How To Easily Prevent Cam Chain Tensioner Failure (Harley Davidson 1999-2006)

[@patricksharkey4669]

Great info.I installed the cyco kit in my 01 heritage softail 6 years ago & there still looking good. I have only put on around 10,000 miles since then.65,000 on bike.Runs great.

[@DeathProofProductions]

I'm gonna be checking the wear on the ones I put in my dyna about 15000 miles ago and make a vid pretty soon. Cyco told me that they use the same material that cams and gears are made with in alot of small engine's. I'm curious to see what kinda wear I have at 15000 but I bet money they look good.

[@frankensteinrules6511]

Thanks for putting this video out. I'm 71 living on so so security and on a budget. I'm riding a 2004 Fatboy with cyco shoes that i put in myself, not difficult at all. I'm not going to upgrade to the hydraulic tensioners, which should be given out for free because of ignorant engineering on Willie G's part. I'm definitly not going to gears without pulling crank and having it trued and welded.Thanks again!!!

[@patrickhollis5332]

Yep and all the cranks should’ve been done right in the first place but I don’t get is they say to check run out before gear drives but with the cranks being bad first what happens u got 0 today but hell I. Year r two might have over 10 that’s what I’ve never understood on the issue to me I believe it’s marketing to sale hell they don’t care u have any today but side of the road next year than having to do all again

[@John-ob7dh]

​@@patrickhollis5332I have a 02 fat boy .I am not sure but I think that year had solid crank and Timken bearings.?

[@mattcottrell3336]

It was a problem in more than just Harley Davidson in the early 2000s. I've had several Pontiacs and one of them had cam chain tensior Crack at 99k miles and grenaded the engine. I've heard that the period of time was bad for those plastic components. Great video. Been downsizing my motorcycles and looking at early 2000s Harleys. Well done!

[@DeathProofProductions]

Thanks

[@fatotis6273]

Just found your channel. Love it. Used to run my own independent shop. Nice to hear someone with some sense speak that knows what they are talking about. Agree with all you said.

[@M3Atelier-Initiative]

I just bought a 03 100yr anniversary softail springer with 13k miles on it. Love it. I have NO ISSUES with staying on top of this maintenance. It just give me an opportunity to buy beer and make a wkend out of it.

[@erwinroman4217]

Hey I'm in Memphis. I bought my '16 FLTRU almost a year ago from the Knoxville area. Had 13,000 miles. The original owner put a Rush Racing header and mufflers on along with Arlen Ness Big Sucker air filter and used a FP-3 tuner which he gave me. I'm at 17,000 now. Did the 15,000 service myself. The bike runs great but has a stumble at idle that is not the EITMS system. Not tensioner related but before a few long trips coming up I'll be checking the tensioners. Great video!

[@DeathProofProductions]

Thanks for the compliment. Have fun on your trips.

[@TheSkylark16]

My 00 heritage springer had only 0.0015 crank runouts, so I decided to do gear drive conversion with S&S 509G, runs great and no need to worry about those plastic tensioners no more

[@DeathProofProductions]

That’s great that your crank runout was that good. Not all of them are. Honestly the S&S gear drive is great if you have the money and your flywheels are right.

[@TheSkylark16]

@@DeathProofProductionsas far as I know, only 99-02 Twin Cam had that good crank

[@CPerreault]

@@TheSkylark16 I have 2 thousandths runout on my '06. I also have the beehive valve springs which is nice for cam upgrades

[@robertsaunders1555]

Love my gear drive!

[@John-ob7dh]

​@@TheSkylark16Yes i heard that .I have a 02 FLSTF.

[@trekbsg]

I had the S.E. cam plate/oil pump with the hydraulic tensioners installed on a 2005 Dyna I once owned at around 25k miles, just to be on the safe side. I asked the tech after the install if the shoes were bad and he told me he had seen a lot worse and I could've gone another 25k miles with them, changing the oil regularly with synthetic probably helped. One thing I did notice right away after the install was that the engine was much more responsive after freeing up a few ponies with the hydraulic tensioners not having as much tension as the old ones.

[@SwiftyMcVeigh851]

Also thanks for the tip on cutting the pushrods with bolt cutters and replacing..

[@GaryFeltman]

The adjustable rods aren't cheap. Plus you need different tubes,also. Cheaper to do it right.

[@johnstenhouse8936]

Great video...clear, concise, knowledgeable, practical & frugal. Cam tensioner shoe inspection should be a maintenance item...inspect don't neglect, else asking for trouble. Gunna put it in practice. I bought an '04 Dyna Wide Glide last year with 3800 miles on it...now at 8000. Had a good friend with the same bike he bought new; his motor went south due to tensioner shoe failure at 24,000 - stung him a hard lick. Time to open mine up & check these bits out during Spring maintenance. Thanks for the tip on Cyco Gasket's tensioner shoes. Great product! 👏

[@martinwall7297]

just bought a 2001 flht wt. 26,600ml. checking the cam chain shoes outboard shoe broke when lifted off the chain 99% worn, inboard shoe like new! WTH, never seen that before. waiting for an S&S 509 gear drive kit to arrive.tks! good review keep em coming.

