maintenance on a twin cam
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: texas
maintenance on a twin cam
i talked to a guy the other day and he informed me about an issue with twin cam engines that at 20k miles some little gear needs to be changed out.i beleive there is an aftermarket kit that makes this a one time deal.he said if it is not done that it will come apart and cause you to do the bottom end.-----i have an old bike but a friend of mine just got a 2000 super glide and i would like to know more about this problem and at the moment dont even know eneough to ask questions.---thanks in advance
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Bellevue, NE
He's probably talking about the cam chain tensioner pads wearing out. Might happen at 20K, 40K or 60K. The gears he's talking about are gear driven cams. Some folks choose to eliminate the tensioner pads altogether by switching to gear driven cams.
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I think stro nailed it but mine didn't make it to 20K. Next time you change the oil cut open the filter, pull out the paper element. It will spread out similar to an accordian. Take it out in the sunlight and look for organge specs trapped in it. This is the easy way.
The other is to pull the cam cover and manually check the tensioners. The rear is usually the first to go. You will need a strong screwdriver to pry back the spring for a look.
For more info do a search here on cam tensioners. A lot of posts on this very item.
The other is to pull the cam cover and manually check the tensioners. The rear is usually the first to go. You will need a strong screwdriver to pry back the spring for a look.
For more info do a search here on cam tensioners. A lot of posts on this very item.
Pull the cam cover off and have a look at the tensioner shoes. They are the orange things. Repalced at 40K and they could ahve gone another 20K easily. It really is a crap shoot with these things. Repalced with the stock tensioners and new cams.
You can also get the upgraded kit from Harley that is on the 2006 Dyna and all 07 models to alleviate having to replace these again as opposed to going to gear drive.
You can also get the upgraded kit from Harley that is on the 2006 Dyna and all 07 models to alleviate having to replace these again as opposed to going to gear drive.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: SW Minnesota
What they all said.
The one weak link on the TC88's is the cam chain tensioners. Even the Harley 'fix' is something that will wear out. Do some research, put in a set of gear cams that will make your bike perform in the range you want, and get rid of the frickin' problem once in for all. The rest of the engine/tranny is bulletproof.
Check the Tech articles on American Rider magazine.
The one weak link on the TC88's is the cam chain tensioners. Even the Harley 'fix' is something that will wear out. Do some research, put in a set of gear cams that will make your bike perform in the range you want, and get rid of the frickin' problem once in for all. The rest of the engine/tranny is bulletproof.
Check the Tech articles on American Rider magazine.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: texas
yep thats what it was.thanks a bunch guys.---the guy telling me about it was pizzed off as he didnt know it before he bought the bike.said he loved harley davidson but hated willie g.....he sewed in a upside down 1 on his seat in protest....cool guy but dunno how influential he will be
---thanks again.
---thanks again.
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Another issue was the outer cam bearings, in particularly the rear outer. Some bearings actually grenaded sending pieces all thru the engine. If he has 20k miles I'd change out the shoes, or go gear drive but for sure change out the bearings. The engine first came out in 99' and the problems didn't show up until 2000. There was a 5 year or 50k mile HD fix on the motor. I guess the old bearing could handle the load and it didn't.
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My 05 Fatboy is going in over the winter to have the tensioner shoes replaced. Why pull it all apart to inspect and not put the new parts in.
I am at 20,000 miles. I would like to put the gear drive in but dont have the $ at this time. I try to do my own work if I can but this seems like it will take some special tools.
MikeM
I am at 20,000 miles. I would like to put the gear drive in but dont have the $ at this time. I try to do my own work if I can but this seems like it will take some special tools.
MikeM