Harley Twin Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement with Push Rod Removal Complete - Part 1

[@cleric670]

Your video is literally one of the best step by step repairs I've ever seen. Great work man.

[@Yourdadsbestfriend]

I completely agree. I have not seen a more thorough yet perfectly simple explanation on anything quite like this video.

[@delorean1]

Thank you.

[@fabianstahlbrandt6094]

One of the best diy videos i seen! Short, informative, and detailed att same time! Awesome!

[@delorean1]

Glad you liked it!

[@garyschulze7036]

37K on my low rider. Shoes are toast. Thanks for the video.

[@delorean1]

No problem!

[@joesphschramm3754]

That's just where I'm at. Going to finish riding this season and doing this. I should at least be near 40k by November.

[@larrypotter2140]

Procedures are explained in detail giving me confidence to do it myself.

[@delorean1]

Good luck!

[@OneGypsyTraveler]

I swear, this is one of the best repair video’s I have ever seen… tight

[@delorean1]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@barrydutton3588]

The best repair video I have seen yet. You get right to the point with no BS. I will be looking for more of these, trust me.

[@delorean1]

Glad it helped

[@GabrielaSchiller-v4h]

At what mileage should the tensioners wear out? After what mileage should you check the timing

[@hazepennington9303]

This is the best video out there I think if anyone wants to change oil pump and chain tensioners,, very informative,, Thanks guys,,💯

[@Mercury4952]

Veeery professional. I'll be using this video series when I tackle my own tensioners. Thanks for sharing this.

[@simonfreeman148]

Best tutorial on KZbin by far. Thank you.

[@delorean1]

Glad you think so!

[@tnrw30]

One of the best I've seen. I like that you didn't just talk to hear your voice. Awesome Job.

[@delorean1]

Glad you liked it!

[@thomasgibson8025]

I've learned more from your excellent videos than the entire 6 months I spent at the now defunct American Motorcycle Institute in relation to engine mechanics. Thank you. You should be teaching at a local school of higher education. Your diction and insight is amazing.

[@dcdc6440]

That was an awesome well put together video. I'm confident to do this myself now. Thanks

[@delorean1]

You're welcome/.

[@AnitaMWay-zy4dk]

I love this guy……I’m a 70 year old woman and I think even I could do this job after watching his videos. He is great!

[@delorean1]

Did you do it yet?

[@seavee2000]

Fantastic, got an 06 FLHR with only 10k but I know this needs to be done, just got to try and source the parts and tools to do it-I'm not in the US so this is going to be a task before I even get to touching a spanner or socket anywhere near the bike...Thank you so much for showing the procedure in clear precise terms, it is very much appreciated.

[@joelford7227]

That is a great video. I'm about to do that on an 02 FLHR with 10,000 miles on it. Now I know what I'm up against, thanks!

[@delorean1]

Inspect at 10k they still night be ok.

[@Road_Rash]

I'm bout to have to do this...but I changed out my pushrods to adjustables so I don't have to take off the tank, rocker boxes & rockers to get them out...makes this process much easier...🖖🏿😎👍🏿

[@delorean1]

Yes, adjustables would make this process shorter.

[@patrickflanagan8008]

I'm part way through this very job at the moment. Your videos are so precise and of enormous help....thank you so much. I couldn't have even started without your help. ''t

[@delorean1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@willitrix6721]

Man, I wish I knew where you were. I'd like to bring you my bike to get either a gear drive setup or a hydraulic setup done by a guy who really knows his stuff. I'm down in Miami. Hard finding a reliable and knowledgeable mechanic that will follow all the steps and do the job by the book and scientifically right. Lots of hacks and wannabees down here in the Magic City making magic turning kaka into cash. Need a good mechanic.

[@tenwalls2428]

Great video. Thanks. But...what year and mileage is on that bike? Never saw rocker box breathers like that and knowing the mileage would help in cam spring wear expectations.

[@glenmclendon9209]

Doing my 02 softail . Close to 50K mileage . Inner tensioner is missing a peice. Outer is pitted bad . I dont have the inner tensioner tool , so will be pressing the cams out at work tomorrow to replace it . Have the same oil breathers or oil separators on mine .

[@imdaccarrist]

Changed out my tensioners using this video and part two. EXCELLENT step by step video. Very well done, thank you!

[@delorean1]

You're welcome!

