Close to 61K miles and decided to check the cam tensioners at the next oil change. Had them replaced back at 33K miles by the local dealer, looks like it's time to do change them again...only this time I am going to do it. Got some research to do...

 

Still some life left there. Hows the inner? You going to keep the same ones or upgrade to newer style?

 

at least another 5k...make it 33k each time

 

IF the inner is like that I'd ride it for at least 10k more - probably more at that rate.

 

They have just over 28K miles on them and they both are showing at least 50% worn but no cracking or chipping...also nothing in the oil. I am all for running it all summer if it can wait that long.

My nephew has the tools to change the cam bearings and may have a family deal on a mild cam lined up for me as well. The $300 or so for new tensioners, bearings, and gasket kits was not budgeted this time and I will probably go back with OEM. However. If y'all think it is good for another 5K, then that gets time for me to put together a nice mild performance upgrade and maybe save up for the hydraulic upgrade.

Like I said, I got some research to do.

 

Or you could just go with the Cyco shoes and a cam, bearing, and oil pump upgrade.

Instead of going with the hydraulic set-up, that year engine is ideal for a gear drive.

 

The way I am thinking, if I can get 30K miles on new OEM tensioners at ~$115 per pair along with a decent mild cam really cheap or free, and do a bearing upgrade, then that puts me at around $300 or so for cam and bearing upgrade with new cam tensioners. Be good on out to 90K+ miles..I'm good with that.

what are some good bearing choices? What do you know about the HD cam install kit pn 17049-99D that comes with bearings?

 

You can get Torrington bearings for less that $25 and I wouldn't get anything else.

I haven't used that kit, but looking at it, It has the new style breather assy, which is good.
It doesn't have the spacers that may be necessary when changing cams, but those are inexpensive as well.
I strongly suggest you look at the Cyco tensioner pad replacements, they also are not expensive and will out last the OEM ones at least twice as long, according to everything I have seen on them.

 

I finally found my small inspection mirror and got a good look at the inner tensioner...not good news there. It is worn well past 50%. It is difficult to tell from this photo, but there is not much plastic left before metal meets metal.






I have been looking at the Cyco tensioner pads. They are cheaper and looks easy enough to change them out.

 

That Mirror can be a Life Saver.. Most of the Time is the Inner that wears the Most and Earliest .. Have heard nothing but good about the Cyco Tensioners ..