[@chrisluthi4804]

Videos are seamless with the editing and the info is all too the point. Favorite KZbinr right now. Thanks for the content! You and your son are doing a killer job.

[@DeathProofProductions]

thank you he will appreciate that.

[@charleshall8819]

I appreciate the detail and the straightforward and informative explanation of your videos

[@steelbender58]

My 2002 super glide had 64000 when i bought it. Tensioners were shot to hell. Luckily as a first harley owner, i knew to check them and i replaced them and cam bearings

[@tomanguish6407]

I agree, Dyna's are easy to check. Not so on a TC FLHTC, with the exhaust in the way. I went SE Hydraulic.

[@davidswick8353]

I have a 01 Road King, with 97000 miles, original spark plugs. Engine has never been touched. Runs and sounds like new.

[@ShemaOneGod]

Just subscribed. I have a 2005 95 Fatty, 15th-anniversary edition, with 13,051 miles. This video was exactly what I'm looking for! Thank you!

[@DeathProofProductions]

Thanks for subscribing.

[@claytontucker1208]

I had my 05 deluxe all swapped out and put in screaming eagle gear at 25 thou I couldn't b happier with it

[@aotearosa]

Great info, I've got an 01 FXDX, 45k on the clock, not sure on the full history so going to check those tensioners out.

[@simonfreeman148]

Changed mine out on my 04 Dyna, 20,000 miles half worn. Just replaced shoes but still worth doing, peace of mind.

[@waynetrainor654]

04 Road King Custom/Trike 13,000 not even looked yet. but maybe due to age I may have to go ahead and do it.

[@johnnieours2111]

A friend of mine had to much run out on the crank, so he changed out the inner tensioner to gear drive and left the outer one tensioner, worked out really well only have to check the outer one and only takes a few minutes to change it out when needed.

[@DeathProofProductions]

That's a good way to do it.

[@brycegould7939]

That's what I want to do, where do I find these cam's. Can only by complete kits in Australia

[@notsure7874]

@@brycegould7939 Dude probably bought the kit, checked the runout, and yolo'd it on the inner when it failed on runout. I do think I've seen the inner / outers sold separately somewhere though, maybe it was S&S's website?

[@macmac3770]

Purchased an ‘03 Electra Glide Classic Anniversary and the first thing I did was opt for the Screaming Eagle Cam Plate with high-volume oil pump and hydraulic tensioners. Had it done at 15k miles after realizing the issue would grenade my precious Harley. 😱

[@richoney5489]

Just found ya and I'm glad. I've been on 2 for years but just bought my 04 FXDLI ~a year ago. Dorothy's got 40k on her and the previous owner had no knowledge of this issue and I've been waiting for a month on a reply with answers from his brother a.k.a. his mechanic... guess I'm gonna have to check myself, not worth the risk....

[@DeathProofProductions]

At that age and miles I would go ahead and rebuild the tensioners with the cyco gasket ones or just buy the factory one's. I found out through experience that just like seals if they set for years with out being fired up and getting oil on them from time to time they get brittle and can come apart. I should have touched on that in the video.

[@richoney5489]

@@DeathProofProductions I appreciate the insight and ur time. I'm a maintenance mechanic/construction worker, can I do this? Should I have experienced assistance? Answer only at ur convenience. Thanks

[@DeathProofProductions]

Sorry for delay. I was also a maintenance mech and construction worker before I started wrenching on bikes. Built my first shovel in a motel room on a job. So yes you can do it. if you have trouble email me.

[@richoney5489]

@@DeathProofProductions Thanks again for your time. I felt selfish even asking after your reply. I found a cpl experienced friends that's gonna help me thru it. If something goes wrong I'll be in touch. Appreciated.

[@richardmoorer2668]

My 01 road king tensioners looked new @ 20,400 miles.. @ 41,000 they were about shot.. Wish I'd bought the special tools to do it myself.. for what I paid to have it done

[@DJDooxx]

How much did you have to pay if you don't mind me asking

[@701easternNorthCarolina]

What did it cost to have this job done

[@jb-bu4vl]

'' Don't be afraid of Twin cams'' Check 'm every 10 thousand. When you find them worn [as your test shows there will be wear] be prepared to shell out for top end gasket kits, push rods and that is only if there isn't any further damage by circulating bits and pieces! Man hours? Hey it's just routine! Believe me you just have to really LOVE Harley Davidsons like I do! Yes, I do love Harleys, I'm on my fifth one. 1981 FXB, 1999 FLSTC, 2, XL1200C, 2003 FXDL. Currently Cautiously looking for my second Twin Cam Heritage Softail Classic.