[@ACoustaDC]

Nice... I was just watching it and thinking it looks pretty easy... that's always the deathnail for me.

[@sweetvaughn4402]

I'm sure this was a lot of work to put these videos together in the detail you put in, but I appreciate it, this gives me a lot of confidence to tackle the job on my 05 king. If only that rear tensioner tool wasn't so dang expensive...I need it as I don't want to press out the cams.

[@delorean1]

I dont know why there isnt some small cottage industry making them....

[@patrickflanagan8008]

@@delorean1 I've tried everywhere to get one with no luck. Holes Creek stopped making them last year.

[@patrickgarrett7196]

Anyone have one to borrow or rent?

[@419sold]

Thank you so much for this video. My 2003 fxdl has 15k miles and the tensioners looked just like these.

[@franks5035]

Great DIY video - this really set my mind at ease and makes me want to attempt it on my own. On to Part 2

[@manuelcorea458]

Man now i really want to do it myself harley was overpriced just to do that job. I would rather learn myself since i do all other maintenance myself this is the best video and very detailed info 👌

[@suqonmadiq7444]

Just out of curiosity, what did they quote you to do the job?

[@andrewgarland7617]

Just been advised mine needed changing on my 1999 FXDX and this video was great explaining exactly what work was required. Thank you

[@delorean1]

You're welcome!

[@herman58100]

Good job.... I'll be checking mine before I store it for the winter. I was planning on upgrading the cams in my "03" anyway...

[@jimsheldon3788]

I went to a gear drive at 43,000 on my 2002 deuce and don't worry about tensioners.

[@kevincamilleri1695]

A easily understood video but too much for me to do. Best left to this man.

[@glenx4892]

wow... very impressive video... You did an excellent job in confirming this is NOT something I should attempt to do... now... where did I put my check book?

[@delorean1]

Get ready for a dent in the wallet.

[@guitarcleveland]

The place by me quoted $2,200.00 to do this

[@hansheyer7619]

Wow Man i love the video..... That you go quickly through..... Proper gearing i say!!! Honest guys like me would have a pro do the job(like yourself) very nice for mechanical understandings!!!! Great job🦅

[@delorean1]

Thank you, People dont want delays and fluff, they just want to see it done without hassle.

[@SparyZWanTuhNayHo]

I'm going to to that process in a few months. I'm still running on the old tensioners. They looked good enough to finish off the summer but I'm pulling all that crap out of there and putting in an S&S plate and pump. Goodbye spring tenioners.

[@JByb04]

Unfortunately, I caught mine too late. But this video will be a big help! Going to put OEM replacements on to get me on the road through the season. But this winter it'll get upgraded.

[@delorean1]

Sorry to hear it, best of luck.

[@Greenmachine305]

Fantastic. Will be using this as a guide immediately after buying a 2002 deuce.

[@delorean1]

Good luck!

[@screamindemonAF]

😎👍 excellent video one the best videos I’ve ever seen very thorough step-by-step. Great job.

[@delorean1]

Thanks. Glad you found it helpful.

[@p.arnevik6734]

Nice. Low voice education. Informative ! Like this one ! 🙂

[@jimmcconnell4921]

Great video with step by step instruction. Any pointers on where to obtain the tools to deal with the tensioners? Wasn’t able to find anything on the HD site. Thanks!

[@steveg1122]

Curious what the mileage is on this bike and/or what mileage most people see before their tensioners go bad

[@thomasgibson8025]

Outstanding narration and excellent work. I'm buying a 2004 Fatboy and this will be the first thing I inspect. The bike had 10k miles, so I feel confident the tensioners are ok (famous last words). I'm debating replacing the spring tensioners or having a shop install the hydraulic units.

[@petepeterpipee1800]

Don’t forget the cam bearings.. Very important for that year

[@enricomandragona163]

Change everything!! Including cam bearings

[@CenPapi]

hydraulics don't really fully remedy the tensioner shoe problems; if you have the extra money and ability, check the run-out on your crank if it's within the acceptable limits(30 thou i think) upgrade to gear drive($600-ish) also swap out your bearings to Timkens like the other two said. If that's out of the question, go with hydraulics, bearings, and polish the backside of your chains, they can be a little rough/sharp and polishing them up helps them glide on the shoes better causing less wear.

