Im going to tear into my fatboy this winter as I don't want my tensioners to fall apart and take out my engine. The question is should I just upgrade the system to hydraulic or just change the shoes and throw the extra money in other upgrades?

 

What year/model is the bike?
(You might already have the improved hydraulic system.)


Had another rider (who had a 2012 bike) ask the same question and he didn't realize that he already had the improved hydraulic cam chain tensioners.
'06 Dynas and '07 Tourning and newer have the hydraulic system.

If you do have the older style, it's a good thing to check them.

 

I didnt know they improved them....good to know.

 

If you have to do this, many will suggest gear drive if you are within tolerances ( a little more noise) in the cam chest. I had the S/E hybrid cam plate with hyd. tensioners and the is an upgrade to the oil pump also, more pressure at idle. Did this to my 02 Dyna, good results.

 

I just did this before the snow on an 00 Dyna FXDX, I had it done at Boarddtrackers and only had time to test ride it, no long trips before the snow. I have the one with the worn through lower shoes in a box if you want to see the bad. I bought it knowing about the problem, but unknown if it was upgraded. i rode the mileage up to 60k miles, saw some scarf on an oil change and took it in to have the cover pulled. I went with the hydraulic upgrade to get the new oil pump. I am going to ride it until it melts and deserts are my friend.