Harley Twin Cam Gear Drive Install How To | Twin Cam Engine Build Series | Kevin Baxter | Pro Twin

[@frankbeatty5835]

Mr. Baxter works with all of the major suppliers in the aftermarket, that's rare. Most mechanics align with one camp or the other. A Baxter motor has the most appropriate components installed, according to his beliefs. Honesty and ethics in action.

[@ridefree2403]

This guy is a true mechanic there doesn`t seem to be to many left these days...

[@KevinBaxter]

Wish I could find a couple myself. Thank you sir

[@robertrosson1990]

I totally agree.I took my 05 Deuce to a shop IV trusted for 10 or so yrs.Just this past week I took my baby in for a new rear tire.The problem I have their new mechanic changed my oil and put in 20w60 weight non synthetic.And the owner gave me a bill for the oil change.First that's the wrong oil 2nd he didn't even change the oil filter.I was able to see it all as I waited.I went on and paid the bill.But I will never let anyone work on my bike again.So I figured I'd I will put to right oil and change the filter myself.Today I completely replaced the stock cam chain set up and went to a gear drive hydraulic set up.Did the work from watching these videos.

[@fredflint1797]

You do everything the way I was taught and you know the tricks that come with familiarity. Dirt is a mechanic's worst enemy! You are by far the best at showing us the complete details of how to do it right! No small feat... Thanks!

[@michaelpascual2731]

He's the Bob Ross of engine builders, I mean that in a good way, awesome work and look forward to meeting with you one day. 😀

[@ridethepace6005]

The biggest compliment I can give you, Kevin, is that watching you work and seeing your mastery of your craft makes me wish that the 16 year old me had decided to pursue motorcycle mechanic training when it popped up on my radar at that time. I like what I do, and it pays very well, but it would be great to excel at something you love.

[@jeremyc4821]

Love these videos. You know how the kids watch people build minecraft on KZbin, us big kids watch Kevin build mirrors. Please keep the content coming.

[@garyclay7140]

Kevin, I love your building class, you made it look so easy! That’s a sign of a master mechanic that knows his stuff. Kevin, HD should hire you for their engineering team.

[@safelyanonymous5717]

i agree...non-harley rider here but admire your attention to detail.

[@mobilemechanix1]

Agreed

[@michaelthompson7570]

you make it look so easy,,the dead give away for someone who knows what hes doing. Thanks for sharing

[@KevinBaxter]

Thank you

[@PeterSmith-or3pq]

I think so.

[@TheCuttz1984]

I could watch this for hrs. Your a true engine builder. PS that engine stand is awesome

[@ChristopherMoser-m7k]

Skunk Works of the Harley Davidson performance world no doubt ! Bro ! I have built successfully several TC motors after following your tutorials ! Thank you Kevin Baxter for sharing you expert knowledge with us fellow motorheads !

[@mike216ism]

I'm an inline 4 guy who loves the channel. True mechanical beast. Love this channel

[@Marcus_from_OZ]

A privilege to watch you work mate, great to see you only click that torque wrench once.

[@warricknorris5034]

It’s nice how the engine stand is S&S blue!

[@KevinBaxter]

Jims would say the cam plate is Jims blue. LOL.

[@permutatechguy]

Love seeing how a twin cam goes together. I like to know all the inner workings of my bike

[@johnweisYamaroler]

I run 2 Yamaha mcs.but your attention to detail is phenomenal. There are some similarities but the main thing is clean, clean and then clean it again. The way you cover fits and finish, carries over to other machines. Congratulations on the 20K subscription level. With your ability and ethics it will grow.

[@donrudeboyt1895]

Love how professional you are and your attention to detail is amazing. That motor will run for a very long time. Knowledge is power and experience is invaluable. 👍🏼

[@tonygallo8570]

You put an engine together this way because you know it is absolutely fail proof by checking everything and there's no failure it's great to see a master at work who really enjoys what he does

[@DownTheRoad66]

Always amazed at the level of quality and professionalism that Kevin brings to a job!

[@joesteffel257]

You really are doing a nice job on that engine, a true engineer in your field. Should last them a long time

[@1americanfrmsocal529]

Just before you said how much you liked that engine stand I was thinking how awesome it is. Love your work and your channel brother.

[@richedmundson8964]

Like the Baxter/Skunkwork cover you put on,icing on the cake!

[@KevinBaxter]

Thanks my friend. Turned out pretty cool.