[@John-ob7dh]

​@@petepeterpipee1800mine is a 2002 I beleive that was Timken bearings and solid crank that year.

[@John-ob7dh]

To fit se adjust pushrods.£950 for the gear drive kit,inc cams /gasket/inner and outer bearings/ex gasket.£260 for SE pushrods plus £300 labour .total £1510 For hydraulic £250 extra.

[@MrMedinab]

I wish the removal of the rear rocker arm unit on my 2006 FLHTCUSE came out that easy. Having issues clearing the left side screws from the frame. Seen somewhere that somebody mentioned light prying on the stabilizer link against the rubber mounts will provide clearance.

[@barefootbob1269]

One of the best videos I have seen on this job. Thank you for your time. Alco liked and subscribed.

[@delorean1]

Glad it helped!

[@solidgroundinspectionsinc.2251]

I just bought a 2006 Fat boy with 10,000 miles on it. I'm in love with it! Will I need to be worried about this issue yet?

[@atmtm8431]

Thank you for your great helpful movie , i will try it . THANKS from Tokyo.

[@pauld7309]

Good video!! I've just picked up a 2005 heritage Softail classic. & The dude bought it used from dealer ,it has 55,000 miles on it , the dude didn't know Jack, so I called dealer with vin # thinking maybe they inspected it before putting in on the floor with 50,000 miles on it but nope, service dude said no they don't pull the cam chest unless there's noise!! That ain't cool!! So I'm going to inspect this weekend. Hopefully someone beat me to them!! 🤔😊

[@delorean1]

Wow, that would be a bit late at that point!

[@pauld7309]

@@delorean1 I pulled cam chest & probably 20% wear on them, so either someone beat me to it, or it's one of those freak One's?? I did my 01 Electra Glide @47,000 miles & they were in need, so I put some S&S 510's gear drive in her!! But not put that kinda money it the heritage!! When I do them be just tensioner's!! Lol.

[@ChrisSlash]

How many miles did this bike have? Thanks man

[@mikecross1402]

thank you. is there anyway of getting a cam tensioner removal tool from you

[@wickedwindaffiliates-BlueLink]

Great video .. Thank you for helping me keep getting Wicked !!

[@delorean1]

Glad to help

[@warrenjuengel6886]

Good video, I'm doing the same on my 2001 FXSTD, want to go gear drive but budget, and wife, says a little later for that. Having tough time finding a tensioner tool but I'll get there.

[@delorean1]

Heres a link to the tool www2.vtwinmfg.com/tc-88-chain-shoe-tool.html

[@simonfreeman148]

@@delorean1 crazy price for a pair of pliers really. I'm making one that will do the job.

[@delorean1]

@@simonfreeman148 There are cheaper ones out there. No doubt im all about the DIY. Its always a question though of what the time and materials are worth.

[@levialston1496]

At what mileage should this be done I have 83k on my road glide now that bike week is over probably be a good time

[@lowrider3060]

How many miles was on the bike when you done the work on timing chain tensioner

[@Brutal1965]

Apparently nobody knows I have read many people ask with no reply

[@harleydave2316]

I love watching your videos so thank you for sharing!! I actually just did a hydraulic conversion kit on my 2005 Dyna this past weekend so I don't have to worry about these spring loaded tensioners anymore. :)

[@delorean1]

Well, these should be good for another 40K

[@itemps]

​@@delorean1 how long do they last usually?

[@lynskyrd]

finally, a TC tensioner replacement video without having to cut pushrods and buy a $1200 - $2000 'upgrade' kit. Cutting pushrods just introduces another point of failure, doesn't give you an opportunity to inspect the rockers and replace the breather filter element. I did my 2006 Nightrain 13,000 miles ago; I got over 50,000 miles on the original set. The tensioners looked about the same as the one's in your vid with about an ⅛ inch of wear and lots of pitting on both the inner and outer. I didn't touch the pump but did replace the inner cam bearings with B-148s. Anyway great job on the vids- I really like your channel. Thanks for making these.

[@delorean1]

You're welcome.

[@brycegould7939]

How many miles has the motor done

[@martinwall7297]

how many miles are on this bike? tks,

[@davidlangley6671]

Where can I get the tensioner removal tool ?

[@reppich1]

Masterful coverage.

[@rigaberto13]

You, sir, are doing God's work. Thank you

[@delorean1]

God rides a Shovelhead...

