Twin cam 88B engine problems

[J.B.B.]

I just bought a used Fatboy from a dealer here in Va.
While looking up info on the Internet about the engine I run accross some article a guy is ranting about how dangerous this engine is. All these engines will fail catastrophically he says. Is this just some guy that's pissed because he got a lemon or is this typical of the 88 B engine? I never heard this before. Is there anything to this?
J.B.B.

[brother]

I think they are a good engine. My freind has 76K on a fatboy his wife now drives. It's had cam chain tensioners at 40K and just normal maintence. You do need to check the cam chain tensioners though. If yours has over 25K I would chage the inner cam bearings to the timkens and put the hybrid screaming eagle hydralic tension kit with the upgraded oil pump or a gear drive cam if your crank runout is under .003 I changed mine at 32,400 on my 06 EG Classic and the inner bearings had taken the cams out already, also my tensions were about due. This is the main week point of the 88" engine.

[Nitram_b4]

First off what year, second, yes I would check the cam chain tensioners and replace if required, most the other work brother is talking about is a good idea, but not required.
the 88 is a good motor

[MilesToGo]

Originally Posted by J.B.B.

I just bought a used Fatboy from a dealer here in Va.
While looking up info on the Internet about the engine I run accross some article a guy is ranting about how dangerous this engine is. All these engines will fail catastrophically he says. Is this just some guy that's pissed because he got a lemon or is this typical of the 88 B engine? I never heard this before. Is there anything to this?
J.B.B.

I'm sure you can find similar "rantings" about every engine Harley has ever made. Although the internet is a great souce for information, you can't let a few negative comments about anything sway your opinion about a product. Every product has some occasional problems resulting in a few unhappy consumers. It's these rare few that post and shout their opinions to everyone that will listen. What you don't see are the comments from the 1000s of other happy consumers.

[WEINERDOGBONE]

It's BS. I road a TC88 all over this Country. In my book, it's solid.

[High Torque]

Great engine with very few flaws.

[FLHTDan]

I have a 04 FLHT. Changed the cam chain tensioner at 22,000 miles to gear drive for peace of mind (cause they can fail).
I have 100,000 + trouble free miles.
I've sat in traffic jams in the heat of summer wondering if this thing is going to seize up, never did, and cruised all day at 80 mph. Best motor I've owned.

[hdrider82]

Some people find fault with anything. Its a good motor all in all. Enjoy your riding. Oh,,, Va.... well maybe in a few days!!! Stay safe.

[black05flhrci]

Originally Posted by J.B.B.

I just bought a used Fatboy from a dealer here in Va.
While looking up info on the Internet about the engine I run accross some article a guy is ranting about how dangerous this engine is. All these engines will fail catastrophically he says. Is this just some guy that's pissed because he got a lemon or is this typical of the 88 B engine? I never heard this before. Is there anything to this?
J.B.B.

Yeah, all Harley products are no good. I would unload that old technology piece of junk as soon as you can.



Will you take $1000 for it?

[dickey]

Yea; I read that douchebag's article a couple years ago. Said Big twin is a POS & Sporties are great, right? Notice how he keeps repeating himself over & over?

I think what happened was--he caught some Harley dude piping his OL & now he's pissed. What it sounds like, anyway.

[59panhead]

He did say B Motor softail motor isnt that different then the glide / dyna motors internal balancing ????? just asking! and the best motor Harley made was the PANHEAD No stinking cam tensioners or rear belts! Priceless!

[ftwflh1]

Originally Posted by 59panhead

He did say B Motor softail motor isnt that different then the glide / dyna motors internal balancing ????? just asking! and the best motor Harley made was the PANHEAD No stinking cam tensioners or rear belts! Priceless!

Well I would put the Pan as the best looking motor ever built but personally like the Shovel as best HD motor ever.But they both are basic motors with no cam tensions or belt drives(mine does have a belt primary due to me just wanting to run it)

[spdrcr137]

If he was even partially correct you would see piles of 88 engines all over the roads. The same article could be written about any internal combustion engine every assembled.

[Mohead1]

yeah.....ur fatboy is total junk......i will give ya $1200 for it to keep you from sufferin....

[Thermodyne]

Originally Posted by J.B.B.

I just bought a used Fatboy from a dealer here in Va.
While looking up info on the Internet about the engine I run accross some article a guy is ranting about how dangerous this engine is. All these engines will fail catastrophically he says. Is this just some guy that's pissed because he got a lemon or is this typical of the 88 B engine? I never heard this before. Is there anything to this?
J.B.B.

It depends on the year and the mileage that's on it. The early Twinkies need to have the cam chest updated. Or taxed as some call it. Not cheap, but not as expensive as letting it fail.

Lots of 05's need valves seals.

There is also an issue with cranks slipping. IIRC 05 and 06 are the years to be wary of.