Ok so I have a 1999 Twin Cam A motor in a Electraglide. 95 incher with hemi heads 600 lift cams mikuni fat cat exhaust and all the other goodies to make a torque monster. I have never gone away from the cam chain tensioners of old. I just keep my eye on them periodically. At 23000 miles I did the performance mods and decided to replace the tensioners as part of a preventive measure, they actually still looked great. Now I am back in there at 48000 miles and found little wear depth wise in the pads but significant pitting. I pulled the cam plate and cams completely out to get a good look at the rear pad to find same pitting issue. I cut my push rods so I will install the se quick install rods. I will upgrade to the Timken inner cam bearings while I got it open. I will put back my cams they look awesome with 25000 on them. I will put in a fresh set of lifters. Now here lies my question after all that info. I am faced with the decision to do the hybrid upgrade to the hydraulic tensioners or s & s gear drive. Or say screw it and run what I have always run the stock tensioners which means I just install the new tensioners lifters push rods and inner cam bearings and look at it again in 15000 or 20000. What are your opinions on this topic? Also it would be very cool to see a video for doing the hybrid conversion and also the full conversion that uses the new bushing style cam plate. I also had a thought on that bushing style cam plate. With the low oil pressures of a Harley which is better for roller bearings so you don’t wash them out doesn’t seem good for bushing style bearings. I know Chevy has used them for years but they push 50 60 pounds of oil pressure. Well would love to see your feedback on this topic.
Tony, S&S gear drive is probably out of the question for your m/c. There is a good chance that your pinion shaft will be out of spec for this kit. The run out can not surpass .003″. With your Performance upgrades, and almost 50k miles; there is a good probability that your shaft will be over this max spec. The hydraulic upgrade with the updated oil pump is your better choice. Thanks for your question. Cam Chain Tensioners on Twin Cam 88 My son just purchased a 2003 Road King we want to upgrade the chain tensioners to the hydraulic ones. I have watched all of you videos several times but am having trouble making decisions.We are going to install the screamin eagle cam plate and High output oil pump.
Install the EZ adjustable push rods
Here is where we are having trouble
1. Do we upgrade to aftermarket cams? I have read the Andrews 26a’s are a good choice
2. The kit does not come with new gears and chains. What source do we use for those?
3. The stock lifters. It seems no one on-line or on the videos I have watched upgrades the lifters. Are the stock ones adequate enough?
4. Do I go to my local Harley shop and purchase everything there or do I go online and buy them at a less expensive price? Probably just my choice!
Please respond,
PS – Love being a fix my hog member
Thanks! Ralph
Ralph,Andrews, or S&S, or H.D. They, are all top quality. What is most important is that you do your homework and figure out which cam will fit your riding style best. Read the cam descriptions on the manufacturer’s web sites. Compare them and try to read about other people’s experiences with the cam’s you are interested in by checking out on line forums.
When you settle on a cam, see what the manufacturer recommends for gears, chains, bearings, spacers, etc.
As far as lifters: If this m/c’s current lifters have high miles, or show signs of wear when you inspect them; replace them when you are doing the job. Otherwise, Harley’s stock lifters will be fine.
As far as where to buy: It is always better to purchase your parts locally; where you can have some kind of recourse if you are experiencing a problem. If you deal with a small, local bike shop/garage; definitely support them if they are reputable, or knowledgeable about what you are looking to do.
When buying online try DennisKirk.com as they stand behind what they sell.
Good luck with this performance upgrade. If you have anymore questions, we will do our best to help.
https://www.sscycle.com/tech-info/camshaft-overview-and-cam-specs
Related Video: Cam Chain Tensioner Inspection
See the Full Video Class on this type of project: Cam Chain Tensioner Class
Question Im looking to replace the Cam tensioners in my 05 Softtail Deluxe EFI I plan to change both of them I have exactly 34,000 miles on the bike. I just want to make sure Im on the right track on doing the repair. I don't have the big bucks at the moment to upgrade to Hydraulic tensioners so I plan to just replace with the stock tensioners that are originally on the bike . So when I do the work I plan on replacing both tensioners In and out replace the Inner Cam bearings and replace the Cam Plate bearings along with adjustable push Rods / covers all the O rings and gaskets . I plan to still use the original cam shafts and lifters . Would this be ok or should I replace the Cam shafts and lifters also ?? Big thanks for fix my hog you guys have saved me a lot of time money Big thanks ??
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