[@ACoustaDC]

This was enjoyable, entertaining and informative. Great work.

[@delorean1]

Much appreciated!

[@maxmyslewski]

this video was a huge help. thank you

[@delorean1]

Glad to hear it.

[@caryquerciolisr5318]

thanks for the video it helped me out .i could nt hane done it with out them...thanks man

[@delorean1]

Glad it helped.

[@jamesboardman7048]

Nice video good up close shots , just the facts man, thank goodness

[@delorean1]

Thanks 👍

[@nattapongputsin7349]

You are very talented. you are my teacher

[@delorean1]

Thank you so much 😀

[@danchristopher7957]

Best video on the subject.... Thank you.

[@delorean1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@luisruiz5933]

I NEED HELP PLEASE. I followed both videos 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.

[@jackramey3456]

Best video yet on this topic.

[@delorean1]

Thanks much.

[@markdurham252]

Awesome diy video man. Perfect. No nonsense Love it

[@lucasfoy6802]

Thank you for the video mate. The rear chain removal tool is just impossible to find. Is there another way to get this off? Also, what’s the importance of the paint markings? :)

[@nickhellen6303]

What a great step- by- step video for Idiots. EXACTLY the way I like it. Thanks.

[@chrismiller4753]

Great video, thanks. Wondering if the lifters are found to be faulty and in need of replacing, would the pushrods need to be replaced also. Thanks again.

[@delorean1]

Not necessarily.

[@davidlangley6671]

I’m a little Leary about doing this job but just got 04 Fatboy with 27k on it, so gotta be done. My biggest concern is removing top end to get at push rods, then getting all that adjusted and back together. Would like to get the removal tool you used for inner tensioner to avoid cam removal. Is it HD ? Should I take this project on ?

[@delorean1]

If it really bothers you, you always have the option of doing the cut pushrod method.

[@kristjanpiirsalu6594]

Super good video, thanks!

[@delorean1]

You’re welcome.

[@m.f.m.67]

Ah yes, the magic inner tensioner removal tool. Completely unavailable anywhere at any price.

[@Calllmesnake]

What did you end up doing

[@oilageman9883]

I made my own. Wasn’t too difficult

[@banzairunner7860]

Unavailable …great

[@lucasfoy6802]

@@oilageman9883how so?

[@krisn8820]

The tool for outer tensioner is $16, hundreds available on Amazon. The inner tensioner tool is $120 on eBay, hundreds available. The oil pump centering tools are $8. Not hard to find.

[@brianparker5723]

I know you mentioned taking off the tank and carb before the video. Any big differences or advice for fuel injected models? I’m going to be replacing tensioner shoes and inner bearings (not the oil pump) on a 2003 softail deuce in a few weeks.

[@mrtaser556]

Well done video, very thorough.

[@delorean1]

Much appreciated!

[@yayagazab4449]

Excellent video! Short & sweet. You demystified the whole process. Thank you. Question: do you absolutely need the specialized tensioner tools to remove the small orange shoes?

[@delorean1]

Not for the one in the front, but yes you will find it difficult to do the one in the rear without damage without the tool.

[@brenndendion232]

@@delorean1 where did you purchase the tool from

[@robertbragg9364]

Do you know how much this should cost with parts and labor? Thanks first time viewer and I subscribed. I'm sure I'll be using your videos when I do mine. Very unprofessional and informative, I appreciate that. It's the details that really make any job easier.

[@John-ob7dh]

£390 over here. Cyco replacement pads Remove the tank, exhaust, rocker covers & supports, fit the tensioner pads then assemble using your stock pushrods. The costs are £40 for the tensioners, £30 for the cam change gasket kit, £20 for new Koyo inner cam bearings and £300 for 6 hours labour. Total £390 For a just look and check and put all back if OK its £250. But its only another £140 to install new pads when the mechanic is at that stage . So basically unless you do the look see yourself , you may as well just get the guy to put in new pads and be done with it , even if no need.

[@robertbragg9364]

@@John-ob7dh thanks

[@guitarcleveland]

The place by me quoted me $2,200.00. Unbelievable.

[@vicsponjr]

Another great video. Thank you!

[@richardanderson4916]

Im wondering how much damage has been done tonthe engine by all those little bits of cam chain tensioner that have been distributed throughout the engine.

