need help with cam install... : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

snowmaninwhite · 07-30-2009, 08:43 PM

i dont know if im in the right section... but im new to the whole bike world, but i accidentaly took out the cam and i dont know how to get it back in... im lookin for the cheap way out preferebly... any kind of help would be great...

shovelmike · 07-30-2009, 09:07 PM

Not know the year and model of the bike this will be less than specific instructions but I'll try to guide you. I will make the assuingmption that yours is an EVO.
If you "accidentally" removed the cam I assume that you removed the cam cover in an attempt to replace the gasket. Doing so without relieving the pressure exerted by the valve springs forces the cam down wrecking the inner bearing, if never upgraded it's not a real good bearing. You will need the tool for removing and installing the bearing, you also need to: Choice 1- Disassemble the rocker boxes so you can remove the non- adjustable push rods and reinstall them and related components once the cam, oil pump drive etc. is correctly buttoned up. Choice 2: Use bolt cutters to cut out the push rods if they are not able to be removed at this point. Replace the non- adjustables with quick change adjustables so you don't have to disturb the rocker boxes.
Definately buy a factory service manual from Harley, it will save you money and a lot of grief.

Faast Ed · 07-30-2009, 09:31 PM

What kind of bike? What in the world were you doing for the cam to "fall out"?

snowmaninwhite · 07-30-2009, 11:36 PM

its a 82 fxr... and like i said im new to the bike world so i dont know where the engine components are, and i thought i had to take off what i thought was a cover, but i guess not... im just feeling like a complete idiot for pulling it out... and as for the evo thing, i dont even know what that means... and sorry for my stupidity, im just a dumb kid thats still learning by taking things apart and trying to get it back together... i also dont know where the timing is supposed to be, or where the cam is supposed to be lined up at...

ponderopa · 07-30-2009, 11:43 PM

Well, you're off to a great start! Seriously, buy the manual first. Otherwise the help you get won't make a lot of sense.

snowmaninwhite · 07-31-2009, 01:54 AM

i got a manual for my motor and year from my dad... ive looked it over but i cant make heads or tails for where to start

claydbal · 07-31-2009, 08:40 AM

send that shovel fxr to me. i will fix it free if i can ride it for 6 months.you have a classic! dont let anyone butcher it, pay the best indy shop you can find to make her live again!! she deserves it!!!!

snowmaninwhite · 08-01-2009, 01:23 AM

tempting but i have to say no to sending it to you... by the time i get it back itll be too cold for me to ride it...

BIGBOPPA · 08-01-2009, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowmaninwhite

i dont know if im in the right section... but im new to the whole bike world, but i accidentaly took out the cam and i dont know how to get it back in... im lookin for the cheap way out preferebly... any kind of help would be great...

Hi Snowmaninwhite,
I would take shovelmikes advice here, and I would go further to say that it is IMPERATIVE that you get a professional to check things out , because if the pushrod pressure has forced the cam down, not only can it destroy the cam bearing, it can also damage breather gears and the bearing surface of the cam itself. I'm not saying it has, but if any of these things have happened, putting it back together without the proper repairs will only lead to expensive component failure down the road a few miles. I aint trying to sound like I am putting you down here or anything, but, by the sounds of your level of HD mechanical experience, I would be getting it checked out- period!!. That cam inner bearing needs to be pulled with a special puller and installed with a special installer (unless you know your way around a Harley engine proficiently, then there are other tricks of the trade for removing and installing this bearing without the expensive special tools, I have done it very successfully, but someone with your mechanical knowledge does not need to know these tricks just yet, they will only get you into more trouble) Further more the bearing can collapse when damaged, releasing rollers which if you are not careful can fall into the crankcase, and if this happens, THERE IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION, NO SECOND CHOICE AVAILABLE!! and that is a total strip down of the motor and splitting of the cases to remove it. I aint trying to scare you here, I am just trying to help you not have your bike self destruct going down the road at 80mph!! Believe me, that is not a good thing to have happen.

snowmaninwhite · 08-01-2009, 03:29 PM

ok... i just might have to if i can get enough money to do so... im pretty strap for cash due to my town sux fro employment... well thanx fro your help everyone... if the bike gets fixed ill post back maybe, other wise i dont know!!!

ClassicRider · 08-05-2009, 11:26 AM

Oh well it was a funny story while it lasted.....now that's some funny stuff....doesn't know anything about his bike....but JUST happens to know enough to have his cam fall out....laughing....anyway like I said that was some funny stuff.....and will come back if he gets it fixed.....but maybe not if he doesn't.....yep some funny stuff!

In order to help this person....you guys would have to put a complete manual together....laughing......WITH PICTURES.....yep some funny stuff....ummmmmm ohhhhhh well.....shaking my head.....some funny stuff right here! ! !

Regards,

"Classic"

Dave63 · 08-05-2009, 11:31 AM

It's an imperfect world......cams fall out all the time.......

snowmaninwhite · 08-05-2009, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClassicRider

Oh well it was a funny story while it lasted.....now that's some funny stuff....doesn't know anything about his bike....but JUST happens to know enough to have his cam fall out....laughing....anyway like I said that was some funny stuff.....and will come back if he gets it fixed.....but maybe not if he doesn't.....yep some funny stuff!

In order to help this person....you guys would have to put a complete manual together....laughing......WITH PICTURES.....yep some funny stuff....ummmmmm ohhhhhh well.....shaking my head.....some funny stuff right here! ! !

Regards,

"Classic"

dude... i came here lookin for help... like i said in my first post im a noob... if your just gonna flame me for not knowing anything about bikes than shut up and dont say anything... if i knew what i was doing i wouldnt be on this forum looking to be pointed in the right direction czu no one else outside the internet has helped me with any kind of help... so dude seriously shut it with the flaming of ppl who dont know ANYTHING about bikes...

TriLs · 08-05-2009, 01:25 PM

I must say that one of the hardest things for us all to do sometimes is to respond to an honest entreaty with gentle charity...

ponderopa · 08-05-2009, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowmaninwhite

dude... i came here lookin for help... like i said in my first post im a noob... if your just gonna flame me for not knowing anything about bikes than shut up and dont say anything... if i knew what i was doing i wouldnt be on this forum looking to be pointed in the right direction czu no one else outside the internet has helped me with any kind of help... so dude seriously shut it with the flaming of ppl who dont know ANYTHING about bikes...

Don't sweat it, there are always a few who were never young and never did anything dumb...

I agree with Claydbal, you will just have to scrape a few together and find a good indy. When you're ready, just post another thread for recommended indies in your area. There are a lot of Wisconsin riders here, I'm sure you'll get a push in the right direction! Unemployment in my county is over 15%, so I hear ya on that.

Get a plan and let us know.