timing chain tensoiners
#22
RE: timing chain tensoiners
Had 203 cams installed @ 9500 miles. My cam tensioner shoes were 1/3 worn. Prior to that, I had a VIN check done. The dealer told me that my 2000 had the "updated" cam bearings. When the independant shop I go to had it apart, he found the earlier 99 style bearings in there. Imagine that !! Talk about a mushroom cloud on the horizon. I'm sure glad we caught it. I'm sure it would have grenaded by now.
#23
RE: timing chain tensoiners
ORIGINAL: Retired_Ted
If you hear the tensioners, it's too late. They're already worn into metal and it's being ground into little pieces headed for the oil pump. Most don't worry much about them since they trade before it's an issue. For the ones who keep their bikes, 30K is a reasonable mileage to at least have a look. Good oil, meaning synthetic, is a good preventative, if you plan keeping the bike. As for gear drive cams, they are a very expensive alternative. They can make additional engine noise which is why HD didn't do the same. Nothing wrong with the chain drive setup - just another maintenance area.
If you hear the tensioners, it's too late. They're already worn into metal and it's being ground into little pieces headed for the oil pump. Most don't worry much about them since they trade before it's an issue. For the ones who keep their bikes, 30K is a reasonable mileage to at least have a look. Good oil, meaning synthetic, is a good preventative, if you plan keeping the bike. As for gear drive cams, they are a very expensive alternative. They can make additional engine noise which is why HD didn't do the same. Nothing wrong with the chain drive setup - just another maintenance area.
I hate plastic orange bits and pieces in my filter and oilpump.
At 30K I took the tensioners and chains out ,and installed
S&S .510G gear drive cams.
No more worries and no more maintenance
Greetz Peter
#24
RE: timing chain tensoiners
Just finished doing mine this morning. 33k miles on an 02 RK. Outer wasn't too bad but the inner was ready to fail- maybe good for another 5 k before it lunched. I tried to get my local HD dealer to do the job on extended warranty - NO. If they haven't failed, (wrecked chains, cams, bearings, etc) they couldn't do it under a general maintenance inspection. I wonder if I complained about excessive noise it would have been covered?
It is about a 10 hour job for a rookie, no big deal, no surprises, made a brass lock to hold the outer gears. My bike loves me for showing her the respect she deserves.
It is about a 10 hour job for a rookie, no big deal, no surprises, made a brass lock to hold the outer gears. My bike loves me for showing her the respect she deserves.
#27
RE: timing chain tensoiners
ORIGINAL: wldbill
I haven't found where HD says it's an inspection item. I've got 25K on my 06 now and 3 more years of extended warranty. I just don't see why I should be paying for the inspection cost. And if they are out of spec I also pay the replacement costs. Doesn't it make sense to not worry about it and just let the sucker blow up?
I haven't found where HD says it's an inspection item. I've got 25K on my 06 now and 3 more years of extended warranty. I just don't see why I should be paying for the inspection cost. And if they are out of spec I also pay the replacement costs. Doesn't it make sense to not worry about it and just let the sucker blow up?
#30
RE: timing chain tensoiners
ORIGINAL: twistedcherokee
Is ther any warnig on the timing chain tensoiners going bad? My engine seems a little louder in that area but no clatters or clangs. Thanks
Toby
Is ther any warnig on the timing chain tensoiners going bad? My engine seems a little louder in that area but no clatters or clangs. Thanks
Toby
www.stampedemrc.com/spark/tensioner.htm
Just go for gear drive and S&S cams (complete set)
Greetz Peter