'04 FLHR, ~35K miles, single owner. Been cutting the oil filter open every oil change, checking for nylon particles. However, I know it's about time to change to tensioner shoes. Usually when I watch a YooToob video, it shows the best way to NOT do something. Yours was actually... inspiring... :)) Thanks muchly for the helpful tutorial!
You make the service manual come to life and more so! I just finished this job with Cyco Gasket shoes bought directly from CG as well as their adjustable pushrods. Also put in Torrington/Koyo inner bearings while I was at it. This on an '02 Fat Boy. At 20k on it, the original shoes were almost at the half way wear point. Thank you for your clean, clear instructions. Subscribed and grateful!
Hey man , just got done replacing my cam chain tensioners on my 03 softail, all work was done following you and your videos, and it went flawlessly!!!!! I cannot express enough gratitude to you for your time and knowledge, Thank you so much!!! I wish I lived close to you, you would get any and all of my bike work!! I was gonna send you a couple of pics of the work getting done by me, but I couldn't find a email address for you. Anyhow, so grateful for your time!!!! Stay safe and God Bless you buddy! John
I just want to thank you for your video. I bought a 1999 FLHPI last year with 54000mi on it. It had been sitting for 10hrs. I’m an ok mechanic but had never been in a Harley motor. You gave me the confidence to replace my tensioners and Inner bearings. Mostly because you speak my language. I’m in the NC mountains. Most of the videos want you to have all these special tools. Thanks again man. You’re alright
you know the old saying poor people have poor ways. I learned along time ago when it comes to wrenching it doesn't mater how you get it done as long as the result is the same. glad the video was helpful.
Love the video man. I rode for 11 years with the police department and I'm about to buy my first true bike. I'm thinking about buying a 2006 Softtail from a guy I meet recently. Another good friend of mine lives in Georgia has a 2005 Softtail and he schooled me on the fact that the tensioners had to be replaced every so often. So I'm doing my homework before I make a purchase. I was a mechanic in the Army back in the day so I think I can tackle the job. Awesome info. Music was a little loud at times but I think I made out what you was saying. Keep up the good work and videos.
Thank you for doing this video. For my third Harley, I have my 2003 Wide Glide. I just found out about this tensioner garbage that H-D pulled. I am selling my pride and joy now, because I refuse to throw money to greedy corporate idiots. This is a shame. Wish I had kept my 98 with the 113 El Bruto!
Thanks for the video. My dad passed away recently and I just took ownership of his 2005 Ultra Classic. I also suffered a head injury that resulted in a TBI. Mine affects me more than I let on but having videos like this one help me tremendously. Thanks for the help!
@@DeathProofProductions I ride nearly every day and, while some days it hurts worse than others, a sore day on my bike is better than a comfortable day in a pickup truck
I’ve been turning wrenches for over 50 years primarily on cars , truck and tractors. Never had schooling just the way I was raised I guess. I really enjoy your vids there is no bullshit just facts. I just started building the latest Harley engines and in the distant past I built a few shovels and several iron head sportsters. I like how you get into the nitty gritty on the best ways to do things. Keep at it brother thanks!
Man! This information is soooo valuable! I have a hard time understanding instructions. Watching and executing is much easier for me. Thank you for putting this information out here. Into an 08 Crossbones at the moment. Typically an Evo guy but enjoying twin cams. Great info!!!
Just found your channel. I have a 2K Heritage that I bought in 06 as a total and put back together. I have never checked the tensioners ( I must be really lucky) or the original owner had them replaced. This thing had 45K when I got it and I have put on at least another 20K. Going to pull the cover before the season starts this year and see what is what. I will definitely replace the tensioners. Thanks for the video!
Great video. Did mine two years ago and used the shoes from Cyco Gaskets. Figured the "Stanyl polymide" shoes would have to be better than stock. Thanks for proving it. I was going to convert to hydraulic this winter, but going to stay with the springs and save that $800.00 and use it to fill up my gas tank {maybe]. Anyway I'm 71 and figure ole Double Barrel will probably outlast me. I subscribed, so keep those motion pictures coming.
I do not have a garage, they are simply not available in the city I live (in Germany). My bike is parked outside on the street under the cover so my repairs depend on the weather conditions. I had to replace the bearings and the tensioner shoes on my FXDX 2000 (Clutch replacement and service and some wiring done already). Since it has rained a lot recently I used this time and have built my own press from few pieces of fittings, wood and an old 2t - hydraulic jack. The cost of the build was under 50EUR / 50$ and it took me a couple of hours only. I have built it on the kitchen table, no special tools required, only a drill. It fits behind my wardrobe in my room because I have no garage and thus no space issues :) Having said that, I have used this press to remove the old ball bearings from the cam plate, pressing the new set in, pressing the race on the cam with no jims tools - used the old bearing to press against. Finally pressing the cam in the plate. Worked like a charm. Thank you David for your inspiration, your support, for getting the Cyco Gaskets for me from USA to Germany and all your kind suggestions and Ideas.
i have an 02 heritage with 25k miles and sometime soon i will have to do something. i can't believe HD couldn't have come up with a little something better than plastic like maybe a roller with bearing. thnx for the info and demo.
Excellent video. Very helpful. I like your teaching style. I bought a spare bike (TC88) that is supposed to have gear drive already installed BUT in case it doesn't, now I know what to do to replace any worn shoes. I'm going to pull off the cover soon and see what's up. I've had my main bike for 23 years, it is an EVO so I'm new to TCs.
Are you sure I said ft lbs or inch lbs and if so what bolt was I talking about. I'm traveling right now away from my computer but if I said it wrong I need to fix it as soon as i get back. If you could let me know that would be a great help. Thanks
A service manual and Dave's top notch instructional videos, not too much a mechanically inclined person can't do on a tc..some jobs require speciality tools though.
So, today was the day to open her up and see how things look. It's 2003 FLHTCI, just turned over 26K miles, I'm probably the third owner. It took nearly three hours to get the exhaust apart, including time for PBlast and WD40 to penetrate some of the rustier stuff. Three header bolts came off easily enough--always gotta have one sonofabitch in a bunch. One nut took about an hour of teasing, soaking, and wrenching. The cross over header pipe was just ornery as it could be. That was probably another thirty minutes of disconnecting sections so I could twist the pipe enough to get some pBlast at the joint and finally got'r'dun. Cam chest cover was easy to remove, once the foot pad and exhaust were removed. The outside tension pad was in much better condition than I expected but was worn down into a grove. It looks like it could probably go another 15K miles. While I didn't remove the cam plate to inspect the inside tensioner I could see that it was worn more than the outer pad and I think I see a crack developing along the side. If I had the adjustable pushrods on hand I'd have gone ahead and removed the cam plate but I just didn't want to mess with it until I have what I need to do the job. After studying all the options, for days, and seeing how everything gets nickled and dimed to death I decided to splurge on the S&S 509C kit. It wasn't cheap, about $1,685 but almost everything is there. I'm 70 years old and this probably my last bike, may as well make her as good as I can, while I can! I need a better torque wrench. What's that rig that your using? I still need to get the cam bearing remover/install kit and may get one of those timing gear jammers, as well. Hell, I'm about as excited as a 50 year old with a free Viagra, a company credit card, at a Las Vegas convention! Hope the reassembly goes a bit faster than the breakdown. It would be nice to open and close on the same day.