[@chrisponter4739]

Excellent video. Any idea where i can purchase an inner tensioner removal tool in March 2023

[@delorean1]

I have found a few, They are expensive and hard to find.

[@geralderdek282]

Sure appreciated this video. At l37,600 miles on my 05 Roadking,mine are probably past due although still quiet and no signs of tensioner material in my oil filter pleats. I am wondering what the purpose of the black skid is that was removed for access to one of the cam plate bolts?

[@m.f.m.67]

Past due at six figures!!!!! Oh my.

[@skipperdabio]

Nice video. Very informative. Thank you.

[@delorean1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kealohaable]

Great Video love the info and how to explanations I love working on my own Harley my issue is can you help in anyway to get the tool to remove the inner shoe I’m sure I’m not the only one with the issue but I live in Hawaii it’s hard to get anything here please any help will be appreciated I would purchase it if it was available but can’t seem to find it anywhere take care

[@bobhildebrand1732]

Very well done video - thanks!

[@delorean1]

Glad you liked it!

[@John-ob7dh]

Great vid . Maybe time to start a vid on the famous / infamous inner removal tool. Lol

[@delorean1]

Or the fabrication thereof...

[@rogermedeiros277]

Could you not use the tensioner puller on the front tensioner also?. It would save on buying extra tools and pulling front sprockets.Great video BTW 👍

[@delorean1]

Id guess its possible. Remember in my video, i limited myself to following official procedure, so I didnt actually attempt this. That said. Nobody bothers as the sprocket removal is trivial.

[@cmenzes]

Excellent video and most appreciated. A question concerning the tool used to remove the rear tensioner. Is this a HD part? I'm sure it's not absolutely necessary, but man it looks like it makes the job easier. Part number or source would be very appreciated.

[@delorean1]

Was the part number and source for the tool not specifically mentioned in the video? Maybe in Part 2?

[@cmenzes]

@@delorean1 I'm not sure it's mentioned in part 2, but I did track down a couple sources for it. An individual maker who unfortunately stopped making the tool this year. There is another outlet through an online bike parts marketplace. Waiting to receive mine to judge quality.

[@stihlpro2401]

@@cmenzes Do you have a link to that tool please? Thank you.

[@imdaccarrist]

The tool made all the difference. I destroyed a tensioner trying to do it without it and I found one and ordered a new tensioner and it went right in no problem.

[@patrickgarrett7196]

@@imdaccarrist Would you be willing to rent or sell the tool?

[@alexanderjoseph1918]

Awesome video super informative.

[@michaelreed9805]

Excellent...thank you!

[@delorean1]

You are welcome!

[@whip-its_dad4239]

Good job , very informative video .

[@joseyamidgomezatehortua5994]

Good video, how many kilometers do those chain tensioners last?

[@kroz2310]

How many miles were on this twin cams tensioners that you replaced on this? Just curious

[@theroadking547]

Great job

[@theodavies8754]

Excellent content. Good luck with your channel.

[@delorean1]

Thank you.

[@curious9715]

Very well done video, Thank you

[@delorean1]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@rebjimj.e.4119]

well done video!

[@delorean1]

Thank you!

[@filldirt777]

Just a great channel...

[@deanmyers-u4e]

Very good I have to do it on my 05 103 fatboy se

[@leland9902]

How many miles were on this bike? As others have said great video, good work.

[@michaelhickens1678]

Great video. However, the best solution is to get rid of the chains and tensioner shoes. At 20K, I replaced that junk with S&S gear driven cams.

[@delorean1]

Thats a good solution..... but not the replacement procedure.

[@michaelhickens1678]

@@delorean1 You are correct. I am a licensed master motorcycle mechanic in the state I live in. I also taught motorcycle service technology at a local community college. I have done many of the shoe replacements. I guess my point was, if you're going to open up the cam chest, make a permanent fix. Of course the pinion shaft RO has to be within spec in order to install gear driven cams. Otherwise the next best solution is to upgrade to the hydraulic tensioner shoes and larger oil pump. And again, your video was very well done. Regards

[@charleslogsdon2309]

I am interested in the inner cam tensioner pliers you used. I’ve tried to find them and have had no luck in doing so. If you could tell me the name on them or where you may of got them would greatly help Thank you

[@delorean1]

Check through the other comments. Info has been posted. They are hard to find right now.