[@kennethharless9696]

Hey man my 2000 road king came from bumpus Harley. Still has the bumpus Harley oil cover/cap. It cool running across this video 😂 the bike finally hit 18,000 miles. I just bought it less than a year ago.

[@DeathProofProductions]

thanks

[@gvaldezcurrie]

you Rock I dig your presentation the info sinks in. thanks

[@DeathProofProductions]

Thanks

[@notsure7874]

Dude, those Cyco tensioner pads - that's a lot of piece of mind right there for real cheap. For what those hydraulic kits cost, you can buy a whole lot of those kits ...

[@DeathProofProductions]

I felt the same way, I'v had them in both my twincam's since 2017 and have yet to wear them out.

[@notsure7874]

@@DeathProofProductions I just talked with my friend, he told me straight up that I was NOT going to be happy with one of those metric cruisers. Considering I found an immaculate 05 softail deuce with 20k on it for 5 grand, I'm gonna go that route. Between the adjustable pushrods and tubes, and those pads - I'll be in and out of it in a day (I'm slow, and I've never took a twincams cams out) and about 400 bucks. Donezo, no worries.

[@codydayton3573]

Thank you. I got a cvo 05 103 screaming eagle .for my birthday. 15k miles . I been doing a ton of research on the bike. I've already tore into the cam chest. To see the tensioners. I decided i wanna replace them. waiting on parts. I'm going to go with this option since the retailer I ordered my spring tensioner from sent me the wrong ones . I ordered usa but they sent me Taiwan ones.

[@DeathProofProductions]

Very smart going ahead and doing preventative maintenance instead of waiting till the part shit's the bed.

[@TimBarnett-pl9kd]

My advice to you: look into SFR products. Tell justa Tim sent you! I have 03' FXDX Dyna. I was introduced in 1989. Loving it ever since! Cooler running, much less friction, much better performance an mileage! I've run SFR with every bike I've owned since. I taught math and research, I've done the numbers!

[@DeathProofProductions]

Thanks I will check them out.

[@TimBarnett-pl9kd]

@@DeathProofProductions my first Harley I put this SFR into was my sportster. I never got better than 39 miles per gallon. But after using SFR, I was recording 56.2mpg going over coast mtn range to Tillamook. Bike packed with camping gear. (I was shocked at increase in milage.). After teaching math an science in school, I did research study with marine biology center. Using research math skills I started SFR study. I been using it to this day in all my equipment from trucks, cars, boats motorcycle an lawnmowers! Call Justa!

[@derek17005]

Curious as to why someone hasn't come up with an aftermarket idler sprocket setup instead of a spring tensioner. Or Harley during the design phase for that matter.

[@lucasvanvondel7347]

Great vid man! I have an 02 Softail with a twin cam I was thinking of the screaming eagle thing but then you said like just tell the mechanic to let him check it for you it’s fine i will definitely do that! Thanks !

[@ericlightner1832]

I bought my 02 heritage new, did big bore with cams at 10k no wear. It now has 32k. This weekend I'm going in to look at them.

[@richardmoorer2668]

I had OEM type put back , was told a better material than factory tensioners

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

I think Factory and OEM are different terms for the same thing. The outside one is easy to check and change it's the inside one that is the real pain in the ass to do.

[@timbarnett3898]

My 03 fxdx fits right in this group!

[@paddingtonbear5172]

Great info mate , i liked n subscribed . Cheers from Queensland Australia . Where riding happens everyday , year round . Stay safe .

[@drummerdeacan]

Good stuff. I've bought 3 motorcycles from Bumpus H-D (Collierville)

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

When I rode both my Harley and my Triumph to work every day I would put 30,000 miles a year on the bike. I never worried about cam chain failure destroying my engines like my Honda did. My CX500 Honda died of cam chain disease at 250,000 miles. I would adjust it as instructed in the manual when I would do a service. Harley-Davidson engineered so much crap into these engines that is deplorable that they put them on the market under developed. If you have any miles on a twin cam Harley you will not be able to utilize a gear drive because the run out on your crankshaft will greatly exceed the run-out required. When you buy a $20,000 motorcycle you should not have major engine defects in it. Such a sorry State of Affairs. Honda or any of the other Japanese motorcycle companies would never put out a bike with major defects. In their culture it would be considered dishonorable.