It's a snap on tech wrench. It has ft lbs, inch lbs and Newton meters. I gotta say it's a good one been using it for 22 years with no issues. If the inside one is starting to crack on the edge it means it's getting bretal. The couple I have seen fail were from age not wear they get hard and then start coming apart. I also would consider getting a blind hole puller if your changing inner bearings instead of the after market puller just for those bearings. The blind hole puller has set of collets and you can use it for lots of other jobs I use a snap on CG 40 C with the bridge puller but you would be better getting the slide one to remove and install. Glad to see your staying on top of it.
@@DeathProofProductions Thanks, I'm guessing that this may be similar, I don't do a lot wrenching, so much, just working on my own stuff. I started doing this sort of stuff back in the 60s and built a pretty good tool box over the decades. Then, someone broke into my garage and stole anything of value--I guess it was in 2006. Since then I bought some Harbor Freight "quality" to get by with. The HF torque wrenches are not quite up to the standard for motorcycle work but they are not too bad when working on big stuff. There are a few Snap-on torque wrench offerings on ebay in the $300/$400 range. I'm gonna need a lot more beer before I can go there. Haha, but things can happen in life!
Hey brother, I just want to ay thank you for sharing your knowledge on this.I did have harley davidso press my cams and put the secondary tensioner.I also went with the SS quickies for my next go round. Again thank you shes up and running now.
Great job, I just changed my tensioners on my Kawasaki vulcan very easy compared to what you just did there, you'd think they would have a better design for tensioners they wouldn't wear out, always good to learn just in case.
Brother very cool,info was great. I subbed. I have to do this to my wife’s 03 lowrider. Only has less than 14 thousand miles. This is her iPad I’m using it. Thanks for sharing this important process. This is the third one I’ve watched and the better one. I’m confident I can handle it now. Thank you
You would definitely be my trusted Harley guy if we were in the same area! You make it look easy and for you it may be. I would entrust it to a pro like yourself.
You are the man! I learned so much right here. Im filling my cart with shit I need to do this job and added the pushrods. Im not installing new cams, but I know I need to do the shoes. So Ill def be in the cam chest again at some point. Im also ordering a high pressure oil pump, so now I know I need those alignment pins you mentioned in the beggining! Thank you.
Unless you want the pump you don't need it. Watch my cam support plate video I go into depth about the oil pump and over pressure. It will let you know if you really need it.
@@DeathProofProductions lol saw this immediately after I ordered it. But my motivation is for cooling, sumping and blow by. Which was what the ad sold me on lol. Its not an expenvice one, but the slightly better than OEM pump. I just figured its a good upgrade, that I wont feel bad about tossing when I finally do a bore/ cam change.
Gary my buddies tell me to change now on my 03 lowrider and that bike only has 14 thousand miles. It’s my wife’s bike and she passed away last December. But them pieces could potentially wreck the motor. 37 thousand miles is very scary they say.
Another great video! I'm going to place an order from Cyco Gaskets soon. I'll tell them you sent me. Please keep the videos coming. I'll be watching. Thanks
If I were you now is the time. I have one needs done with just under 14 grand. I’m not riding that bike till I do it. They say if it breaks and pieces block oil flow can kill motor.
Great video love all the tips and tricks you provided now I feel confident and doing this Job I do have a question what brand pushrods you running? Keep them vids coming great content Thanks !!!
I'm glade that it helped, thanks for the compliment on the vid because the main reason I started this channel was to help other's with my experience. I'd write a book to do the same but I'm too illiterate.
Thanks for shooting straight. I've never done it but now that I've seen it there's nothing to it. Mine just failed on me a few days ago at the lonestar rally. Thank you for the info. I'm ready to ride as always. 05 FLHTCSE2
Thanks I did the psycho shoes like you did I bought a 05 Road King 57,000 miles never been serviced they were at their limit almost metal on metal I did it myself at home and threw in some 203 Screamin Eagle cams runs good was thinking about doing hydraulic to it but it's mild improved stock so just gonna leave it. Now I know how to change them out no problemo
I've been running my Twin Cam with stock tentioners since new in 03. Every 10 to 12 k I pull the cam cover and inspect the shoes. I intall new shoes around 20-25 k. H-D shoes definatly don't last that long though.
Is okay to reuse the cam bearing in the cam plate after pressing the cams out?I am doing this job on my 2005 springer classic and I enjoy the heck out of your videos. You keep it simple.
Great video Brother. I've done a few of these, always use Red loctite on cam & Crank bolts. But I have a question for you, what is the Reasoning behind the 15 ft lbs & backing off 360 before final torque? I do it , but would like to know your professional opinion why!! Thx again!!
When the twincam came out and they schooled us up about them I never thought to ask one of the guys why at the time. My thoughts on it though is to make sure that the sprockets are mated on the shafts perfectly flush so the torque sequence starts at dead zero giving the bolts the best chance at proper clamping force.
Hey man thanks for the awesome videos, new to Harley and just finished replacing the shoes with cycos following this and i bought the tool so i didn't have to press cams. I'm about to put the outer chain and sprockets back on and want to make sure I'm understanding this correctly. As long as i start the sprockets in the chain with the dots facing as you did, and turn them so the crank sprocket lines up, then turn the camshaft so that it indexes it's sprocket I should be good? I just know the crank turns 2x for every turn of the cam and want to make sure there isn't a wrong way that the keys line up that could lead to disaster. Thank you
your good, as long as those timing marks line up before you put on it will be fine. I figured that out around 2001, when you work for a dealership you get paid book time not buy the hour so have to come up with ways to do things right but faster. I havn't put one top dead center since.
@@DeathProofProductions thank you for the quick reply. I got it back on but have one more question. When putting the plate back on, the outermost "tabs" of the oil pump that line it up with the crank must've turned ever so slightly to where it wouldn't slide on but I was able to turn it back with my finger and got it lined up and she went right on. I did not separate the pump from the plate. After hearing about timing and alignment of the oil pump and all that I want to make sure it's a non issue. I know I'm OCD about this stuff but I'm a firm believer in take care of her and she'll take care of you lol. Thanks again!
Thanks for your response. I purchased the replacement parts. Now I have a couple questions. Will each push rod take only one cut each? What is the tightening specs for each push rod?
Excellent video sir. How would you go about changing the inner tensioner if you were not changing cams, you couldn't rotate it down with the chain in the way. Thanks.
They make a tool that allows it to be removed without pressing out the cams but it's expensive and hard to find. Harbour freight sells a press just right for doing that job for around 50$ or so and you have something that can do other jobs you run across, everything from the lawnmower to the wife's grocery getter.
Love this video, Just bought my fathers 2004 Road king. I have a 2018 King but I am really enjoying riding the 04. the bike has 65000 miles on it but at 35000 miles the tensioners went out on him in Iowa and we live in PA. He didn't know where the rattling sound was coming from but he road it home. His MC mechanic kept his old tensioners for a display in his shop. The repair hit his pocket pretty hard. Since I have this bike I am ready to dive into the cam chest thanks to your video. I would really lone to purchase that tool to remove the tensioner without pressing out the cams but I cant find it anywhere...it seems like whoever makes it just stopped making them. I guessing I'm going to harbor freight to get a cheap press that I don't have room for in my garage. Hoping you know where I can find this tool.
Big twin motorcycles out of Germany might still have some in stock. Check with them and see if they ship to the states. There made in china so I'm thinking it's a supply chain issue. If you get the press you can use it for alot of other jobs and the tool is about as much as the press.
