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[Dead_Reckoning]

Saturday afternoon as I was coming off the interstate, about 1.5 miles from home, I started hearing a tapping/rapping sound coming from the righthand side of the bike. I have checked the header pipes, exhaust pipes, air cleaner horn etc etc etc, nothing loose.
I used a very large screw driver up against the Chrome Camshaft Cover. I could hear the chain on the tensioner.

Not know what a bad tensioer sounds like, still uncertain about exactly what the noise is.

I do not wish to trash anything, so i haven't ridden it since.

If it is the tensioers, I want to replace with the same stock type. This will give me time enough to consider where I want to go next. Maybe a new 2013 SE, if they have a Road King. I am not a fan of fairings, which is one reason I like the 03 SERK. If I do not see a 2013 CVO that makes me "Have To Have It", then i intend to build up my 03 SERK

OK, any estimates as to how many hours I am looking at to replace the OEM Tensioners?


Many Thanks
DR

[Twolanerider]

If doing yourself for the first time count on enjoying a Saturday in the garage with the bike.  It's not a bad job if just doing the tensioners and won't need any special tools you can't make out of heavy wire or small welding rod.   

It is a good idea to replace cam bearings while in there though.  For that you'd need some tools.  If you do it yourself let me know and I'll send the tools to use for a weekend. 

[Dead_Reckoning]

OK, update here.
I ended up going to a local HD Shop.
Winter in Maine, Showroom, Parts & Service a ghost town in late November.
Very good deal on Parts & Labor.

My true problem was not the CAM Tensioners as I had thought.

The Comp nut has loosened up. Not bad, but started to chew up the Alternator Rotor. Luckily I only rode it about 1.5 miles home from when I heard the first noise.
So I replaced the Alternator Rotor. While it was opened up, upgraded to the new Auto Tensioner for the Primary. The old tensioner shoe was shot.
Also went ahead and did the Hydraulic Cam Tensioner upgrade. Replaced Cam bearings.

Also found 2 hairline cracks in rear cylinder header. Repaired. Will be upgrading in a few months so did not replace.

Tossed in a PC III and a dynotune.

Thanks for your suggestions and sense of direction.

DR