Cam Chain Tensioner upgrade

[SweetPete]

I did this myself on my '01 FXDX with the -11 kit. It's really for my own peace of mind. I kept my original Andrews #37 cams but replaced the lifters at the same time. The work went as per the instruction sheets supplied.
You should note that the kit mentioned is not the only one required, you do need to purchase new bearings, spacers etc but that is all mentioned in the kit. I purchased the outer cam bearings and circlips separately though as the kit of parts recommended included lots of parts I didn't need. And it was expensive in the UK!
As a result the oil pressure increased nicely. This increase did find a small oil leak in the feed to the oil pressure guage I have but easily fixed. I'm happy!

[GeorgeC]

I'm really not sure which way to go with this; I got two different quotes,

$2600, including the 20K mile service, fork oil, etc; changing to gear driven chain tensioner conversion. Freedom Cycles in Orange, CA.

$1400 gear driven chain tensioner conversion. OC Harley Davidson dealer, Irvine CA.

How do you know where to go? Maybe I can do it myself? I have experience mechanically, rebuilt a couple of car engines. Just never worked on a Harley.
Is $2600 too much?

And, what's the difference between the hydraulic kit and the gear kit?

[GeorgeC]

Is there another year of Harley that doesn't have the cam chain tensioner issue? Maybe 1997 Road Kings, for example?

[macafly]

The spring loaded cam chain tensioners were on the 1999 - 2006 TC88 motors. Because of the tension of the springs against the cam chains (there are two) and the quality of the material in the cam shoes, this is a wear item. Depending on riding style, oil changes and most of all, the smoothness of the cam chains, the cam shoes can grenade at 20k miles or last 75K+. I have a 2003 Deuce and pulled the cam cover last summer and the chains are smooth and there are no grooves in the cam shoes. 26K miles so far and I won't have to check them again for awhile.
The 2006 Dyna and all models in 2007 and beyond have a hydraulic cam tensioner system. Not sure exactly how it works, but the tension on the cam chains varies with engine speed and load. That plus improved pad materials makes the new system more reliable and last longer.
Going with geared cams eliminates the chains and shoes (pads). Good solution, but your crank runout can't be more than .003", I believe. There are some excellent videos posted about the process of performing both the hydro system and geared system.
A 1997 RK would have the Evolution motor, which has a single geared cam. None of these issues apply to that machine. Hope this helps.

[S&S Cycle]

Of course you can go to gear drive cams and eliminate chain tension all together!
http://www.sscycle.com/product/Twin-...ar-Drive-c779/

[GeorgeC]

What problems do the EVO motors have, if any?

[hugie03flhr]

EVO motors have very little if any problems. The biggest complaint is seeping base gaskets on the cylinders and the worst complaint was the cam bearing failing. The bearing failure is mostly due to poor oil, not warming the motor before driving like you stole it and the biggest cause was installing a hot cam without replacing the Harley bearing. I've only known one person out of hundreds that it happened too!

[GeorgeC]

Originally Posted by hugie03flhr

EVO motors have very little if any problems. The biggest complaint is seeping base gaskets on the cylinders and the worst complaint was the cam bearing failing. The bearing failure is mostly due to poor oil, not warming the motor before driving like you stole it and the biggest cause was installing a hot cam without replacing the Harley bearing. I've only known one person out of hundreds that it happened too!

If I would have known this, I may have looked for a 1997 or 1998 model.

[Nitram_b4]

nothing wrong with twin cams, you can just replace the shoes if you want.
I got 60,000 miles on mine, and I beat the dog snot out of it.
and depending on the year there is issues with Evos as well

[GeorgeC]

I spoke with a Harley mechanic from an outside shop (indy?) - he told me he was 99% certain that my runout would be within spec for a geared camshaft. I was told the 96 CI motors were the ones that had the problem with crankshaft runout.
Still thinking about doing the geared conversion myself.

[67duce]

Originally Posted by GeorgeC

I spoke with a Harley mechanic from an outside shop (indy?) - he told me he was 99% certain that my runout would be within spec for a geared camshaft. I was told the 96 CI motors were the ones that had the problem with crankshaft runout.
Still thinking about doing the geared conversion myself.

Done alot of research on this subject , I have 01 TC88 hasn't got 4K on it yet. I've decided when it's time for tensioners I'll convert to gears , change cams , oil pump ect.

There's a couple special tools you need also , J&P / S&S has some really good video's to give you an idea what your in for , you will have to change to gear drive cams.

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