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[johnmowcop]

Cam chain tensioner fact/fiction/WOMD.

Having had this issue pointed out to me and read a number of threads across other forums. Now succeeded in frightening me for the health of our 2011CVO Ultra Roadglide and 2000 softail 1450. Is this scare mongering or for real, do we really have to dismantle them at 18k miles to replace these delicate items.

Regards
JohnT

[grc]

Cam chain tensioner fact/fiction/WOMD.

Having had this issue pointed out to me and read a number of threads across other forums. Now succeeded in frightening me for the health of our 2011CVO Ultra Roadglide and 2000 softail 1450. Is this scare mongering or for real, do we really have to dismantle them at 18k miles to replace these delicate items.

Regards
JohnT

John, there are two different cam chain tensioner systems.  The one from 1999 through 2006 was spring loaded, and there were many premature failures that spread metal and plastic particles throughout the engine.  Those engines I would definitely suggest having checked at 15 - 20k miles, and updated to the later model system or switch to gear drive cams.  The 2007 and later models have a hydraulic tensioner system that hasn't been defect free, but overall it has been much more reliable than the older system.  So on the 2000 Softail I would definitely suggest at least having the cam chest cover removed and closely inspecting the tensioner shoes for abnormal wear.  If in doubt, replace them.  The 2011 model tensioners are much less likely to be a problem.  However, on the 2011 CVO there is another issue you need to be aware of.  Those engines have a history of lifter failures, where the roller and it's bearings fail.  That can also destroy an engine.  Replacing the stock lifters with a good aftermarket lifter is generally recommended.  You will find plenty of threads on this site about lifter failures and recommended preventative measures.

Jerry

[phato1]

As usual Jerry is spot on with his guidance 

On my '01 Fatboy I had the camchest opened up for a cam swap when the bike had about 18k miles on it and was glad I opened it up because the inner cam tensioner came out in pieces  . I had the crank runout checked found it to be 0.002 and went with S&S gear drive cams (510G's) to eliminate the future need to change the tensioners which are yet another maintenance item that isn't on the maintenance schedule in the owners manual...

On the 11.5 CUSE6 I enjoyed the pleasure of having a tappet(lifter) roller go bad on the stock parts at 7200 miles....thankfully it was found before it destroyed the entire engine, only ruined the cams, oil pump, tensioners -  everything in the cam chest.

 It was found when I pulled the tappets to perform a "preventative" parts change (again this time I was going to install S&S parts) in an effort to avoid the headaches of a big failure I kept reading about. Due to the bike still having a day - yes ONE day- left on the factory warranty at the time it went off to the dealer for a cam chest rebuild and thorough inspection and cleaning of the rest of the engine which included dropping the oil pan. I sprung for the cost of the "full Compliment" cam bearings and had the new Screamin' Eagle tappets (P/N 18572-13) installed.

so far both bikes have been free of further troubles, the fatboy now has 32k miles on it and so far the 11.5 CUSE6 has 19k miles. Although I have been doing a tappet inspection each spring on the 110 before the season starts --just in case.

[chicoman]

My 07 see ultra tensioners failed at @ 30000 miles. Will be replacing them along with lifters every 20 to 25000 miles from now on.

[Ridgerunr]

Before going to gear driven cams runout on the crank should be checked. The problems with the early tensioner system were the shoes. Cyco Gaskets in Fort Gratiot Michigan makes replacement shoes for the early tensioner system that are about bullet proof. Inexpensive reliable solution.

http://www.harleydavidsontensioner.com/

[FLH91]

although not a CVO, my '07 SG tensioners had almost 130,000 miles on them when I sold it and no problems.  Just FYI

[grc]

although not a CVO, my '07 SG tensioners had almost 130,000 miles on them when I sold it and no problems.  Just FYI

That was one of the strange things about that system.  Some failed at very low mileage, many failed at 20k to 30k, and some never failed at all.  In other words, a very inconsistent product.  It's just a good idea to not assume you have one of the good ones, since the damage can mean a total overhaul of the engine, thus the recommendation to at least inspect them every 20k or so.

Jerry

[GMR-PERFORMANCE]

Spot on there as well.. I had a customer bring me a RK for a tune. Bike was a 95 inch 203 cam deal. He had 30,000 or so miles on it. Stated the cam chest was not loud no chunks of tensioner in oil filter. He pulls in and as he goes to shut the bike off it makes the worst screeching noise you have every heard.  Steel on steel as the shoe was completely gone and the motor was in bad shape metal had gone through the entire engine.

Other I have pulled apart ( one that stick in my mind had over 80,000) and the shoe  looked great   I have heard many idea theory's and some just off the wall reasons.. In the end there is no reason. Inspect replaced as needed.

[johnmowcop]

That was one of the strange things about that system.  Some failed at very low mileage, many failed at 20k to 30k, and some never failed at all.  In other words, a very inconsistent product.  It's just a good idea to not assume you have one of the good ones, since the damage can mean a total overhaul of the engine, thus the recommendation to at least inspect them every 20k or so.

Jerry

Jerry and all who have responded, Thank you!

I feel I need to go down the S&S route for the 2011CVO and maybe the Cyco Gaskets replacement tensioners for the soft Tail.
Any comments or guidance on this would be appreciated.

JohnT

[Ridgerunr]

2011 should be fine as is.

 Need to get the 2000 checked. Sooner the better. Replace the cam bearings too.