cam tensioners
#1
10-15-2007 | 07:31 PM
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From: Delaware
#2
10-15-2007 | 07:46 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Lenexa, KS (KC)
RE: cam tensioners
I've got 31,000 on my bike and checked the tensioners at 30k -- looked almost new. Figure I'll change them out next Spring or just keep riding another year if the look okay. I'm running Mobil 1 V-twin synthetic so maybe that helps -- not sure anyone really knows why some last a long time and some don't. Anyway, if they last 30k to 35k, not sure I'll even go with gears rather than just keep replacing them every three to four years.
#3
10-15-2007 | 07:56 PM
Road Captain
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RE: cam tensioners
IMO the is nothing wrong with these tensioners. Just more of the "the sky is fallin" crap from the whiners. Unless you are building a larger engine save your money. You may be opening up a Pandora's box due to crankshaft runout issues.
Routine service and maintenance will do it!
Routine service and maintenance will do it!
#4
10-16-2007 | 01:33 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 643
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RE: cam tensioners
ORIGINAL: debay
I want to change out my cams to gear driven after my warranty ends June 08 . I now have 16,500 miles was wondering how you guys approached this, did youchange out right before the warranty expired. And did you use chain or gear driven .[:-]
I want to change out my cams to gear driven after my warranty ends June 08 . I now have 16,500 miles was wondering how you guys approached this, did youchange out right before the warranty expired. And did you use chain or gear driven .[:-]
Read this: www.stampedemrc.com/spark/tensioner.htm
and this: www.sscycle.com/modules/instruction/uploads/51-1047.pdf
My tensioners were worn out at 30K ! [:@]
The plastic stuff will kill your oilpump and engine.
Greetz,
Peter (Netherlands)
#5
10-16-2007 | 01:57 PM
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Joined: May 2006
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From: SoCal
#6
10-16-2007 | 02:29 PM
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,227
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From: Central Illinois
RE: cam tensioners
ORIGINAL: johnny canuck
IMO the is nothing wrong with these tensioners. Just more of the "the sky is fallin" crap from the whiners. Unless you are building a larger engine save your money. You may be opening up a Pandora's box due to crankshaft runout issues.
Routine service and maintenance will do it!
IMO the is nothing wrong with these tensioners. Just more of the "the sky is fallin" crap from the whiners. Unless you are building a larger engine save your money. You may be opening up a Pandora's box due to crankshaft runout issues.
Routine service and maintenance will do it!
#7
10-16-2007 | 05:17 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,785
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From: Oklahoma
RE: cam tensioners
ORIGINAL: Gutman
We have changed out several tensioners, some broken as little as 30k inspection. If you have extended service it is covered. I have some customers that have broken at 30k, others with over 60k and stock tensioners. No consistency If you hear a strange noise don't put it off.
ORIGINAL: johnny canuck
IMO the is nothing wrong with these tensioners. Just more of the "the sky is fallin" crap from the whiners. Unless you are building a larger engine save your money. You may be opening up a Pandora's box due to crankshaft runout issues.
Routine service and maintenance will do it!
IMO the is nothing wrong with these tensioners. Just more of the "the sky is fallin" crap from the whiners. Unless you are building a larger engine save your money. You may be opening up a Pandora's box due to crankshaft runout issues.
Routine service and maintenance will do it!
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#8
10-16-2007 | 06:10 PM
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
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RE: cam tensioners
The plastic tensioners may be one of HD's weakest areas, I'm afraid. The chains were used to help quiet the engine (chains are queiter than gears) - but, many have decided that gears are better and have gone that route. If you do decide to go the gear driven route, you will most likely hear the gears which bother some - however, not having to worry about the plastic tensioners make up for the added whine. Btw, going the gear drive route is not cheap. Unless you're planning to keep your bike for 4-5 years and drive it 8-10K per year, it may be a waste of $$. Just my 2cents.
#9
10-16-2007 | 06:11 PM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,183
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From: Lenexa, KS (KC)
#10
10-16-2007 | 06:16 PM
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Joined: May 2007
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From:
RE: cam tensioners
ORIGINAL: Retired_Ted
The plastic tensioners may be one of HD's weakest areas, I'm afraid. The chains were used to help quiet the engine (chains are queiter than gears) - but, many have decided that gears are better and have gone that route. If you do decide to go the gear driven route, you will most likely hear the gears which bother some - however, not having to worry about the plastic tensioners make up for the added whine. Btw, going the gear drive route is not cheap. Unless you're planning to keep your bike for 4-5 years and drive it 8-10K per year, it may be a waste of $$. Just my 2cents.
The plastic tensioners may be one of HD's weakest areas, I'm afraid. The chains were used to help quiet the engine (chains are queiter than gears) - but, many have decided that gears are better and have gone that route. If you do decide to go the gear driven route, you will most likely hear the gears which bother some - however, not having to worry about the plastic tensioners make up for the added whine. Btw, going the gear drive route is not cheap. Unless you're planning to keep your bike for 4-5 years and drive it 8-10K per year, it may be a waste of $$. Just my 2cents.