[@jeffhawkins711]

So nice that you seem to be so relaxed as you proceed through the motor. I'm 70 now my riding days are not taken for granted. I feel good , thank God, I don't ride like I did when I was young. I'm in Kansas City but i sure would like you to work your magic on my ole' Duece. It's just an 88 but it's been really a good one. There's 70k on the and believe it or not I still had it hittin 118 down hill with the wind. Think I'm going to try and find someone to port and polish my heads , already did the cam chest and oil pump. Thanks again for your video's.

[@fogit4668]

Two smart guys on the same street.

[@thomaskirkpatrick4031]

I'm not a huge fan of the Twin Cam or the M-8 , but I am happy that the engineering department at Harley Davidson, finally got smart and made the cam cover, just that a cover.

[@flstffatboy3910]

Just found you guys this morning and watched you install the gear drive twin cam video and subscribed immediately .Its impossible to find the quality & professional craftsmanship you provide

[@jportugaise]

Hey, I was a software developer and I recognize Kevin as a mighty engineer, honest humble, and knows his craft inside out!!!! MIT material!

[@KevinBaxter]

Thank you very much!

[@CapmLew]

Heartwarming: the collaborative spirit among master craftsmen. Thank you for these videos. I’m soaking it all in.

[@chregu2]

Yeah baby, that's exactly what I wanted to see. I should have wait a little more before installing my oil pump, cam plate and gear cams from S&S. That rocks!

[@KevinBaxter]

Excellent sir! Hope you are well.

[@Aubart]

A genuine master at his craft.

[@KevinBaxter]

Very kind. Thanknyou sir.

[@davedeanovic2908]

I’m just a novice searching for some good content on how to change out the cam tension pads on my twin cam and I ran across your complete build here. You made it like building a song. Encapsulating and artistic. Thanks for your expertise. 👍

[@saemon-X]

Thx so much Remembering my mentor Stauros Savidis (RIP) 😪 You work like you Lern in the same schools 😉So clean So smooth step to step with the best ever parts with the best ever snap on sets …… 🥰I just love it and takes me 20 years back .

[@mike216ism]

The attention to detail techs tool box always looks like it. There's no surprise his box is neatly organized

[@davidbones8947]

Kevin you are amazing one of those people who allow us to really appreciated how a harley engine was designed it's very cool to see the inside and how it works you have given me a whole new perspective on what it takes to build one of these engines and why the cost.! The tools and all the little things to know awesome brother looking forward to the next video greetings from Oregon

[@KevinBaxter]

Thanknyou very much David!

[@stevemolina8801]

By far the best cam install video I have seen, and I have seen a few!

[@Patriot-up2td]

From one Kevin to another, you’re definitely the man I’d want to rebuild the 96 Twin Cam on my ‘09 Crossbones Springer Softail. It’d be well worth the drive down from New Hampshire!

[@Tryke_Ryder]

Your tool organization is exactly why I’m not a motorcycle mechanic!!!

[@hippkennemur-xy7ci]

Enjoy watching u an explaining bike issues,there is another shop out in the Missouri woods call skunkworks , thank fir all you explain, Hipp

[@jonz5978]

Thank u for tip on centering cam bearings due to core shift . Always enjoy this channel.

[@KevinBaxter]

Glad to help. Youre welcome

[@ernhrtfanracing]

Just a look in the toolbox tells the story, clean and everything is exactly where it belongs. "Top Notch" Kevin!

[@KevinBaxter]

Thanks pal

[@larryambrose5078]

Wow, U are the Master Mechanic. Really enjoy ur vids!

[@KevinBaxter]

Thank you sir

[@philsmith9623]

Your content is dead on, your delivery is clear and understandable. Remarks and related comments you make are relevant. The only change I would make is going back to Monroe/ Winder GA area where I just moved from so i could bring my bike to you.

[@kendavis7936]

So fortunate to have stumbled across your channel. Always a pleasure to watch you at work, Mr. Outlier! 😉 All the best, Ken

[@aladdinlamp118]

Love that tool table with everything organised

[@firegrunt03]

Im speechless of your process sir. Like Marines on the battlefield. 😉

[@davidrussert5417]

love to watch a master craftsman at work. I have worked on a lot of these motors, but always pick up new techniques and ideas from your videos. I've been a machinist and toolmaker for many years, and really appreciate your attention to detail. that said, using calipers to measure tenths ?

[@Big88Country]

Just gained one more subscriber! Your work ethic for your customers is 2nd to none! Really appreciate a man who runs a shop like this!! Thank you for your time and expertise you share with us!! Dropped my bike off at Harley for a cam plate and tensioner upgrade, a 05 Electra Glide. Went to pick it up yesterday and on the ride to check it out, it broke down on the mech that did the work. Didn't get to find out what happened, just told me they will get back with me Tuesday or Wednesday. Not acceptable, but I just left because I am not one to argue, my temper doesn't argue much if ya know what I mean! Hopefully it was something simple like lost spark or something. But they should have told me something!!!

