Here's a pic of the rear tensioner I just replaced with hydraulics.....

 

That tensioner could have gone another 20k easy.

 

I actually think that is the front one shown but it's not that bad, at least it's not chunked out, I seem to beleive that the A engines seem to be a little easier on them that the B engines, just my opinion but from what I have seen
Are you going gear drive or just inspection.

 

Doesn't look that bad.
Have seen 'em toast at less than half that mileage.

 

Looks to be normal wear to me for the milage you stated...

 

TN.h, you are exactly correct, the front spacer is pictured in the first post.... my bad! Installed a new cam is why I was i there. Here is the rear tensioner; shows approx. twice the wear ('02 FLHR 14500 Miles):

 

I'm pushing close to 50k on my Heritage Softail. Just found out about this issue. Am I pushing my luck to keep riding or you think the damage is already done? Can the replacement of these shoes be done yourself?

 

Yes, you are pushing your luck if you keep riding with your mileage. Yes, this is a DIY. If your bike is still running, safe to say that NO damage done....yet.

 

How do you go about inspecting these tensioners?

 

Pull cam cover off. You may also have to remove exhaust. Replacing the tensioners can be done yourself - although - it is not the simplest of tasks and does require some special tools. Search this forum and the internet as there is lots of info about this.

Lastly, make sure you check them before riding any further!!!

Forgot to ask - what year is your Heritage? This thread is about 00-06. Maybe 1999's also, not sure...