A couple weeks ago I received lots of response to my original thread to check the stock tensioners, seeing how I had 45k on the bike.

Update: Outside tensioner was about 20% worn. The inside tensioner (the one you can't see) was right at the 50% service life. Sidewalls were intact. I now have the hydraulic tensioner kit installed, and threw in fresh SE 203 bump sticks since she was all apart.

I also picked up about 4 lbs of oil pressure at cruise with the updated oil pump, and oil pressure collapse at idle is MUCH less than the original oil pump.

She should be all set for the next 50k or so....looking forward to a late summer blast into the Adirondacks up to Lake Placid this weekend...

see ya

 

What kind of pump did you use?

 

What, if any, benefit is there with the hydraulic tensioner kit mod? The HD guys tried to sell it to me when I was getting my replacement tensioners, but I kept it stock. Don't you still have to check/replace those too?

OBTW, my tensioners were replace at 42,000 miles on my '06 RK Classic and they might have had 1-2 thumbnail thicknesses worth of wear.

Edmo

 

They are not suppose to wear out as quickly as the old spring loaded type.

Lot of info hear if you do a search.

 

The hydraulic kit comes with the oil pump used in the factory 96 inchers.

The hydraulic tensioners are supposed to last 'significantly' longer than the spring-loaded originals. If I got 45k out the the originals, I figure I am good for at least 50k more with the hydraulics. The guy at the parts counter said the spring loaded design really sucked and the hydraulic tensioners don't suck. Anyway, I am not going to worry about friggin cam tensioners anymore.

 

I have been toying around over either gear drive or the hydraulic tensioner upgrade. The kit, which includes the larger pump, can be had for around $365. I have the same question...Harley will say and promise anything...most of us have come to realize that. I really wonder how many more miles you can get from the hydraulic tensioners. Mine were just inspected at 37K and have little wear, so I am thinking they will next be inspected out around 50K. This tensioner wear problem seems to differ from bike-to-bike. I have seen them worn down to the metal in some cases around 15-20K and then you find them hardly worn at all after 25K plus.

I will steer clear of the gear drive. Unless your crank is perfect, you risk all sorts of problems just sticking one of those in. Now the oil pump I will spring for, but plan to wait until my next tensioner inspection. If mine do wear out enough to replace, I expect I will spring for the hydraulic kit. I am also thinking that if I can get 50K out of the spring models, why bother.

Meantime...I continue to shop for a 96, 97, 98 wrecked EFI Dresser that I can salvage the EVO drive train from and eliminate all these issues with my early TC 88 noisy toaster oven.

 

Thanks for the update jsgilbert. I think you'll be happy with your results.

ride safe