[@KevinBaxter]

Thank you for the kind words sir and sorry for your troubles. I try to give all opportunity to correct issues. These are mechanical devices and things can happen. I doubt there was malicious intent. No-one is perfect...I always say and encourage my staff to strive for perfection to achieve excellence. Hope your issue was resolved. We are in tough times...patience goes a long way...cheers for exercising yours. All the best sir.

[@Big88Country]

@@KevinBaxter I am sure there was no malicious intent, but they just looked at me like what else do you need, I told you it broke down. It was the end of the day and they were hustling to get out of there, so I understand, but NEVER leave a customer hanging like that. Anyway, he ran it out of gas, that was the break down. LOL! I was actually relieved when I found out the next day. But again, I had to call them and that was near the end of the day again. Customer service kinda lagging there! Hopefully they get better at it! All the best to you Sir, and thank you!

[@jplav2952]

Your organizational skills are incredible

[@itemps]

Thr Jim's stand and the s&s stuff sure do look good together!

[@sidneysnottley6414]

Just rewatched - man ,it's therapeutic. Cheers.

[@davidfellows6250]

I'll take that engine when your done. I've got a pretty fresh 2014 103 stock but I know within 5-6 years I'll be doing that job . May the gods shine down on me and give me that kind of tolerances. The last engines I built were shovelhead but they were great. It's beautiful. I love the sound of a tight gear drive zzzza.

[@paullesho2693]

Thanks!

[@kennethperian4370]

Great job showing and telling, learning I am thanks for the teaching. See ya next time see ya bye

[@billroberts9044]

WoW, Thanks Kevin, I was just a little late for the show, life got in my way at the last minute. I really enjoyed all the details. You certainly have a knack for explaining things. Another great video. I'm going to watch it again in a couple of days. Thanks Again.

[@KevinBaxter]

Thank you sir

[@dcxplant]

Your shop practices are top notch.

[@kellumreynolds6113]

Real joy to see you work. Thank you Kevin

[@KevinBaxter]

I appreciate that. Thank you for your support sir!

[@timr4853]

I love watching these video’s! As a gixxer bro, I’d love to see a 600 or 750 build, but I’m sure there aren’t many of us doing those if you even work on them period. Excited to see the rest of this build!

[@KevinBaxter]

Thank you sir.

[@Teamloco1853]

Wow what a video .. credit where its due thanks a million from a viewer here in England UK

[@jasonbowers4388]

+1on the cycle electric 3 phase charging system. Installed over 50 never had one come back. I won't install a stock replacment. Great video.

[@shelleyking8450]

Sooo... To build them a strong, dependable Harley motor, you need to use, AND perfect, a complete list of non-Harley components. Check. Couldn't they just buy and Indian, with the same power STOCK, or very close? Kidding, of course, you guys ROCK! 😄

[@mmonty8027]

Always a pleasure watching your videos Kevin.

[@johnkenneally4662]

Had same S&S oil pump, gear drive and cams done on my 96 TC. Hope they did as good a job as you did. Been running good so far once they got tune right.

[@jwm235]

Of you ever got a sealing problem: call ‘Eriks’ in The Netherlands. 80 years of experiance. I don’t wanna be the wise guy, just a tought ( I’m not related to them). I know it’s a far away and much time idea, but still... Thanks so much for all your content. Greetings from Holland.

[@superplumber5]

Excellent walk through....a lost art!!!!

[@dorothyalsobrook1199]

Awesome video as always. It is neat to watch you put our bike together.

[@KevinBaxter]

Step by step. Glad youre enjoying it. We are not long now!

[@bullast2046]

Old video but still enjoying it.. I’ve watched the build multiple times already.. I’m curious, though.. can y’all tell me which cams those are?

[@jaseysmith1629]

I use the Jim’s lifter vacuum, it’s a awesome tool, all the tools I have from Jim’s are top notch!! Great video.

[@chuckstrickland2027]

Hey Kevin. Thanks for the details. Awesome work. What specific assembly lube are you using? A great walk through of all the parts used in this build. With all the details taken and walking through all the parts, would you mind also sharing a price on this build. Thanks

[@KevinBaxter]

Thank you sir. I use Torco. Great stuff. Or Maxximus...it smells like cinnamon. Lol. I only discuss pricing with individual customers. Too many variables. If youd like pricing, feel free to email us. Thank you.

