Hydraulic Tensioners
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 3
From: Open Road, USA
Hydraulic Tensioners
I had the cam chain tensioners upgraded to the hydraulic ones at 72,000 miles. Have 85,000 on it now, and and wondering when I need to check them. I change the oil every 5,000 miles.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,913
Likes: 2,542
The first time I checked mine in my 08 FXSTC was around 25K, and they looked like new. Bought me a 08 Ultra with 27K on it, opened it up to change out the inner cam bearings, and they looked like new as well. Your GTG for awhile.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,978
Likes: 5,218
From: Michigan
I had the S/E upgrade kit installed in my 2000 T/C 88 at about 77,000 miles.
The originals were changed at about 39,000 miles when I had the "1550 Big Bore Fit installed, not bad, eh?
I sold the old bike last year and I talk regularly with the new owner and he hasn't mentioned any problems with the adjusters.
Everyone I talk to claims that the hydraulic system lengthens the life of the adjusters, as does using synthetic oil. However, I don't think I'd go much over 20,000 miles without having them checked.
I talked to a guy last year at a gas station and he told me that the adjusters in his '03 Fat Boy gave out at less than 25,000 miles and ruined his engine. Better to be safe than sorry.
The originals were changed at about 39,000 miles when I had the "1550 Big Bore Fit installed, not bad, eh?
I sold the old bike last year and I talk regularly with the new owner and he hasn't mentioned any problems with the adjusters.
Everyone I talk to claims that the hydraulic system lengthens the life of the adjusters, as does using synthetic oil. However, I don't think I'd go much over 20,000 miles without having them checked.
I talked to a guy last year at a gas station and he told me that the adjusters in his '03 Fat Boy gave out at less than 25,000 miles and ruined his engine. Better to be safe than sorry.
Since they are the hydraulic I wouldn't worry about them. Every time I check mine I haven't seen much wear. If you want to do something to improve them install the Zipper's Redshift dual piston tensioners. They really do make things quieter, but if you are satisfied in that department, I wouldn't worry about it for at least 30-40k mi.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 3
From: Open Road, USA
Thanks, for the info. I travel all the time in our RV, so getting things done sometimes is a pain. Have to rely on shops if the park we are in don't allow mechanical work on lots or have a place to do it. Hell, I even rented a storage shed for a month just to have a place to work on the bike. Looking for a good indy in the Crystal River, Florida area now. Spoke with the local dealership, and just can't myself pay 178.00 for a oil change using regular oil. Just seems like a big rip off to me..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,416
Likes: 6,366
From: Honah Lee
What year bike? If it was pre 2006, you still may have one inner link chain. The hydraulic part does not prevent wear, it's the roller chain. In fact, the hydraulic part on a link chin makes it wear more. To go to complete roller chain requires aftermarket cams on any 2006 or older bike. Think certain 2006 got roller chains but not all. This is a hydraulic conversion. The picture shows the outer one that has roller chain and the inner with the link chain. The second picture show the newer bikes with to roller chains at 90K. Once grooved in they roll. I am assuming you had link chain and got 72K on them which is good for a big bike like yours. Think my Softail will get there from my inspection at 40K. However,if I were you, I would look at 15-20K and then go from there. If you put the hydraulic on the inner link chain, I bet you will not get 30-40K on it now. Just an opinion.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Sep 14, 2018 at 11:06 AM.
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,090
Likes: 7
Yada Yada Yada. The spring tensioners were called 'silent' because they applied a tremendous force against the chain, which in fact, kept the assembly quiet. No matter the rpm or actual force needed, they were keeping an 'overkill' amount of force against the chains. Combine that with a less than robust tensioner shoe material, and it was a recipe for premature wear.
The hydraulic tensioners are operated by oil pressure from the engine. Low rpms allow for less tension, which can and often does allow for some noise. Even at higher rpms, the hydraulic tensioners don't not apply as much force as the spring loaded tensioners. The hydraulic tensioners also utilize a much better shoe material.
I've heard good reports about the dual piston tensioners from zippers in the fact that they don't rock back and forth which can cause some noise as well.
I had the opportunity to look at my tensioners (hydraulic conversion) after 6k and they were barely scuffed.
I think you will be fine for quite a while.....
The hydraulic tensioners are operated by oil pressure from the engine. Low rpms allow for less tension, which can and often does allow for some noise. Even at higher rpms, the hydraulic tensioners don't not apply as much force as the spring loaded tensioners. The hydraulic tensioners also utilize a much better shoe material.
I've heard good reports about the dual piston tensioners from zippers in the fact that they don't rock back and forth which can cause some noise as well.
I had the opportunity to look at my tensioners (hydraulic conversion) after 6k and they were barely scuffed.
I think you will be fine for quite a while.....
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
roblack
General Harley Davidson Chat
4
Apr 24, 2013 11:15 AM