[@jcmarcotte8810]

Great instructional video about the Earlier twin cams, but what about 2011 Twin cams. I've got 118,000 miles on my road glide. Have you heard anything bad about that tensioner seeing that I never had my cams inspected. Thanks

[@DeathProofProductions]

No those tensioners are the same as the softail conterbalencer tensioners or lots of automotive tensioners. Like the ford 5.0 v8. It's a better setup and material. That being said checking them at that millage wouldn't hurt but I have friends with close to 200000k with no issues.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

How to avoid cam chain troubles on a twin cam. Simple by an EVO

[@DeathProofProductions]

That's always a choice evo's are damn good motors

[@Brian-dh9lp]

Or a Honda

[@gregadams6105]

Can I have some extra money to buy the evo

[@asamcdaniel5167]

I'll take one if you're payin 😂

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

@@asamcdaniel5167 Harley Evo tough as steel. Twist her grip and make her tires squeal. Harley twin cam made of tin ride them out and push them in. Hahaha 🤣

[@theodavies8754]

Get the gasket before removing the cover. A ¼" 20tpi tap is ¼" UNC. Run it on a wire brush or use an old one with less bite to clean the thread lock out before removing the cover to make it run in true. Only do it if things feel tight taking the bolts out. Replacing the tensioners is a winter project so just get it in someone's house that can't live without the smell of oil and fuel.

[@SwiftyMcVeigh851]

You just got my sub hopefully I pick up my 01 fxd twin cam on Thursday, was supposed to get is Saturday but the service guy said he wasn't happy with how the mikuni was running so the ordered another carb...I've played with keihins alot...so I'm not sure what the problem was...anyway I want the mikuni also when I pick up the bike...first thing I'm going to do is check those tensioners though.

[@DeathProofProductions]

Just one thing to be aware of when buying an older bike with the old tensioner set up. If the bike has sat in storage for a while and has not been started and run regularly the rubber components of the engine begin to harden because of the lack of lubrication. My 99 Dyna was in storage for 7 years before I got it back. When I did I checked the tensioners and they were good and thick, but on my way to the vintage motorcycle festival in Birmingham, they came apart. I was lucky enough to shut off the engine before any real damage was caused. So it might be a good idea to replace those tensioner shoes for some cheap insurance. Oh, and I hope you have a hell of a lot of fun on your dyna.

[@richardmoorer2668]

Some suggest not to buy a twin cam thru 01 becoz of the Magneti Marelli EFI, I own an 01 road king .. I've seen lots of 99 thru 01 twin cams with lots of miles..

[@SwiftyMcVeigh851]

@@DeathProofProductions will do, I went ahead and got a gasket for the cam cover, and will check them while I'm waiting on some carb parts.

[@SwiftyMcVeigh851]

@@richardmoorer2668 well I've got it now..only 20k on the odometer. I've only ridden it a few times because it's still effing winter up here lol. I just went through the forks, and regreased the stem bearings set the fall away and waiting on carb parts now..thanks for the heads up though

[@SwiftyMcVeigh851]

@@DeathProofProductions the fee times I've rode it..it was hella fun..still pretty shitty up here in the mitten state right now..

[@OSOFLHP]

Getting the Indy shops to do things, is tough, dealers won’t touch older bikes, Harley dealer told me it wasn’t actually a problem, one guy had me start the bike to listen for noise, several other shops wouldn’t touch it unless I was buying a cam job, mostly mechanics want to do what is good for them.

[@DeathProofProductions]

That's true about most mechanics. It's pretty easy job to inspect them your self if your handy with a few basic tools.

[@OSOFLHP]

@@DeathProofProductions Hindsight those shoes seem like a good idea, I ended up with hydraulics, Spent more than I should have.

[@king0dasouf]

Gotta love the kick the can down the road classic Harley guy attitude

[@wellslearninginstitute4745]

I heard in the video that you work at Bumpus was that in murfreeboro, Tn

[@DeathProofProductions]

on whitten road in memphis. if you call them im the guy who got in the fist fight at the christmas party in 03.

[@dane5896]

Thanks for the advice!👍🍻

[@vtwinlife4940]

Changed my 99 Roadking to the Screamin Eagle Hydraulic kit. I don't want to go back into that cam chest until I absolutely have too.

[@DeathProofProductions]

It's a good choice if you can afford it.

[@vtwinlife4940]

@@DeathProofProductions Great insurance and peace of mind. Waiting for M&M fuel system to go down so I can install the Delphi kit. But as of now if it aint broke........

[@wjb111]

Great info! Have a 06 Heritage softail classic I bought 2 years ago. Still less than 12k miles but want to be proactive on the tensioner shoe vs having a potential disaster. New subscriber.

[@DeathProofProductions]

If it set for any leangth of time at the mileage I would go ahead and replace them. Remember just like seals all rubber or plastic gets hard with age without oil.

[@zacharywaller3759]

I have an 05 ultra have only had it for a couple months I just had tensioner failure. It's only jas 35k miles on it. But also I know the bike has never been properly maintained. It had the original spark plugs in it still. I am going to do like u said and imma order the syco ones. I was also thinking about going ahead to replacing the oil pump while I'm in there and upgrading to ss510 cams

[@DeathProofProductions]

Is the oil pump damaged if not it's fine. You could go bigger than that without fooling with valve springs if you want. What rpm do you typically ride at.