[@mauserwinchester]

That is going to be a sweet engine Kevin, in a nice handling bike when you get done with it, and a big thanks to John for getting your seal, theres nothing like trying to get obsolete parts to drive you crazy, I have been there myself. Keep well big fella.

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

One day I’d love a fully blueprinted bottom to top motor for my 2023 FLTRX. Starting to plan for it .. Got a 124 in mine on a stock bottom end. Got 5k miles on the 124. 18k on the bike. I ride 20k a year. I use my bike way more than my car. Ride in a club and travel so that unicorn motor that makes and holds decent power and will hold up is the dream 130-140hp / 140-150tq would be all I need

[@nathanwhite6798]

legendary .. there’s more tips/tricks/check points than one can count in this video..

[@michaelvitelli7224]

Thanks Kevin for your channel. No one else explains as well as you do. Searching for your location. I dont know anyone in my area I'd trust to work on my 2014 flhtcu. Even if I need to travel, drop off and leave. Thinking drop in cams, plate, pump ect. Mike vitelli Talking rock ga.

[@michaelvitelli7224]

P.S Even if you have a referral. Someone you might know in my area. Ellijay,Jasper Ga. 1 hour north of Atl.

[@RGHD912]

107” would of been a perfect upgrade, but nice build! Kevin’s a engine Dr.

[@brucelund5788]

Will be installing lifters and pushrods tomorrow, big sucker and program the fuelpack, you are an inspiration and a great help, hope to be riding tomorrow!

[@KevinBaxter]

Best of luck...and thank you for the kind words.

[@brucelund5788]

@@KevinBaxter Here is a short video of the work done and first start, have about three hundred miles on it now and it is running very well! It was not the ideal I wanted but it turned out well and was within the budget. I had a plan that did not work out and, I still do nit understand why it wouldn't work, would like to share my idea with you for the ultimate twin cam fix for bikes three thou and over. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZuWqJaXZblgiq8

[@badroger69]

Man I wish these guys could do that to my 2001 night train, I just had the cam plate replaced but I didn't bother getting new cams fore more power that I regret now. The twin cam 88's make the best harley sound in my opinion.

[@danielbates4137]

A master of the craft👍☝️❤

[@KevinBaxter]

I learn everyday. Thank you.

[@jmc2567]

Another awesome vid with great commentary and videography,you,re a true professional and certainly know your stuff,thankyou for sharing your knowledge and techniques on these builds. Best wishes to you and all your viewers and subscribers, from, Auckland, New Zealand ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐✅👍❤🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@KevinBaxter]

Much appreciated! Thank you for the kind words Sir. Cheers to all in NZ!

[@Mi-ck]

Going gear drive over chain reverses the direction the cams rotate. I’m guessing you have to purchase cams that are ground appropriately? This would also change the directions the lifters load against their bores.

[@KevinBaxter]

You are correct. All gear drive cams are made that way...no special order.

[@OSOFLHP]

As I watch you block the chain tensioners I’m wondering about lubrication for the gears?

[@lonewolf-rl4ps]

Thankyou Kevin , you make it look sooo easy .... I know better . but i have a much better understanding of my big twin .

[@KevinBaxter]

Thank you sir. Glad you enjoy it.

[@joe6223]

M8 2021 do you know if they did a REV to oil pump again

[@robertdmaiden6903]

Love your videos Kev,Got a 02 deuce here in uk,with 19,000 miles on it.Going to check cam chain tensioners before the summer.Pity we have very few shops like yours.in uk. If anyone knows of any in the midlands please post. Cant want for more tips etc. Bob ,in Wolverhampton UK

[@KevinBaxter]

Thanks Bob. Best of luck sir. Good idea.

[@jamesrussell2972]

Greetings from Dublin Ireland Kevin Love the videos

[@CapnDrift]

I have both JIMS tools and engine components. They make good stuff, and they also charge a premium for it. It was many years ago I was struggling to install a cam bearing ('62 FL). Every time I'd go to place it it would turn sideways on me. Frustrated I walked into the shop of my local HD dealer and told the wrenches I'd pay anyone twenty bucks to show me how to do it (that was back when a person could do that). Ol' boy slid the bearing over an old cam, put that in place, smacked the cam with a hammer a couple of times and held his hand out for the twenty. The other guys in the shop started to laugh. I cut them short with, "That lesson was worth every dollar of that twenty." Funny isn't it, that they still call it a pinion shaft when there's no longer a pinion gear? Heh. What brand assembly lube do you use, if I may ask (I've just been wiping with motor oil (shrug))?

[@KevinBaxter]

no doubt you can get away with more crude assembly techniques on the older engines. I use Torco.