Thanks..yes t thought I might want to switch cams out someday. I would still love that tool. I know I'm gonna be doing my neighbors and cousins bike also.
i just bought a 2000 flhtc from the widow of a buddy. he passed about a year ago from cancer and the bike had been sitting for about 5 years. i have shovel and M8 but this is my first twin cam. what hydraulic pushrods should i use in a stock 88? thanks for all your videos
Just last night I swapped out the pads. Mine aren’t as loose on the pin as your, not sure if I over peened the pin. They still pivot, so I’m thinking there going to wear in? Otherwise all else is going as planned. Keep up the good work.
Awesome channel... one of the best on twin cam Harley Davidson motorcycles there is. Is the screamin eagle $550 hydraulic cam plate / oil pump upgrade worth doing or is it a waste of money when you can do $15 cyco gaskets? Really appreciate your opinion.
It really depends on someone's budget and how good they are with wrenching, even with my cyco shoes in both my twincam's I still check them at every 10k service. I've got about 12k on the shoes in my dyna and I'm gonna inspect them soon a make vid showing them.
I'm located in the ozark national forest in arkansas. I do side work but right now I'm recovering from the motorcycle wreck. Just finished shoulder repair. Got bicep tendon surgery Tuesday, probably be back up to par in a couple months. What kinda project you needing.
@@DeathProofProductions wow! Sorry to hear about your wreck. Glad.it wasn't that bad and your be ok. You are and ace mechanic and I would like for you to work on my bike. I was think about new cam and tensioner. Is Andrew's ev 27 a good cam? I think I would like to over haul the whole bike.
I got a question for you. I was having a cam sensor put in and they told me that my cam came.out and they needed to get new push rods because of it. Am I being cooked? Any informatwould be a.apperate.
That sounds pretty fishy. For the cam to move that much requires the pinion sprocket to come loose and all of the support plate bolts. I would have them show you the push rods to see what's wrong. Take pictures of it and send it to this email Davethom2004flstc@gmail.com, when i look at it I can tell you if there full of it our not.
@@DeathProofProductions as you know it's hard to find a cam sensor position plate assembly. So they found a use with the case. They said a lot of times the exhaust bike break when removing them but didn't. Break. I thought it was fishy they said the cam came out. I guess they are putting quickie push rods. I don't have much faith in humanity.
New sub here, would you recommend moving to the hydraulic tensioners with up graded oil pump for 2006 RK ? When I clicked thru your link for replacement pads it states up to 2005? Appreciate your vid , clear and concise, best of all ex HD tech! if you are going to recommend hydraulic which would you suggest he screaming eagle, feuling or SS? Thank you sir!
i don't know why it says 2005 but they work on your bike. if you decide to go with a hydraulic then all the brands are about the same, if it was me i would go with the one i could get at the best price.
Sorry for delayed response been covered up, it really is a easy job. Now days I spend most of my time restoring old bikes but I your not very far away I'll do for you if you buy the beer.
In a few weeks we will have them for sale on our merch page, along with other products from cyco gaskets. If you get them there, make sure you pick up a shirt or a beer koozie to help out the channel. If you get them elsewhere, make sure they're cyco brand. Thanks for the compliment on the vid.
Great content and delivery. My only suggestion would be to lose the music or only use it when you aren’t talking…it’s rather distracting. Other than that, your video person does a nice job…your fortunate to have a a good cameraman/editor.
Haha, that's wonderful, you had me laughing. It reminds of learning Algebra, the teacher puts a problem up on the board, explains how to solve it, asks if you have any questions... then erases the board and the solution, puts up a new equation and then says, "solve this"! So, I'm guessing that it probably took you a couple of hours to do the job? I'll plan on about two days but I think I can do it. Those little power ratchets are a great tool, same with the power screwdriver. Are you a body builder or a power lifter?
Thank you for a awesome video !! I have a question is there a reason you remove the cams to change out the tensioners ? Again thank you for this video.
The rear tensioner's spring pressure can't be completely unloaded with the rear chain in the way. Harbor freight sells a press just right for the job for 69 bucks and you could use it for alot of other stuff as well. Send me a email to davethom2004flstc@.gmail.com so I can send some pics of it to show how compact it is.
What a Great video, replacing my tensioners now on 2003 softail(11,000 miles), QUESTION? Do you have to take oil pump off the cam plate? I have alll the tensioner tools not to, just want to make sure it will be ok to reinstall while on the camplate? I trust your judgment, please let me know!! Thanks , John
Excellent video. I have been debating to use spring loaded or do the conversion to hydraulic. I think I will stay with spring loaded. Did you leave your oil pump attached to the plate when reinstalling? Did you have to "alig" the oil pump with tapered tools when installing the oil pump? It was great to see that you can use the same inner bearings.
I never take the oil pump off. There's no need when doing cams ot tensioners that way you don't have to have the tools to align it. I only remove pump when I have to.
New Subscriber. Thanks for the video man, it was really good and to the point, just like I like 'em! A feller can tell you have done this a couple of times! I'm having Harley do this for me right now, and upgrading to the new cam plate and hyd tensioners, as well as the new oil pump. I have a 05 Electra Glide that has the big bore kit and 211 cams with 31K on it. I just bought the bike in August. I pulled the cam cover and mine were wore over half way. Look forward to going over all your videos!! God Bless!! Quick question, do you run your bike with oil that's completely full to the mark of the stick? I am getting a fair amount of oil in the air filter housing and gonna do a filter or catch can job to stop dumping oil on the top of my piston. Any favorites for that mod? Thanks again!!
With that age on the bike I would be looking at a breather gasket issue or the o ring for the oil pump has gotten old an leaking by. At that age and those miles it probably has set in the garage alot. That allows the seals and gaskets to get brittle and leak by because there not getting lubrication to keep them soft. At every 5000 mile service you should only have in the intake enough oil to get your finger barley wet. Also if your plugs don't have oil fouling than the pistons have very little to. I personally have 5 twincams that have 100k+ miles on them and they have very little carbon build up on them. I'm about to make a vid replacing top end gaskets on the 08 I will show the amount of carbon on the piston. I have a vid about the subject were I go into more detail. Let me know if there's any project that you need help with and I will make video showing how. Thanks for watching
@@DeathProofProductions Thank you!! My bike is still at the Harley shop, New River Harley Davidson. Went to pick it up Saturday, and on the 3rd check ride it stopped and would not start, stranding the mech a few miles from the shop. Waiting to hear what might have caused this. Hope it's not anything the mech forgot to do in the cam chest!! I'll take your advice and try the breather gasket before I do anything else. Thank you Sir, really appreciate what you do and sharing your knowledge!! Look forward to seeing your new video.
I have a 2000 FLSTS and it has a cam position sensor. Can the cam chest cover be removed and just tied over out of the way to do this process? Thanks for the video. 😉👍
You don't have to replace the tubes but it does make it easier to adjust. As far as a brand I recommend, I use s&s for almost everything I do to my bike's but that's just the brand that was biggest in the early 90's when I got in to this stuff. On customer's bikes I've installed just about every brand and I have never noticed one being better than the other. I would just find the set at the best price and slap them puppys in there.
Ok. Just cut my pushrods (little stressful first time). Rotated tire until rods spun freely. Seems to be ok. Does it matter How far the lifters are up or down at this point ? Wants make sure before I remove cam plate
Sorry for delayed response been tied up helping a buddy on his bike. It really doesn't at this point, Just make sure you use the tool I showed in the video to hold them in place. Then they won't fall in the cam chest.