[@Jahefe13]

I bought a rebuilt 99 twin cam 88 at 580 km the tensioner shoe is finished it was just lucky I was worried about it and I checked.

[@DeathProofProductions]

That was smart.

[@darrinleazer6784]

I do have a question for you. I have a 2015 Fatboy, and was just wondering if you can just change the cam tensioners, and not have to do anything else. Like changing the push rods.

[@DeathProofProductions]

Your tensioner's are hydraulic so you shouldn't have to change them until you get close to the 100,000 mile mark. When you do have to change them if your not using adjustable push rods then you have to take the rocker arm's off.

[@scootertrash647]

Take the chain and polish the links where they pivot with a dermal and the tensioner won't wear on the shoe as much. Jus be sure to really clean it when done

[@rowlinstoned3715]

That exactly correct. That would have kept a lot of problems from ever happening. Every 10k

[@CPerreault]

My oem tensioners lasted 50k miles on my 06 Deluxe. I attribute the longevity to a smooth chain and possibly synth oil. I don't see why it won't go another 50k with new tensioners. If your tensioners didn't last long then I suggest you also upgrade your cam chains when you change them with quality ones such as Feulings. You should get a long life out of your new tensioners that way. Make sense?

[@jameskohn8539]

thanks for your information

[@Steve-k1c]

I have almost 35,000 on my 2000 Electra glide ultra classic. I bought it used with 31,699 miles on it. No one knows ANYTHING about the bike. Originally it was bought in New york, went to Michigan and then ended up here with me in maine. My local Harley dealer has checked the VIN number there's nothing in the computer. I've been using amsoil with 1/2 a quart of Lucas. My oil pressure is up at 32 pounds when driving. I know,I'm taking a heck of a chance. Is Lucas a good idea? I'm changing the oil every 3,000 miles,I'm just picky🤷.

[@DeathProofProductions]

It's designed to run at 35 psi so your good.

[@davyboycolon530]

Love you channel and your honesty on these bikes so I'm hoping you can answer this for me is this tensioner issue carried into the 2012 twin cams ?? I just bought a streetbob with 1,400 miles .. Im gonna make this check a priority every 10k but is it something I should worry about ?? I put lots of miles on my bikes ... any info on this would be appreciated ..

[@DeathProofProductions]

The hydraulic ones can fail to but it's not very common and they do less damage to the motor .

[@thomasmccullagh1300]

great advice! thanks!

[@rogerjones6474]

Isn't it a bit misleading when you point out that the inner boot is HD and the outside cyco? My boots were HD and the inner was wore down 200% more than the outer. I've seen this inner/outer wear pattern on several FB posts as well. Regardless, your videos have helped me tremendously. Thanks!

[@DeathProofProductions]

Glad the video's have helped , it's the main reason we do them. Wasn't trying to be misleading, I was just wanting to show how impressed I have been with there product so maybe it can help other folks. That footage that we showed came from one of our other vids. If I had known I was gonna do this one I would've got a closer view of it. You can't really see it but it was bad when i got back from Florida I pulled it and it was starting to come apart yet the cyco shoe was still like new. I've been working on twincams since they were born and never seen that. I probably am gonna do one were I pull the dynas cover to inspect the shoes , they are both cyco and were installed at the same mileage and compare wear.

[@m.simpson6843]

A few days ago my Harley Davidson mechanic says that that every 5000 miles with the oil change to hey give the bike a 140 point inspection and the cam tensioner is checked then.

[@brucekuwik7490]

I have a 2005 Harley Davidson Electra glide ultra classic your injected I just bought it 13,000 miles I wanted to replace a CAM TENSIONER UPGRADE PART Screamin eagle. Would love to see a video on it because I am gonna do it myself any suggestions

[@DeathProofProductions]

I'm about to upload one on rebuilding factory tensioner with cyco gasket shoe material. I will try to get one installing screaming eagle hydraulic plate soon.

[@frankqu1427]

according to harley they spent 2.5 million miles testing the twin cam engine. I guess they never had cam tensioner issues lol. Also its pretty much a fact that the inner tensioner has alot more wear than the outer

[@notsure7874]

2.5 million miles spread across 100 bikes is only 25k per bike - damn straight they didn't have tensioner issues :D

[@fq7879]

@notsure7874 good point!!

[@crazyhawk99]

So, what is the labor cost to replace the tensioners, as compared to the labor cost to install the Screaming Eagle hydraulic conversion kit? And how often do you need to inspect/replace the show on the hydraulic tensioner? Sincere questions.

