Issues After Cam Change - Need Inputs
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,002
Likes: 1,240
From: On the Front Range, CO
I've researched cam installations pretty extensively prior to doing any of my own. As you know, it's not an overly complicated job.
The one thing I found though was that most times when people had low/no oil pressure, it was due to a pinched O-ring on the oil pump where it mates into the engine case. Also, there are 2 other O-rings that are installed in the engine case and seal oil passages to the cam support plate.
Also, the O-rings in the cam chest should be replaced with new ones. Despite the old ones looking good and acceptable for reuse, they're not. Heat cycles and being compressed for so long a certain way means they're not able to get the initial seal needed when installing the parts.
I've never soaked or filled new lifters on my installs, but I have used plenty of assembly lube. After you start your bike, the lifters should pump up within 5-7 seconds and within 10 seconds your top end should be getting oil too to quiet the rocker assemblies. A minute without an increase in oil pressure is too long.
The one thing I found though was that most times when people had low/no oil pressure, it was due to a pinched O-ring on the oil pump where it mates into the engine case. Also, there are 2 other O-rings that are installed in the engine case and seal oil passages to the cam support plate.
Also, the O-rings in the cam chest should be replaced with new ones. Despite the old ones looking good and acceptable for reuse, they're not. Heat cycles and being compressed for so long a certain way means they're not able to get the initial seal needed when installing the parts.
I've never soaked or filled new lifters on my installs, but I have used plenty of assembly lube. After you start your bike, the lifters should pump up within 5-7 seconds and within 10 seconds your top end should be getting oil too to quiet the rocker assemblies. A minute without an increase in oil pressure is too long.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 388
Likes: 1
From: Carthage, NC
I found the reason for no oil pressure. I took everything back a part this morning and come to find out the internals of the oil pump are broke. I don't know what happen. I never took the oil pump off the cam plate. The O Ring was still in place. Guess it was just time for the oil pump to go. At least now I know.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,052
Likes: 341
From: Virginia Beach
I found the reason for no oil pressure. I took everything back a part this morning and come to find out the internals of the oil pump are broke. I don't know what happen. I never took the oil pump off the cam plate. The O Ring was still in place. Guess it was just time for the oil pump to go. At least now I know.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
From: Canada
I found the reason for no oil pressure. I took everything back a part this morning and come to find out the internals of the oil pump are broke. I don't know what happen. I never took the oil pump off the cam plate. The O Ring was still in place. Guess it was just time for the oil pump to go. At least now I know.
Part of the re-assembly process it to install the pump with the bolts loose and rotate the engine. This centers the pump on the crankshaft.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 108
Likes: 16
From: Auckland, New Zealand
If the plate & the pump are removed as one, there is no need to re-align the pump upon re-assembly. Just need to be careful that "O" ring is in properly when pressing pump & plate into place. - Rob
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,917
Likes: 184
From:
I found the reason for no oil pressure. I took everything back a part this morning and come to find out the internals of the oil pump are broke. I don't know what happen. I never took the oil pump off the cam plate. The O Ring was still in place. Guess it was just time for the oil pump to go. At least now I know.
Here's a picture of my oil pump from my 2010 and there's no O ring on the pump. Sorry if I'm going in the wrong direction here just trying to help.
Last edited by Tn.Heritage; Jul 19, 2014 at 05:45 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 6,322
Likes: 2,500
From: Tennessee
Just go ride it for a few hours....If the oil pressure doesn't come up, head to the dealership and blame them for selling an inferior product.
Then come here and post a 30 paragraph rant about how poor the design is.
Then come here and post a 30 paragraph rant about how poor the design is.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 108
Likes: 16
From: Auckland, New Zealand
What O ring are you referring too ? If your working on a 09 model there shouldn't be a O ring on the oil pump where it bolts to the cam plate. Also you may need to check your crank run out to see if that may be a problem as well.
Here's a picture of my oil pump from my 2010 and there's no O ring on the pump. Sorry if I'm going in the wrong direction here just trying to help.
Here's a picture of my oil pump from my 2010 and there's no O ring on the pump. Sorry if I'm going in the wrong direction here just trying to help.