I have really enjoyed your videos i have watched 4 or 5 of them and learned a lot,,,,,I am having trouble with my Dyna wide glide and I was wondering where your shop is located,,,,,
Love all your videos thank you so much. I got a question: i dont have to press out the cams just for changing the shoes right? Once the rear tensioner is unloaded i can just change it without doing anything to the cams? All i want to do is just the 2 cyco tensioners thats all. Thanks again
What would you say is the typical LABOR cost for installing the camshaft plate and tensioner kit? I don't have a press or any of the special tools required to complete this job.
Just pulled my cover for a 10k inspection, barely any ware on em. Look like the day I put em in. Had to come back here for tq pattern tho. Once again thanks for all the help. P.S are you still going to be making shirts with your logo on em? Still dieing to buy a few haha
Great video! I have a 2016 dyna switchback with 13000 on it. When should I be checking inside the cam cover? I think this year has hydraulic tensioners, do these last longer?
@DeathProofProductions I NEED HELP PLEASE. I followed the video step by step, and when i put everything back together, I hear a loud ticking noise when the engine idles, when i rev the ticking sounds louder. I don't know whats wrong. I re-aligned everything and I triple checked that it was all aligned. I made sure I followed every step exactly I have taken the bike apart 3 TIMES and done every step. Lubricated every important pieces. I need help PLEASE. I don't know whats wrong. My bike never did this before.
@@DeathProofProductions All the parts are original parts, I made sure the intake and exhaust lifters are in the right spot, they are non adjustable. The one thing I noticed when I did take apart the bike was that the crank shaft where the oil pump is inserted got slightly worn, and it wasnt like that before. When I installed the oil pump I made sure I did the oil pump alignment correctly but there is no way in knowing if the oil pump is correctly aligned. My only lead is that.
@@DeathProofProductions I feel like it has to do with the oil pump alignment but I have done it 3 times and noticed the crank shank and where the oil pump connects into the engine ( the little hole on the left ) had a little bit of wear. I dont know how to fix this problem. I made sure I did the alignment correctly, but I dont know how to check if it is aligned once I align the oil pump.
It sounds like your lifters have bled down no worries they will pump up it just takes a little time with it running. Don't be afraid of it ticking it won't hurt nothing.
Hey,,,,i really enjoy your video's,,,,i have a problem on my 99-DWG-HD i installed the fueling cam chest and oil pump and everything was great for 50 miles and the crank shaft sensor went out i pull the cam chest back out before I figure out that it was the sensor and now it pumps the oil in the motor and don't pump it back to the oil tank,,,,,,,any help would really be appreciated,,
Excellent detail in this video. Do you have a video replacing cam shoes on the hydraulic tensioners? Mine is a 96 ci. What is the recommended life of the shoes?
Did you change them without pulling the rockers and lifters? Just curious, we are getting ready to do my Son's 2004 RK and thought we had to take the pushrods and lifters out.
If you run adjustable push rods than you don't have to remove any of that. If you don't have them I recommend getting them. To remove the old ones just cut them with bolt cutters.
Thanks for the videos. You mention keeping the retaining plate in the groove, on my 06 I don't see a groove it appears to just go over the bearings. I had a cam starting to go bad where it goes into needle bearings so am replacing. I lost track of the direction on the lifter oil hole should i just install with the holes facing the motor?
The other way is to turn the crank until the flat part is lined up with the line on the cam support plate. That puts it a top dead center, then put the sprockets on. All brands of push rods are about the same but I would get the tubes than are designed for them, makes it easier to adjust them.
No service departments even mention checking the cam shoes at 10,000 hell they don't even mention them at all, I would advise anybody running mechanical shoes to switch to hydraulic, as you can see you never know how fast they're going to wear out .Thanks for the video.
This channel's potential is unlimited . Watching and understanding the work of a Pro is priceless. Thanks so much, this helps A LOT !
Thanks
'04 FLHR, ~35K miles, single owner. Been cutting the oil filter open every oil change, checking for nylon particles. However, I know it's about time to change to tensioner shoes. Usually when I watch a YooToob video, it shows the best way to NOT do something. Yours was actually... inspiring... :))
Thanks muchly for the helpful tutorial!
Glade I could help.
You make the service manual come to life and more so! I just finished this job with Cyco Gasket shoes bought directly from CG as well as their adjustable pushrods. Also put in Torrington/Koyo inner bearings while I was at it. This on an '02 Fat Boy. At 20k on it, the original shoes were almost at the half way wear point. Thank you for your clean, clear instructions. Subscribed and grateful!
Thanks for the compliment. Stay tuned
Hey man , just got done replacing my cam chain tensioners on my 03 softail, all work was done following you and your videos, and it went flawlessly!!!!! I cannot express enough gratitude to you for your time and knowledge, Thank you so much!!! I wish I lived close to you, you would get any and all of my bike work!! I was gonna send you a couple of pics of the work getting done by me, but I couldn't find a email address for you. Anyhow, so grateful for your time!!!! Stay safe and God Bless you buddy!
John
Glad to help. On my homepage some were there is the channels email but my personal email is Davethom2004flstc@gmail.com love to see those pics.
I just want to thank you for your video. I bought a 1999 FLHPI last year with 54000mi on it. It had been sitting for 10hrs. I’m an ok mechanic but had never been in a Harley motor. You gave me the confidence to replace my tensioners and Inner bearings. Mostly because you speak my language. I’m in the NC mountains. Most of the videos want you to have all these special tools. Thanks again man. You’re alright
you know the old saying poor people have poor ways. I learned along time ago when it comes to wrenching it doesn't mater how you get it done as long as the result is the same. glad the video was helpful.
I have just read all the comments below and learned a lot of useful information. The best place on YT when wrenching on your HD.
Did you end up getting the new damper for your clutch.
I got the BARNETT clutch pack. Primed in oil and ready for Installation.
God job.
Love the video man. I rode for 11 years with the police department and I'm about to buy my first true bike. I'm thinking about buying a 2006 Softtail from a guy I meet recently. Another good friend of mine lives in Georgia has a 2005 Softtail and he schooled me on the fact that the tensioners had to be replaced every so often. So I'm doing my homework before I make a purchase. I was a mechanic in the Army back in the day so I think I can tackle the job. Awesome info. Music was a little loud at times but I think I made out what you was saying. Keep up the good work and videos.
Thanks for the tip about the music were still learning. You can do it it's easy if you have trouble email me.
This video is a world class tutorial that I plan to follow closely. Many Thanks.
Thanks, Glad to be able to help.
Thank you for doing this video. For my third Harley, I have my 2003 Wide Glide. I just found out about this tensioner garbage that H-D pulled. I am selling my pride and joy now, because I refuse to throw money to greedy corporate idiots. This is a shame. Wish I had kept my 98 with the 113 El Bruto!
Thanks for the compliment on the vid.
Thanks for the video. My dad passed away recently and I just took ownership of his 2005 Ultra Classic. I also suffered a head injury that resulted in a TBI. Mine affects me more than I let on but having videos like this one help me tremendously. Thanks for the help!
im the same way i can hide it from people if there not around me all the time.
@@DeathProofProductions you definitely got me gunshy to ride this thing until I check this out
i cant speek for your condition but for me I can still ride my ass off. and for that I thank the lord.
@@DeathProofProductions I ride nearly every day and, while some days it hurts worse than others, a sore day on my bike is better than a comfortable day in a pickup truck
I’ve been turning wrenches for over 50 years primarily on cars , truck and tractors. Never had schooling just the way I was raised I guess. I really enjoy your vids there is no bullshit just facts. I just started building the latest Harley engines and in the distant past I built a few shovels and several iron head sportsters. I like how you get into the nitty gritty on the best ways to do things. Keep at it brother thanks!
