with that white aftermarket material. I can't recall the manufacturer but I printed the thread out at home. Recall reading reviews that guys were getting 35K out of a set.