[@DeathProofProductions]

The labor is about the same but there is the cost of the kit and it runs about 500.00. I recommend checking the tensioner at every 10k service. As far as replacement, once I went to the cyco gasket shoes I haven't had to and that's been since 2016. The harley one's they can get anywhere from 15k to 50k.

[@John-ob7dh]

UK price. Option 1 - replace tensioner pads only. Remove exhaust to access cam chest, cut the stock pushrods out and replace them with new SE adjustable pushrods and covers. The costs are £40 for the tensioners, £260 for the new pushrods & covers, £10 for the cam cover gasket, £25 for new Koyo inner cam bearings and £300 for six hours labour - TOTAL £635

[@danchristopher7957]

What's the cost of the specialized tools used to facilitate removal and replacement of cam-chest components?? Can you provide an itemized list of such tools?

[@DeathProofProductions]

The harley part numbers are h.d.-42314, h.d.-42313 and h.d.-43644. There a few hundred dollars to buy. I put up a video on how to do the job without the tools. If you go to this link you can see how I do it and then decide if you want to buy them kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3q2d4eXi7Vjpdk.

[@mikecross1402]

can you press out the cam without removing the cam bearing plate since it just holds the bearings in place.

[@DeathProofProductions]

it depends how tight the fit is for the outer race. if you press out the cams and the outer race moves first you run the risk of bending the plate.

[@boscodog4358]

I have a 2017 Heritage. What advice on cam tensioner can you give me? 25k on the motor now.

[@DeathProofProductions]

That year had the hydraulic tensioners so your good.

[@boscodog4358]

How many miles are you seeing on hydraulic tensioners.

[@HighAway]

I have '03 dyna 100 year anna with 48k km on it. I wish there were some kind of wear indication other than spending $$ at every 10 or 15k km just to check for wear.

[@DeathProofProductions]

Have you ever removed the cover yourself. It's an easy job. Don't be afraid to tackle it.

[@HighAway]

Oh no, ain't afraid. but I don't have anything to get the job done comfortably.

[@MrSig516]

EVO FTW!

[@lordbentley730]

I have checked my tensioners inner is fine outer is almost half so I'm changing that do i have to change the stock oil pump too?

[@DeathProofProductions]

No it's fine.

[@wtf0101]

Some valuable info,thanks sir

[@DeathProofProductions]

any time.

[@CC-ys8qq]

Learning so please excuse my stupid questions. '14 Low Rider, replacing cam cover gasket, I have a minor leak oil is slowwwly seeping out between cam cover and cast. When I have it apart do I need to check the tensioner shoes, I have 32k on the bike. Any thing I should be inspecting at this mileage in there? Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I need to learn to do this work myself and do it proper.

[@DeathProofProductions]

Just visually inspect everything and check to see if you have any metal shavings in the bottom of the cam chest.

[@10ampsloblo21]

awesome info and vid thank you

[@martincvitkovich724]

I got 118,500 miles on my 03 Road King. I'm on the 4th set of tensioners.

[@DeathProofProductions]

Are you running the Harley ones.

[@cashley724]

I have a 2015 street glide with 35k on it. Is this bike affected by this tensioner issue or does it have the better stuff? I am hearing different info. some are saying this engine should at least go 100k without ANY issues at all, not even the tensioners, and some say its a twin cam so the tensioners are junk and fail..?

[@DeathProofProductions]

That year has hydraulic so u should be good

[@ananda_miaoyin]

I just bought a ST Deluxe, 2005 with 89K on it. Yes. 89,990 miles! I wish I could post a picture because this thing looks like it has never left the showroom; runs perfectly and pulls like a train. This issue has got me sweating so I just drove it home on Sunday and will inspect before riding again. The owner has had it since 11K and says the job has never been done?!?! Is this a magic Harley?

[@DeathProofProductions]

What helped the tensioner's was that he rode it and that keep them oiled so as not to become brittle. Sounds like you ended up with a good one.

[@ananda_miaoyin]

@@DeathProofProductions Thanks, man. I just pulled the cam cover and inspected....they NEED to be replaced. I was hoping to find a hydraulic setup, but alas. Its parked until this gets done.

[@richardanderson4916]

What about polishing the chain to eliminate or minimize the abrasion?

[@DeathProofProductions]

it really polishes itself in the first 1000 miles just from rubbing on the shoe but any thing that can help dosn't hurt.

[@richardanderson4916]

@DeathProofProductions maybe a little jeweler's Rouge

[@johnwerner7194]

How many miles you think you'll get out of cychos shoes?

[@DeathProofProductions]

its hard to say i have yet to wear any out and i ride alot . on average i log 10 to 12 thousand miles a year , i started using them in 2017 and i have not had to replace them so far. i still check them every time i do my 10k service.

[@lucasflores1890]

Great video thanks

[@manthis22]

How much is the LABOR for installing the camshaft/tensioner upgrade kit?