[@skippynj1979]

That was awesome! Thank you

[@skyburner1]

Great video Kevin, thanks for sharing!

[@KevinBaxter]

Thanks for watching!

[@jonathanlockley9871]

Kevin . In everything you are putting together with this rebuild of this engine will you be using a EBS breather instead of having the head bolts vent back into the throttle body?

[@harleydavidson2132]

What about plastic inlet manifold? Do you consider stock is good enough?

[@toddhaakenson6301]

Thanks for the great video. I have a question about the snap ring that holds the front cam in on a 2012. I can’t find any info on witch way it’s supposed to be installed? It’s shaped like a Pringle’s potato chip for lack of a better way to put it. I put it with the flat side out, like I always install snap rings. But that’s the opposite of the way the factory had it. Does it even matter?

[@KevinBaxter]

Some will have a bevel on the ID. Others are square. If it has a bevel, point the bevel OUT away from the plate. Thatll keep it tighter against the washer. If square profile, it doesn't matter.

[@jimkillen1065]

I enjoyed your build video and tips ect . I appreciate the attention to detail

[@markscheidlmeier6523]

Stupid question? On the S&S Gear Drive Twin Cam set up? Why not offer the gear drive betwixt the cams (eliminating the hard to service tensioner) and keep the chain drive on the rear cam (from pinion shaft) for the Twin Cams with over .003" of "runout"?? Keep up the great work!

[@aladdinlamp118]

Accurate work area, clean tables and flaura.

[@icecreamsikeyuhasz5689]

Great video! Awesome tips! Question, so if I want to change gear drive cams and I already have gear drive cams working well, is it ok to assume the crank runout is still within spec? Thank you!

[@richardboggs260]

Keith Black pistons,are they hypereutectic??

[@frederickking1660]

Is that cyclorama 570-2 cam set? I had them put in my 2012 sg. What a giant leap in power. 98.7 h.p. and 116 ftlbs of torque. Top end untouched. Work done around 60k on the odometer.

[@Dixifrog]

Your videos are great and very informative. Been following you for about two years. I do have a question for you. How common is it to find lifter bores oversized or need for oversized tappets? And what noise listen for? How could you identify this as something to look at? I think this may be the source of my noisey engine. Thanks for sharing your expertise with us.

[@KevinBaxter]

Lifter to bore clearance is a CRITICAL measurement to ensure proper oiling to the top end and a quiet engine. i would say it's unusual that this gets checked during a build. Jims actually makes their OWN lifters in house and they are awesome...but...only make a .010 oversize to repair badly damaged cases. There are a couple other companies that make .0005, .001, and .0015 oversize but they arent very good. However...they are currently the only option.

[@KevinBaxter]

correction.....i CAN get you oversize Jims Lifters now. Give us a call on tuesday.

[@Dixifrog]

Ok. Previously i had only heard of Fueling. They have oversize in their Race Series that are supposed to be hand made for exacting tolerances. That was what i was looking at if i needed them. But they aren't very good huh?

[@jobuck893]

Awesome video I could watch you every day

[@kerrylewis2581]

I give this video ten tails up.

[@stuartmacarthur1000]

What is the crank position when installing the cams ,thinking the pinion shaft needs to be on the correct stroke to be in time and not 180° off

[@KevinBaxter]

because of how the cam is keyed, and the crank and gear, it's impossible to get it 180 out.

[@stuartmacarthur1000]

That's a relief had me worried althought more than likely mine will be chain drive cams as I totally doubt the pinion is 1/2 thousandth run out ,hoping the top end will be coming soon really interested in cam position when adjusting the push rods ,so glad you are willing to do these videos I haven't seen anything that compares ,you certainly are a gentleman ,and a premiere engine builder thank you

[@KevinBaxter]

as long as you lined up the dots, you would be good to go.. thank you for your kind words sir.

[@mattovictimcycles1334]

Awe man you didn't show the lifter retainer pins install...lol...I know about them....but awesome video series...

[@teejaymcglynn]

I just bought an 09 dyna fat Bob cvo w/ 4500 miles on it and plan on gear drives if everything checks out. I’m tempted to drop off my engine for a documented tear down on a low mileage 110..just for comparison.

[@joejohnson6690]

Thanks Kevin this is great content! I instantly subscribed to your channel. This is just what I'm about to do this winter. I have S&S flywheel and 110ci big bore gear drive kit to. Also have Timken conversion done. One question. Did you keep stock cylinder studs and nuts? I'm bit worried if I should change stock studs to Feuling or S&S?

[@KevinBaxter]

stock studs work fine for a street build. when you get ready for parts, give us a call. we can supply anything you need. thanks for the sub!