Thanks, really appreciate it.
Man! This information is soooo valuable! I have a hard time understanding instructions. Watching and executing is much easier for me. Thank you for putting this information out here. Into an 08 Crossbones at the moment. Typically an Evo guy but enjoying twin cams. Great info!!!
Glad it was helpful!
This is by far the best how-to Harley video on UA-cam! Thank you!
Thanks for the compliment means alot.
Just found your channel. I have a 2K Heritage that I bought in 06 as a total and put back together. I have never checked the tensioners ( I must be really lucky) or the original owner had them replaced. This thing had 45K when I got it and I have put on at least another 20K. Going to pull the cover before the season starts this year and see what is what. I will definitely replace the tensioners. Thanks for the video!
Thanks for the compliment.
Great video. Did mine two years ago and used the shoes from Cyco Gaskets. Figured the "Stanyl polymide" shoes would have to be better than stock. Thanks for proving it. I was going to convert to hydraulic this winter, but going to stay with the springs and save that $800.00 and use it to fill up my gas tank {maybe]. Anyway I'm 71 and figure ole Double Barrel will probably outlast me. I subscribed, so keep those motion pictures coming.
Thanks for the complement.
I do not have a garage, they are simply not available in the city I live (in Germany). My bike is parked outside on the street under the cover so my repairs depend on the weather conditions. I had to replace the bearings and the tensioner shoes on my FXDX 2000 (Clutch replacement and service and some wiring done already). Since it has rained a lot recently I used this time and have built my own press from few pieces of fittings, wood and an old 2t - hydraulic jack. The cost of the build was under 50EUR / 50$ and it took me a couple of hours only. I have built it on the kitchen table, no special tools required, only a drill. It fits behind my wardrobe in my room because I have no garage and thus no space issues :)
Having said that, I have used this press to remove the old ball bearings from the cam plate, pressing the new set in, pressing the race on the cam with no jims tools - used the old bearing to press against. Finally pressing the cam in the plate. Worked like a charm.
Thank you David for your inspiration, your support, for getting the Cyco Gaskets for me from USA to Germany and all your kind suggestions and Ideas.
Glad to help.
as always no fluff gets to the meat and potatoes of the project keep up the great work I learn alot from your videos thanks
Thanks 👍
So far your the best on you tube for bike maintenance my man ! We Ty
i have an 02 heritage with 25k miles and sometime soon i will have to do something. i can't believe HD couldn't have come up with a little something better than plastic like maybe a roller with bearing. thnx for the info and demo.
Excellent video. Very helpful. I like your teaching style.
I bought a spare bike (TC88) that is supposed to have gear drive already installed BUT in case it doesn't, now I know what to do to replace any worn shoes. I'm going to pull off the cover soon and see what's up. I've had my main bike for 23 years, it is an EVO so I'm new to TCs.
Twin cams are a little easier to work on than the evo so you shouldn't have a problem.
20 years as a powersports tech with no HD experience. I'm learning something new. Thank you, sir. 110 ft Lbs threw me tho LOL
Are you sure I said ft lbs or inch lbs and if so what bolt was I talking about. I'm traveling right now away from my computer but if I said it wrong I need to fix it as soon as i get back. If you could let me know that would be a great help. Thanks
@@DeathProofProductions i heard inch pounds...Also, great video and thanks for sharing the knowledge👌
21:22 you corrected yourself in the video
Ok thanks for checking that for me I wouldn't want people to use ft lbs.
I wasn't looking forward to doing this, but now I'm feeling fine about it, maybe it's the Jack Daniels. Kidding aside, another great video.
Jack is good for elbow grease
Yep, I'm a " pretty decent mechanic" and Harley has ya so scared of this I was not looking forward to it , TILL NOW
A service manual and Dave's top notch instructional videos, not too much a mechanically inclined person can't do on a tc..some jobs require speciality tools though.
Thank you for taking time to make videos. What a great help before I do it myself.
Thanks
So, today was the day to open her up and see how things look. It's 2003 FLHTCI, just turned over 26K miles, I'm probably the third owner. It took nearly three hours to get the exhaust apart, including time for PBlast and WD40 to penetrate some of the rustier stuff. Three header bolts came off easily enough--always gotta have one sonofabitch in a bunch. One nut took about an hour of teasing, soaking, and wrenching. The cross over header pipe was just ornery as it could be. That was probably another thirty minutes of disconnecting sections so I could twist the pipe enough to get some pBlast at the joint and finally got'r'dun.
Cam chest cover was easy to remove, once the foot pad and exhaust were removed. The outside tension pad was in much better condition than I expected but was worn down into a grove. It looks like it could probably go another 15K miles. While I didn't remove the cam plate to inspect the inside tensioner I could see that it was worn more than the outer pad and I think I see a crack developing along the side.
If I had the adjustable pushrods on hand I'd have gone ahead and removed the cam plate but I just didn't want to mess with it until I have what I need to do the job. After studying all the options, for days, and seeing how everything gets nickled and dimed to death I decided to splurge on the S&S 509C kit. It wasn't cheap, about $1,685 but almost everything is there. I'm 70 years old and this probably my last bike, may as well make her as good as I can, while I can!
I need a better torque wrench. What's that rig that your using? I still need to get the cam bearing remover/install kit and may get one of those timing gear jammers, as well. Hell, I'm about as excited as a 50 year old with a free Viagra, a company credit card, at a Las Vegas convention!
Hope the reassembly goes a bit faster than the breakdown. It would be nice to open and close on the same day.
It's a snap on tech wrench. It has ft lbs, inch lbs and Newton meters. I gotta say it's a good one been using it for 22 years with no issues. If the inside one is starting to crack on the edge it means it's getting bretal. The couple I have seen fail were from age not wear they get hard and then start coming apart. I also would consider getting a blind hole puller if your changing inner bearings instead of the after market puller just for those bearings. The blind hole puller has set of collets and you can use it for lots of other jobs I use a snap on CG 40 C with the bridge puller but you would be better getting the slide one to remove and install. Glad to see your staying on top of it.
@@DeathProofProductions Thanks, I'm guessing that this may be similar,
I don't do a lot wrenching, so much, just working on my own stuff. I started doing this sort of stuff back in the 60s and built a pretty good tool box over the decades. Then, someone broke into my garage and stole anything of value--I guess it was in 2006. Since then I bought some Harbor Freight "quality" to get by with. The HF torque wrenches are not quite up to the standard for motorcycle work but they are not too bad when working on big stuff.
There are a few Snap-on torque wrench offerings on ebay in the $300/$400 range. I'm gonna need a lot more beer before I can go there. Haha, but things can happen in life!
Hey brother, I just want to ay thank you for sharing your knowledge on this.I did have harley davidso press my cams and put the secondary tensioner.I also went with the SS quickies for my next go round. Again thank you shes up and running now.
no problem, im glad your back in the wind.
Great job, I just changed my tensioners on my Kawasaki vulcan very easy compared to what you just did there, you'd think they would have a better design for tensioners they wouldn't wear out, always good to learn just in case.
Brother very cool,info was great. I subbed. I have to do this to my wife’s 03 lowrider. Only has less than 14 thousand miles. This is her iPad I’m using it. Thanks for sharing this important process. This is the third one I’ve watched and the better one. I’m confident I can handle it now. Thank you
Feel free to email at Davethom2004flstc@gmail.com if during the process you have any questions. More than glad to help.
You would definitely be my trusted Harley guy if we were in the same area! You make it look easy and for you it may be. I would entrust it to a pro like yourself.