[@DeathProofProductions]

It would just depend on the labor rate at the shop u used.

[@ephraimgarrett4727]

The inner shoe is difficult to check, and WAY more difficult to replace if you want to keep the original pushrods. I wonder why Harley-Davidson didn't at least make the cam-to-cam connection gear-to-gear. I doubt that it would have added to the noise that much, and the amount of pinion run-out shouldn't matter.

[@DeathProofProductions]

The inner shoe really isn't that difficult, just lift it with a screw driver or something simular and check it out. The part of the shoe that would wear is gonna be facing towards the screw driver and Really it's not that much work to pull the push rods, just remove the tank and top of the rocker boxes then rockers but I personally prefer adjustable.

[@ephraimgarrett4727]

​@@DeathProofProductions Pulling the gas tank, rocker covers, rockers, cam plate, tensioner, and then putting it all back together is a two-day job for an inexperienced, shade-tree mechanic, who is paranoid about forgetting something or messing something up! 😄

[@DeathProofProductions]

Remember it's just a lawn mower engine between our legs. Even if your going slow to make sure it's right it's not hard work just be cool and take your time, Really it's nothing to it.

[@DeathProofProductions]

Also watch my vids they show how to do the rockers, just go to the play list.

[@donharrison7607]

Cool background thingamajig

[@2stage90]

Im typing early but how long did you see replacement spring tensioners last?

[@DeathProofProductions]

I've got over 30k on the set in my dyna. I'm gonna do a video soon with me removing the cam cover to inspect the wear since installing them.

[@LiTLflor]

What tools are needed, if I want to replace the shoes, cams, and upgrade to a Torrington bearings? Torque wrenches, tensioner relief socket, bearing puller/press plate, the cam plate bearings are pressed on the cams and pressed into the plate, right? I have a 05fxdi with 25k miles. I'm almost certain the previous owner did not inspect the tensioners. All the videos I've seen are gutting the original cam plate.

[@DeathProofProductions]

Thats correct. You will also need some small snap ring pliers to remove the tensioners.

[@LiTLflor]

@@DeathProofProductions ah yeah duh forgot the pliers, Do you have a part number or name of the tool to pull/press the cam plate bearings?

[@DeathProofProductions]

@@LiTLflor it's h-d 43644 that's the harley part number for the tool but most of the time I just use a 7/8 socket to push the old bearings out and a 1 1/6 to push the new ones back in. If your removing the inner bearings don't waste your money on the job specific removal and installation tool. Buy a blind hole bearing removal set. You will be able to use it on other jobs. Then get you a oak dowel rod from home depot and use it to gently tap the new ones in. I have done it this way on hundreds of bikes with no issues.

[@nigelpickering7841]

Can I purchase cyco by cyco pads in Australia ?? Thanks love your vids

[@DeathProofProductions]

You should be able to order and have them shipped there.

[@nigelpickering7841]

@@DeathProofProductions are they made in China? Cos when I search cyco by cyco tensioner pads ones made in China pop up they look very similar material .thanks

[@DeathProofProductions]

One of there factory is here in arkansas that's were I get them. Email [e-mail] they can help you out.

[@mikegriffin3148]

Does the gasket on the timing cover need to be replaced if I just open it up to inspect?

[@mikegriffin3148]

The cam/ timing cover rather.

[@DeathProofProductions]

Really you should but I have reused them sometimes with good results.

[@victorlamothe6732]

Well i had over 20,000 on my 2002 deuce had a good garage Harley mechanic do a hydraulic tensioner and screaming eagle cam he wanted to go through the top you know the deal tank off and on word she runs real good ,he did say why not she is twenty years old do the gaskets its old.

[@elliottnunez1057]

Is it okay to just change the shoe on the tensioner? Wouldn't the cam chain itself be stretched out? requiring a new chain and gears?? New to twin engines. Had a Shovelhead and An EVO years ago! Thanks for any info!!

[@DeathProofProductions]

Yes that's what I have been doing for years. No chains really don't stretch the get longer because if you have .005 thousands of an inch wear on each link were the pin goes through times 200 links than the chain is longer but these chains a in a oil bath. Be good till the end of time. I use cyco gasket shoes myself I get alot more life from them and I ride alot. I mean hell I'm on the back of one now riding cross country through medicine bow mountain range in the Rockies. The bike I'm riding has cyco gasket shoes watch my vid on how to rebuild them.

[@elliottnunez1057]

@@DeathProofProductions Thank you very much!! I used to ride a lot. Everywhere. Lol Haven’t ridden in over 20 years. Just started receiving disability and not used to not having money to do what I wanted to do. So saving money helps big time!! Especially now! I had a friend in upstate NY and he helped me work on my bikes All the time. He had tools up the ying Yang and the knowledge to go along with them!! Don’t have it like that anymore. Lol. Again THANK YOU !!!!

