Cam Chain Tensioners
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 1
From: Lenexa, KS (KC)
RE: Cam Chain Tensioners
ORIGINAL: xxxflhrci
I considered my 52k ones 3/4 worn out. IMO, they would have likely gone another 10k or so. However, I consider the one on the right in my buddy's 20k pic worn out.
26G....Andrews TW-26 cams in gear drive configuration. I have them in my bike and love them.
ORIGINAL: HDRider#1
I'm new to this and am wondering, the pictures everyone has posted, are the tensioner pads considered worn out or are these half worn out. How about a new set, how do they look compered to these worn ones.
One more rookie question what is the 26g setup that Taterdog refered to?
I'm new to this and am wondering, the pictures everyone has posted, are the tensioner pads considered worn out or are these half worn out. How about a new set, how do they look compered to these worn ones.
One more rookie question what is the 26g setup that Taterdog refered to?
26G....Andrews TW-26 cams in gear drive configuration. I have them in my bike and love them.
You really have two choices: 1) continue to check your tensionser and replace them when needed (20k to 50k, again who knows), or 2) replace the cam chains with gear drives, aka Andrews gear drives. The 26g is just one set they offer. They have others depending on your style of riding. There are probably other gear drives out there, but Andrews seems to be the most popular. Only problem is they cost $$$, so depending on how much aggravation you want to put up with on the tensioners, and how much you want to spend each time to check and/or replace them, the gear drives become more viable. Lots have been written on this subject here in the forum, so I'm sure if you search cam chain tensioners you'll find more than you ever wanted.
Tourer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 305
Likes: 10
From: Charlotte, NC
RE: Cam Chain Tensioners
I have a 2001 Road King and mine crapped out at 27K or about 2,000 miles after I had the 25K service performed at the dealer. Needless to say, I got no relief from H-D. In addition to the tensioners, I had to replace theentire cam assemblies, chains, bearings and a new oil pump. My advice is to have them checked every 5K beginning with the 20K service.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
RE: Cam Chain Tensioners
My 2001 Road Glide had 21,000 miles on it went my cam chain tensioner broke off, behind the cam plate. THANKFULLY, I found all the peices and was able to repair it myself. Harley cams chains are the culprit, as they have a crappy finish to them..My remedy; I put an aftermarket chain that has a polished finish on it. Asked about a recall, and there isn't any...yet. I'd like to know the year models of some of your bikes listed above.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 1
From: Lenexa, KS (KC)
RE: Cam Chain Tensioners
ORIGINAL: deadeye1340?
My 2001 Road Glide had 21,000 miles on it went my cam chain tensioner broke off, behind the cam plate. THANKFULLY, I found all the peices and was able to repair it myself. Harley cams chains are the culprit, as they have a crappy finish to them..My remedy; I put an aftermarket chain that has a polished finish on it. Asked about a recall, and there isn't any...yet. I'd like to know the year models of some of your bikes listed above.
My 2001 Road Glide had 21,000 miles on it went my cam chain tensioner broke off, behind the cam plate. THANKFULLY, I found all the peices and was able to repair it myself. Harley cams chains are the culprit, as they have a crappy finish to them..My remedy; I put an aftermarket chain that has a polished finish on it. Asked about a recall, and there isn't any...yet. I'd like to know the year models of some of your bikes listed above.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
RE: Cam Chain Tensioners
One of the problems with cam chain tensioner failure is the engine doesn't seem to exhibit any symptoms of being sick until there is a catastrophic failure. I noticed on my EG that my oil pressure became extremely high, typically over 50 psi, then would drop for no apparent reason to normal 30-34 for a while, then go high again--regardless of rpm or load. Asking, on several different occasions over a period of a couple of months,the service manager to give his opinion about the fluctuating oil pressure proved useless; he never suggested the problem might be cam chain tensioner pad debris in the oil pump--only perhaps the relief spring was stuck, etc.
After riding like this for about 5K, and with 44K miles on the bike, I had the cam chain tensioners replaced when adding new cams. If the tensioners were bad it would be covered under the Extended Service Plan; if they were good I would foot the bill. Well, they were bad, real bad--I will post pics later today or tomorrow. The oil pump also needed to be replaced.
I don't know if anyone else has had fluctuating oil pressure before replacing bad cam chain tensioners, but this may be a symptom of the problem. Of course, if you don't have an oil pressure gauge this info is pretty much useless; but if you do have an oil pressure gauge, perhaps the symptom will help avoid the catastrophic failure.
After riding like this for about 5K, and with 44K miles on the bike, I had the cam chain tensioners replaced when adding new cams. If the tensioners were bad it would be covered under the Extended Service Plan; if they were good I would foot the bill. Well, they were bad, real bad--I will post pics later today or tomorrow. The oil pump also needed to be replaced.
I don't know if anyone else has had fluctuating oil pressure before replacing bad cam chain tensioners, but this may be a symptom of the problem. Of course, if you don't have an oil pressure gauge this info is pretty much useless; but if you do have an oil pressure gauge, perhaps the symptom will help avoid the catastrophic failure.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
RE: Cam Chain Tensioners
My motor has 20,000 on it now since the 95" build, so time to take that cover off and see how the shoes look. Gear drive will eventually be my goal of course, this type of "maintenance" item is aggravating when you log around 30k a year.
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Stage IV
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
RE: Cam Chain Tensioners
Hey, I need some help if you don't mind. '03 RK 42,500 and I wanted the dealer to check the tensioners at the last service. Of course he said "no" and said he's never heard of a problem with these. Go figure. My question is, since I have a service plan and extended warranty (they were pushing it pretty hard when I bought my bike) what will these cover? Is there a tech bulletin on this? Will service cover the inspection? Will warranty cover repairs? Will it cover the oil pump as well?
Any help is appreciated.
thanks,
paul
Dallas Tx
DFD Wind and Fire
Any help is appreciated.
thanks,
paul
Dallas Tx
DFD Wind and Fire
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 1
From: Lenexa, KS (KC)
RE: Cam Chain Tensioners
Never heard of the problem -- you've got a bad dealer.
I don't have a warranty, but if you read Harleypingman's note above, it sounds like it might be covered. You might want to PM him.
Good luck. Sounds like you've got plenty of mileage to have these checked, if not replaced.