Thanks
I guess maybe I missed the explanation but why did you have to take the cams off of the cam plate?
Man, after watching this, im canceling my purchase of a twin cam heritage...i will keep my simple evolution 1340 thanks
Been waiting on this. Seen a few but one more is always better just to see how others do it. Ty sir.
Anything for the people.
Thank you! Great video, helped me get back on the road with good tensioners.
Appreciate the video so much, watched all the commercials! Thank you!
Thanks for watching the commercials helps alot.
You are the man! I learned so much right here.
Im filling my cart with shit I need to do this job and added the pushrods. Im not installing new cams, but I know I need to do the shoes.
So Ill def be in the cam chest again at some point.
Im also ordering a high pressure oil pump, so now I know I need those alignment pins you mentioned in the beggining!
Thank you.
Unless you want the pump you don't need it. Watch my cam support plate video I go into depth about the oil pump and over pressure. It will let you know if you really need it.
@@DeathProofProductions lol saw this immediately after I ordered it. But my motivation is for cooling, sumping and blow by. Which was what the ad sold me on lol. Its not an expenvice one, but the slightly better than OEM pump.
I just figured its a good upgrade, that I wont feel bad about tossing when I finally do a bore/ cam change.
Great video brother. You're a kick-ass teacher 👍
Thank you.
Thanks Bro Great Video, My 02 LowRider 37K needs the tensioners. They look like the rear in the video. 20 years not bad.
Gary my buddies tell me to change now on my 03 lowrider and that bike only has 14 thousand miles. It’s my wife’s bike and she passed away last December. But them pieces could potentially wreck the motor. 37 thousand miles is very scary they say.
Another great video! I'm going to place an order from Cyco Gaskets soon. I'll tell them you sent me. Please keep the videos coming. I'll be watching. Thanks
Ten four.
Great video! You deserve many more subscribers.
Have a 06 HD Heritage Softail Classic with 14k miles. At some point I will need to tackle this job.
If I were you now is the time. I have one needs done with just under 14 grand. I’m not riding that bike till I do it. They say if it breaks and pieces block oil flow can kill motor.
Great video love all the tips and tricks you provided now I feel confident and doing this Job I do have a question what brand pushrods you running?
Keep them vids coming great content Thanks !!!
I run s&s but I have installed every brand you can think of in customer's bikes and there all good.
Jus found your channel ..love the videos seem like a good man brother ...please keep videos coming subscriber for life!!!
Boss man can I just bring you my bike to do this? I’ll pay you obviously but I trust you more than anyone I know from just seeing all your videos!
I don't mind doing it but how far are you away from Clinton Arkansas.
I pretty much followed your video. It all work out right . Thanks for the video.
I'm glade that it helped, thanks for the compliment on the vid because the main reason I started this channel was to help other's with my experience. I'd write a book to do the same but I'm too illiterate.
Thanks for shooting straight. I've never done it but now that I've seen it there's nothing to it. Mine just failed on me a few days ago at the lonestar rally. Thank you for the info. I'm ready to ride as always. 05 FLHTCSE2
Thx I wish you were easier for the algorithm to find for me but I found it all the same cheers.
Great Video. Sharing information is priceless ...
Glad you enjoyed it.
Thank You for sharing your expertise and valuable time.
anytime.
Great video. Very informative. I am about to do this to my 03 Ultra classic.
Thanks I did the psycho shoes like you did I bought a 05 Road King 57,000 miles never been serviced they were at their limit almost metal on metal I did it myself at home and threw in some 203 Screamin Eagle cams runs good was thinking about doing hydraulic to it but it's mild improved stock so just gonna leave it. Now I know how to change them out no problemo
Good deal glad you cought in time, pretty easy job don't you think.
Yep like you said the exhaust is the pain in the butt. Need true duals would make it easier
So glad I found your site.
Thanks.
After watching this, I feel absolute confidence in my ability to......... take my bike to the dealership for them to do it!
I've been running my Twin Cam with stock tentioners since new in 03. Every 10 to 12 k I pull the cam cover and inspect the shoes. I intall new shoes around 20-25 k. H-D shoes definatly don't last that long though.
Very true.
Just found this channel.. good stuff man.
Appreciate it!
Nice job brother! And very well explained also! Thank you
Thank you.
Excellent hands on Video. Great job. I am now a new subscriber. Thx. 👍👍👏👏😁😁
Thanks
Is okay to reuse the cam bearing in the cam plate after pressing the cams out?I am doing this job on my 2005 springer classic and I enjoy the heck out of your videos. You keep it simple.
Check it for roughness by spinning it if it has none your good.
Great video Brother. I've done a few of these, always use Red loctite on cam & Crank bolts. But I have a question for you, what is the Reasoning behind the 15 ft lbs & backing off 360 before final torque? I do it , but would like to know your professional opinion why!! Thx again!!
When the twincam came out and they schooled us up about them I never thought to ask one of the guys why at the time. My thoughts on it though is to make sure that the sprockets are mated on the shafts perfectly flush so the torque sequence starts at dead zero giving the bolts the best chance at proper clamping force.
@@DeathProofProductions amen brother. I was thinking the same thing. Thx for getting back with me. You Rock.
QUESTION ,YOU SAID THERE WAS A BETTER TENSINOIR ,WHO SELLS IT ? YOUR VIDEOS ARE GREAT!
Cyco gaskets makes it. I've been running them since 17 in all my twincam's and have had great luck with them.
@@DeathProofProductions Thanks I checked, they don't sell the complete set just the pads, mine got chewed up!
the metal did to.
Hey man thanks for the awesome videos, new to Harley and just finished replacing the shoes with cycos following this and i bought the tool so i didn't have to press cams. I'm about to put the outer chain and sprockets back on and want to make sure I'm understanding this correctly. As long as i start the sprockets in the chain with the dots facing as you did, and turn them so the crank sprocket lines up, then turn the camshaft so that it indexes it's sprocket I should be good? I just know the crank turns 2x for every turn of the cam and want to make sure there isn't a wrong way that the keys line up that could lead to disaster. Thank you
your good, as long as those timing marks line up before you put on it will be fine. I figured that out around 2001, when you work for a dealership you get paid book time not buy the hour so have to come up with ways to do things right but faster. I havn't put one top dead center since.
@@DeathProofProductions thank you for the quick reply. I got it back on but have one more question. When putting the plate back on, the outermost "tabs" of the oil pump that line it up with the crank must've turned ever so slightly to where it wouldn't slide on but I was able to turn it back with my finger and got it lined up and she went right on. I did not separate the pump from the plate. After hearing about timing and alignment of the oil pump and all that I want to make sure it's a non issue. I know I'm OCD about this stuff but I'm a firm believer in take care of her and she'll take care of you lol. Thanks again!
I can understand being concerned the first go round but your good. How long was the bike apart.
this video is gold! Thank you!
flawless how to, thanks brother.
Thanks
Thanks for your response. I purchased the replacement parts. Now I have a couple questions. Will each push rod take only one cut each? What is the tightening specs for each push rod?
It should take only one cut, every brand has a different thread pitch that will affect the specs for the pushrods.
Excellent video sir. How would you go about changing the inner tensioner if you were not changing cams, you couldn't rotate it down with the chain in the way. Thanks.
They make a tool that allows it to be removed without pressing out the cams but it's expensive and hard to find. Harbour freight sells a press just right for doing that job for around 50$ or so and you have something that can do other jobs you run across, everything from the lawnmower to the wife's grocery getter.
