Thanks everyone for the great input. According to the Andrew’s web site, it looks like to check the crank run out, with the cam plate installed, using a magnetic base and a dial indicator on the end of the crank, I should not see more then .003 variance when rotating the crank 360 degrees.. That sound about right for checking run out? If it is over .003 I guess I could still go with the same cam's in a chain drive?

 

Yes, that is how you check runout, actually if you call Andrews they will tell you no more runout than .0025 but there spec is .003, Yes if your runout is more you can put the same cam in but with the tensioners, or if you dont like the spring loaded tensioners you can upgrade to the new Andrews roller chain conversion for about the same price as a gear drive setup and then you will have the new syle higher volume oil pump which scavenges better.

 

Dalton or duke76...thank you for your responses to this post...though i am not the original poster of this thread i am definitely interested in gaining more accurate knowledge of the consequences of having higher than the recommended crank run out in the gear setup...i already have converted so im learning after the fact...i do hear a whining sound not too loud while the engine is running and as i understand it is normal to hear this in a gear setup...im cool with it; however when i shut the bike off just then i hear a slight clankity clank sound very momentarily but heard nevertheless and this is what im unsure is a normal sound and if that is due to that crank runout tolerance being exceededthat you speak of...i would like to know what are some other problems that could be had with over the limit crank runout such as damage...thanks again

 

Here is the cheapest place I know of for the gears, shoot them an email for a total with gears and pushrods.

http://www.gopartsdirect.com/2005/on...;CategoryID=16

 

2fas4u2 here is a link to a picture of what happens to gear drives when the runout is not within spec, see post 42

http://groups.msn.com/harleytechtalk...51388797556196

 

Expecting the new gear drive set any day.Will be checking run out! Since this is my first trip into a TC can anyone tell me if trere is enough shaft exposed to get a runout before outer gear/chain is pulled? A bad reading would call for a plan "B".Hate to do some things twice. Bike is a 03 road king, also was 03 a good or bad year for crank run out?

 

you will have to pull the outer chain off but leave the cam plate bolted up here is a link to Andrews instructions with a picture of measuring the runout

http://andrewsproducts.com/PDF_files/Cams99_Gear1.pdf

 

Thanks duke76 I found this out after making the post.Went out and pulled the cover off and as you said... I have the instructions but thanks, also have the s&s instructions that are a little more detailed than the Andrews but thay dont mention crank run out, just gear back lash. I got around 2-4 Ozs of oil out of crank case when pulling cover, hope this would be normal.

 

Try Ebay it has some very good deals. Type in ANDREWS CAMS and do a search.
GlennsGlide

 

Thanks again eveyone for the great input and the web links. I wll be pulling the outter cam cover this week and checking the Run Out before I order any cams.

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