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I sold my 70 shovelhead a few years ago and just got back up on the wheel. I Just bought this 2002 R-king and I'm starting to hear things said about upgrades to gear driven cams opposed to chain driven, Problems with cam chain tensioners And bad cam bearings. Can anyone shead some light on this for me. Do I need to do something under the cam cover for prolong life? The bike has 9000 miles, runs great, and is as quiet as a church mouse. Where might I find something to read up on this and what course of action is required. Thanks for your help.
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Lots of discussions about this. Try searching "tensioners". Tensioners should be checked around 25-35k miles. No worries at 9k miles. Another option rather than gear drive is the hydraulic cam plate. Lots of discussions can be found about that new setup which is similar to what the 07+ softails have.
Cam bearings typically are not a problem unless you build the motor up. But, if you swap cams its recommended to upgrade them to Timken b-148's.
In short, check tensioners at around 30k miles and enjoy your bike!
Well, if is anything, after 02, the crank bearing changed, for the worse. I've got an 03 dyna. Something I've looked Into, thinking of going gear driven cams, but crank run out could possibly be a factor, won't know till I get I there and check it.
'02 twin cam tensioner upgrade
