Cam tensioner replacement : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

MFouts · 11-14-2006, 11:04 PM

Helping a friend replace his cam chain tensioners on an 03 RKC. Any advice help would be greatly appreciated. Tools needed?? Have done a search and read most of the threads I could find but most were switching to gear driven cams.
He wants to replace tensioners only this time and next time go with the big bore and new cams, probably gear driven.

Marc

gr8whyt · 11-14-2006, 11:38 PM

Just replacing the tensioners isn't too big of a job...certainly nothing tricky. Follow the manual.

There are a few specialty tools needed. For sure is a good tensioner unloader tool. George's Garage (look over on the right here) sells one for about $25.00 plus shipping. Most folks also change out the rear cam bearings for the Torrington bearings, but some rather expensive tools are required. Again available from George's garage, if you decide it's worth it. To change the secondary (inner) tensioner, the cams need to be pressed out and then back into the cam plate. Here you need the camshaft remover & installer tools, and access to a press. More $$$. And finally, when re-aligning the oil pump, a person should use some oil pump alignment pins. Plus lots of gaskets, o-rings, snap rings, bearings, etc. to replace. (got snap ring pliers?)

Crud, did I really buy all this stuff? I would have been WAY ahead to take it to a shop. For a few hours labor and materials, I would have saved some serious coin. But I like doing it myself. Knowudimean?

PosseRider · 11-15-2006, 12:34 AM

Shop will charge ya 4-500 ,at least ya got the tools for next time!!!

BLKROCKET · 11-15-2006, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MFouts

Helping a friend replace his cam chain tensioners on an 03 RKC. Any advice help would be greatly appreciated. Tools needed?? Have done a search and read most of the threads I could find but most were switching to gear driven cams.
He wants to replace tensioners only this time and next time go with the big bore and new cams, probably gear driven.Take the cam plate out . Marc

You can take the cam plate out without using one special tool. I have done it many times. The two LITTLE tools I do recommend is the oil pump bolt liners which I bought on ebay for 35.00. then take the cam plate with the cams and have a Harley shop put the tenioners on for about 60.00. then you know its done right. then put it back in. You need a shop manual

DR_DEUCE · 11-15-2006, 01:58 AM

Try this.. I did it last week. Use 2 Vise grips--one on each end of the spring, and tension it just enought to clear the chain in the rear. No special tools needed for the rear tensioner, and you won't need to remove the cams.. The front one is very easy.

pedege · 11-15-2006, 05:52 AM

you can have a look at :
www.harleyhog.co.uk
www.knightrider.com

on both sites you'll find how to do it, even with pictures !

**HDWRENCH** · 11-15-2006, 08:38 AM

We rent the tools to do the job you are getting into. We also support Georges if you are buying the tools. A service manual is a must, as is some blue and red loctite.

Al Taylor · 11-15-2006, 08:30 PM

You can take an old 7/8 sockett and cut/grind 2 slots in it to fit down over the slipper spring.Use a ratchett to twist the slipper away from the chain.You can use a drill bit to slip through the retaining hole.(special tool #ou812) It may be difficult to remove the cam slipper under tension I never tryed.The primary slipper is no problem.I use 1-2-3 blocks all the time to replace cams but you can by the expensive stuff if you want.just be carefull.Shop manual is a real good idea.

MFouts · 11-15-2006, 10:11 PM

Thanks all

poisoniv · 11-27-2006, 06:32 PM

do you have to cut the pushrods or will the liftres leak down enough to get the cams out and back in? i only want to replce the tensioners.

Rockbiter · 11-27-2006, 06:43 PM

Unless you cut the push rods and replace them with adjustables, you will need to pull the heads...push rods have to come out to pull the cam plate. I'd say its generaly easier to put in adjustables...but there are ways of removing the heads w/ exhaust and other "tricks" the dealership wrenches use...don't forget a new top end gasket set if you do pull the heads...

SYCLONE · 11-27-2006, 07:50 PM

the heads dont come off, just the rocker box covers, and the fuel tank.

gr8whyt · 11-27-2006, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockbiter

Unless you cut the push rods and replace them with adjustables, you will need to pull the heads...push rods have to come out to pull the cam plate. I'd say its generaly easier to put in adjustables...but there are ways of removing the heads w/ exhaust and other "tricks" the dealership wrenches use...don't forget a new top end gasket set if you do pull the heads...

You don't need to pull the heads to get the pushrods out...only the rocker arm supports. But you're right, Rockbiter, cutting the pushrods and replacing with adjustables is much simpler.

poisoniv · 11-27-2006, 08:14 PM

just what i thought... more money. someday that wont matter? THANKS for verifying what i thought was right. AND, is an ajustable push rod a push rod, dont want to buy them twice (recomdations). 23k miles and i am getting worried my time is up!

02 road king

thrasher · 11-27-2006, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poisoniv

just what i thought... more money. someday that wont matter? THANKS for verifying what i thought was right. AND, is an ajustable push rod a push rod, dont want to buy them twice (recomdations). 23k miles and i am getting worried my time is up!

02 road king

Yep, its more cash anyway you look at it.

I'd at least take your cam cover off and have a look at them anyway to see what kind of condition they're in. It'll keep you from guessing.

To me it makes more sense to get rid of the problem (cam chain tensioners) and go with a gear drive cams setup.