64 first harley thanks so much for the tips your a legend
Thanks for the compliment
Love this video, Just bought my fathers 2004 Road king. I have a 2018 King but I am really enjoying riding the 04. the bike has 65000 miles on it but at 35000 miles the tensioners went out on him in Iowa and we live in PA. He didn't know where the rattling sound was coming from but he road it home. His MC mechanic kept his old tensioners for a display in his shop. The repair hit his pocket pretty hard. Since I have this bike I am ready to dive into the cam chest thanks to your video. I would really lone to purchase that tool to remove the tensioner without pressing out the cams but I cant find it anywhere...it seems like whoever makes it just stopped making them. I guessing I'm going to harbor freight to get a cheap press that I don't have room for in my garage. Hoping you know where I can find this tool.
Big twin motorcycles out of Germany might still have some in stock. Check with them and see if they ship to the states. There made in china so I'm thinking it's a supply chain issue. If you get the press you can use it for alot of other jobs and the tool is about as much as the press.
Thanks..yes t thought I might want to switch cams out someday. I would still love that tool. I know I'm gonna be doing my neighbors and cousins bike also.
Thanks bro. Very solid video.
Thanks for the compliment.
i just bought a 2000 flhtc from the widow of a buddy. he passed about a year ago from cancer and the bike had been sitting for about 5 years. i have shovel and M8 but this is my first twin cam. what hydraulic pushrods should i use in a stock 88? thanks for all your videos
I like s&s myself but I'm sure the other brands are good. what year shovel you got. my first big twin that I built was a 1976 fxe.
@@DeathProofProductions my shovel is a 1971 flh that i've had since 1992. she's no trailer queen. she and i have been to every state east of WY.
gotta respect that me and my heratage have been to love here like my kids.
Just last night I swapped out the pads. Mine aren’t as loose on the pin as your, not sure if I over peened the pin.
They still pivot, so I’m thinking there going to wear in?
Otherwise all else is going as planned. Keep up the good work.
Happy to see you got it done with no problems ,Your right it will loosen as it wears in.
Awesome channel... one of the best on twin cam Harley Davidson motorcycles there is. Is the screamin eagle $550 hydraulic cam plate / oil pump upgrade worth doing or is it a waste of money when you can do $15 cyco gaskets? Really appreciate your opinion.
It really depends on someone's budget and how good they are with wrenching, even with my cyco shoes in both my twincam's I still check them at every 10k service. I've got about 12k on the shoes in my dyna and I'm gonna inspect them soon a make vid showing them.
Great video! I enjoy watching someone who cuts right to the chase. Do you do side jobs and where you located?
I'm located in the ozark national forest in arkansas. I do side work but right now I'm recovering from the motorcycle wreck. Just finished shoulder repair. Got bicep tendon surgery Tuesday, probably be back up to par in a couple months. What kinda project you needing.
@@DeathProofProductions wow! Sorry to hear about your wreck. Glad.it wasn't that bad and your be ok. You are and ace mechanic and I would like for you to work on my bike. I was think about new cam and tensioner. Is Andrew's ev 27 a good cam? I think I would like to over haul the whole bike.
I got a question for you. I was having a cam sensor put in and they told me that my cam came.out and they needed to get new push rods because of it. Am I being cooked? Any informatwould be a.apperate.
That sounds pretty fishy. For the cam to move that much requires the pinion sprocket to come loose and all of the support plate bolts. I would have them show you the push rods to see what's wrong. Take pictures of it and send it to this email Davethom2004flstc@gmail.com, when i look at it I can tell you if there full of it our not.
@@DeathProofProductions as you know it's hard to find a cam sensor position plate assembly. So they found a use with the case. They said a lot of times the exhaust bike break when removing them but didn't. Break. I thought it was fishy they said the cam came out. I guess they are putting quickie push rods. I don't have much faith in humanity.
New sub here, would you recommend moving to the hydraulic tensioners with up graded oil pump for 2006 RK ? When I clicked thru your link for replacement pads it states up to 2005? Appreciate your vid , clear and concise, best of all ex HD tech! if you are going to recommend hydraulic which would you suggest he screaming eagle, feuling or SS? Thank you sir!
i don't know why it says 2005 but they work on your bike. if you decide to go with a hydraulic then all the brands are about the same, if it was me i would go with the one i could get at the best price.
Make it look so simple and only 23 minutes 😅. Cool!
What do you charge for this process?
Sorry for delayed response been covered up, it really is a easy job. Now days I spend most of my time restoring old bikes but I your not very far away I'll do for you if you buy the beer.
I want to rebuild my tensioners (hydraulic) and primary chain tensioner shoes, where do you get them? Your video was great.
In a few weeks we will have them for sale on our merch page, along with other products from cyco gaskets. If you get them there, make sure you pick up a shirt or a beer koozie to help out the channel. If you get them elsewhere, make sure they're cyco brand. Thanks for the compliment on the vid.
Great content and delivery.
My only suggestion would be to lose the music or only use it when you aren’t talking…it’s rather distracting.
Other than that, your video person does a nice job…your fortunate to have a a good cameraman/editor.
Thanks for the suggestion. The camara man/editor is my son he will appreciate your thoughts.
Thank you for this video, it helped me tremendously.
Anytime
great stuff as always!
Haha, that's wonderful, you had me laughing. It reminds of learning Algebra, the teacher puts a problem up on the board, explains how to solve it, asks if you have any questions... then erases the board and the solution, puts up a new equation and then says, "solve this"! So, I'm guessing that it probably took you a couple of hours to do the job? I'll plan on about two days but I think I can do it.
Those little power ratchets are a great tool, same with the power screwdriver.
Are you a body builder or a power lifter?
That's ok how long you take but I promise there is nothing to it. Just go slow and it will be easy.
I strength train. It's a habit from my martial arts days but a ant what I once was.
Thank you for a awesome video !! I have a question is there a reason you remove the cams to change out the tensioners ? Again thank you for this video.
The rear tensioner's spring pressure can't be completely unloaded with the rear chain in the way. Harbor freight sells a press just right for the job for 69 bucks and you could use it for alot of other stuff as well. Send me a email to davethom2004flstc@.gmail.com so I can send some pics of it to show how compact it is.
What a Great video, replacing my tensioners now on 2003 softail(11,000 miles), QUESTION? Do you have to take oil pump off the cam plate? I have alll the tensioner tools not to, just want to make sure it will be ok to reinstall while on the camplate? I trust your judgment, please let me know!! Thanks , John
No you don't have to most of the time I don't.
Thank you so much for the answer!!! Keep the videos comin!! Great stuff!!
Excellent video. I have been debating to use spring loaded or do the conversion to hydraulic. I think I will stay with spring loaded. Did you leave your oil pump attached to the plate when reinstalling? Did you have to "alig" the oil pump with tapered tools when installing the oil pump? It was great to see that you can use the same inner bearings.
I never take the oil pump off. There's no need when doing cams ot tensioners that way you don't have to have the tools to align it. I only remove pump when I have to.
New Subscriber. Thanks for the video man, it was really good and to the point, just like I like 'em! A feller can tell you have done this a couple of times! I'm having Harley do this for me right now, and upgrading to the new cam plate and hyd tensioners, as well as the new oil pump. I have a 05 Electra Glide that has the big bore kit and 211 cams with 31K on it. I just bought the bike in August. I pulled the cam cover and mine were wore over half way. Look forward to going over all your videos!! God Bless!! Quick question, do you run your bike with oil that's completely full to the mark of the stick? I am getting a fair amount of oil in the air filter housing and gonna do a filter or catch can job to stop dumping oil on the top of my piston. Any favorites for that mod? Thanks again!!
With that age on the bike I would be looking at a breather gasket issue or the o ring for the oil pump has gotten old an leaking by. At that age and those miles it probably has set in the garage alot. That allows the seals and gaskets to get brittle and leak by because there not getting lubrication to keep them soft. At every 5000 mile service you should only have in the intake enough oil to get your finger barley wet. Also if your plugs don't have oil fouling than the pistons have very little to. I personally have 5 twincams that have 100k+ miles on them and they have very little carbon build up on them. I'm about to make a vid replacing top end gaskets on the 08 I will show the amount of carbon on the piston. I have a vid about the subject were I go into more detail. Let me know if there's any project that you need help with and I will make video showing how. Thanks for watching
@@DeathProofProductions Thank you!! My bike is still at the Harley shop, New River Harley Davidson. Went to pick it up Saturday, and on the 3rd check ride it stopped and would not start, stranding the mech a few miles from the shop. Waiting to hear what might have caused this. Hope it's not anything the mech forgot to do in the cam chest!! I'll take your advice and try the breather gasket before I do anything else. Thank you Sir, really appreciate what you do and sharing your knowledge!! Look forward to seeing your new video.
I have a 2000 FLSTS and it has a cam position sensor. Can the cam chest cover be removed and just tied over out of the way to do this process?
Thanks for the video. 😉👍
Yes.
Bought my first Harley, 01 Dyna, looking to get all the info i can on upkeep. I dont have the book so its research research research time.
You came to right place I love dyna to. Anytime you need something just ask.
On my 99' FLHRCI TC, Do I need to also change the pushrod tubes to when I install adjustable pushrods? What adjustable pushrods do you recommend?
You don't have to replace the tubes but it does make it easier to adjust. As far as a brand I recommend, I use s&s for almost everything I do to my bike's but that's just the brand that was biggest in the early 90's when I got in to this stuff. On customer's bikes I've installed just about every brand and I have never noticed one being better than the other. I would just find the set at the best price and slap them puppys in there.
Ok. Just cut my pushrods (little stressful first time). Rotated tire until rods spun freely. Seems to be ok. Does it matter How far the lifters are up or down at this point ? Wants make sure before I remove cam plate
Sorry for delayed response been tied up helping a buddy on his bike. It really doesn't at this point, Just make sure you use the tool I showed in the video to hold them in place. Then they won't fall in the cam chest.
I have really enjoyed your videos i have watched 4 or 5 of them and learned a lot,,,,,I am having trouble with my Dyna wide glide and I was wondering where your shop is located,,,,,
It's located in the Ozark national forest north of morrilton. What's the bike doing.
Love all your videos thank you so much. I got a question: i dont have to press out the cams just for changing the shoes right? Once the rear tensioner is unloaded i can just change it without doing anything to the cams? All i want to do is just the 2 cyco tensioners thats all. Thanks again
If you have the special tool for the rear tensioner than u don't have to press them out otherwise you have to.
Didn't go to bed. Started running the screws down and it popped onto the dowel pins nicely.
What would you say is the typical LABOR cost for installing the camshaft plate and tensioner kit? I don't have a press or any of the special tools required to complete this job.
Good video. Very informative. Thank you.
Just pulled my cover for a 10k inspection, barely any ware on em. Look like the day I put em in. Had to come back here for tq pattern tho. Once again thanks for all the help. P.S are you still going to be making shirts with your logo on em? Still dieing to buy a few haha
Yeah should be starting with shirts in a week or to. Been a little behind because of this shoulder surgery.
Great video! I have a 2016 dyna switchback with 13000 on it. When should I be checking inside the cam cover? I think this year has hydraulic tensioners, do these last longer?
yes those had hydraulic tensioners so you good for a long time.
I'm thinking about changing out my push rods on my '02 FLHTCUI. What brand adjustable push rods do you recommend?
To be honest there all about the same. I use s&s but that's just what I have been buying for years.
@DeathProofProductions I NEED HELP PLEASE. I followed the video step by step, and when i put everything back together, I hear a loud ticking noise when the engine idles, when i rev the ticking sounds louder. I don't know whats wrong. I re-aligned everything and I triple checked that it was all aligned. I made sure I followed every step exactly I have taken the bike apart 3 TIMES and done every step. Lubricated every important pieces. I need help PLEASE. I don't know whats wrong. My bike never did this before.
Do you have adjustable push rods and how long did it set before you got it put back together.
@@DeathProofProductions the pushrods are original, they are non adjustable, they are in the correct designated position the intake and exhaust.
@@DeathProofProductions All the parts are original parts, I made sure the intake and exhaust lifters are in the right spot, they are non adjustable. The one thing I noticed when I did take apart the bike was that the crank shaft where the oil pump is inserted got slightly worn, and it wasnt like that before. When I installed the oil pump I made sure I did the oil pump alignment correctly but there is no way in knowing if the oil pump is correctly aligned. My only lead is that.
@@DeathProofProductions I feel like it has to do with the oil pump alignment but I have done it 3 times and noticed the crank shank and where the oil pump connects into the engine ( the little hole on the left ) had a little bit of wear. I dont know how to fix this problem. I made sure I did the alignment correctly, but I dont know how to check if it is aligned once I align the oil pump.
It sounds like your lifters have bled down no worries they will pump up it just takes a little time with it running. Don't be afraid of it ticking it won't hurt nothing.
Hey,,,,i really enjoy your video's,,,,i have a problem on my 99-DWG-HD i installed the fueling cam chest and oil pump and everything was great for 50 miles and the crank shaft sensor went out i pull the cam chest back out before I figure out that it was the sensor and now it pumps the oil in the motor and don't pump it back to the oil tank,,,,,,,any help would really be appreciated,,
Does any oil return to the tank, is alot coming out of the breather and does the oil light go off.
Great vid!
Me and my team are glad to hear it!
Excellent detail in this video. Do you have a video replacing cam shoes on the hydraulic tensioners? Mine is a 96 ci. What is the recommended life of the shoes?
yes go to the channel play list and scroll down to it.
Did you change them without pulling the rockers and lifters? Just curious, we are getting ready to do my Son's 2004 RK and thought we had to take the pushrods and lifters out.
If you run adjustable push rods than you don't have to remove any of that. If you don't have them I recommend getting them. To remove the old ones just cut them with bolt cutters.
@DeathProofProductions , gotcha and thank you for the reply.
EXCELLENT VIDEO INFO!!!! NEW SUB. ALWAYS THUMBS UP FROM THE 641...
Awesome, thank you!
Thanks for the videos. You mention keeping the retaining plate in the groove, on my 06 I don't see a groove it appears to just go over the bearings. I had a cam starting to go bad where it goes into needle bearings so am replacing. I lost track of the direction on the lifter oil hole should i just install with the holes facing the motor?
Yes that's ok. Thanks for the compliment.
The only thing i worry about is getting the timing marks correct. What type of adjustable push rods do you recommend?
The other way is to turn the crank until the flat part is lined up with the line on the cam support plate. That puts it a top dead center, then put the sprockets on. All brands of push rods are about the same but I would get the tubes than are designed for them, makes it easier to adjust them.
No service departments even mention checking the cam shoes at 10,000 hell they don't even mention them at all, I would advise anybody running mechanical shoes to switch to hydraulic, as you can see you never know how fast they're going to wear out .Thanks for the video.
I believe the problem is from 99 to 06 twin cams