[@DeathProofProductions]

Anything I can do to help with whatever project's your working on just email me and I can help or even make a video for you showing how to do it.

[@dhiogjenjarazi8298]

hello. I am from Albania. I have an S & S engine (No. A09872) from 2000. I am looking for a catalog for installation instructions. can you suggest me where to look?

[@DeathProofProductions]

Do you have access to ebay there.

[@steveperry1344]

i have the gasket for the case so that's a start.

[@tomyunker3368]

When my 2004 hit 25000 miles, I couldn't afford to replace the tensioners. Dealer wanted $1500. I was so worried about destroying my engine I just sold the bike. Wish I had kept it.

[@DeathProofProductions]

I hate to hear that. 1500 is because they were gonna take apart the top end instead of installing adjustable pushrods.

[@tomyunker3368]

@@DeathProofProductions yeah, wish I knew then what I know now!

[@gr1204]

Maybe someone can advise here :) my chain has worn but Tensioners are fine but Mechanic says you need to change Tensioners too. should I change Tensioner too?

[@DeathProofProductions]

How old are the tensioners

[@gr1204]

XVS 950 2009

[@DeathProofProductions]

Can you send a picture to the email? More than likely are fine. [e-mail]

[@DeathProofProductions]

I seen the video. How many miles on the engine.

[@gr1204]

34,000miles

[@calin61272]

Hallo David, I am writing you from Germany. I am watching your amazing videos since a while. Respect! 👍🏻 Now I am asking you for a little favor 🙏 I have a hard time to decide about a Fat Boy that I found, (2004 / 14, 000 Mile) in very good condition. just because of this issue that the Twin Cam has.. I just love the way the bike looks like. I have a sportster 883 for the moment from 2011 with just 3000 km that I would like to sell and to buy the Fat Boy but I am not sure if this it's a good idea. Can you please help me to decide!!! I appreciate a lot and thank you for your time! Greetings Calin!

[@DeathProofProductions]

I wouldn't be afraid to buy it myself. I ride a 04 heratage and don't hesitate to ride cross country. I would definitely check those shoes when you buy it.

[@rebelfromva]

What’s the part number for the gasket?

[@DeathProofProductions]

For the shoe or the cam cover gasket

[@KevinRoadrageGarage]

Where's this link for the chain shoes?

[@DeathProofProductions]

I'm sorry about that. I guess I just forgot to add it to the description but this is it. cycogasket.com/99-05.html

[@KevinRoadrageGarage]

@@DeathProofProductions thanks

[@deannewberry5628]

So what's your thoughts on the 07 Deuce 98 engine

[@DeathProofProductions]

It's good engine the hydraulic tensioner's wear to but when they wear out they do no damage and the noise lets you know it's time to change them.

[@deannewberry5628]

@@DeathProofProductions thank you very much for that info... anything else I should check

[@deannewberry5628]

One more question what should I run in the engine far as oil

[@DeathProofProductions]

To be honest I just run regular 20w50 not even the v twin stuff and I have 90k on my hearetage and 110k on my dyna and there still running strong.

[@jamessouthworth1699]

With the twin cam Harley should have put in better cranks that were straight and stayed straight and used gear drive from the factory.

[@ronkuzyk3836]

Everyone should know it is the inside tensioner that wears the most. I do not think the Cyco option is good either because the springs on the tensioners themselves can be weak or break. Checking tensioners every year or 10,000 miles can get old as well, especially if you have to remove the entire exhaust system. Use the hydraulic upgrade or the 07 and up cam plate with conversion cams and adjustable pushrods. Fix it once, fix it right. If you were to buy a factory long block it would come with the 07 and up cam plate and the case would accept the newer cams with the larger inner bearings.

[@steveperry1344]

how difficult is it to get to the inner plastic shoe?

[@DeathProofProductions]

It's not to hard go to my home page and in my play list I have a vid showing how to do it the easy way.

[@steveperry1344]

@@DeathProofProductions ok, will check it out, thnx.

[@John-ob7dh]

I think fitting adjustable push rods is the easy way.

[@goodboyringo9716]

My 2000 Road king's tensioner went out at 11,000 miles. I changed the every 3,000 with Mobil one 20w50 It takes more than 10 mins to check the tensioners because of the exhaust removal. Many owners have after market exhaust, the cam cover can't be removed without pulling the exhaust. Spend $50.00 ? No dealer will only charge $50.00 ha ha , I don't even think they will talk to you for 50.00

[@DeathProofProductions]

You almost never have to remove the exhaust, all you have to do is remove the rear bolts so you can pull it out a little to get clearance. You really don't even have to remove it, all your doing is inspecting them so as long as you can see them then you don't have to pull the cover all the way off. when I said 50 bucks I was talking about when I worked at the dealership back in the early 2000's. in the video, I said back when I worked at Bumpus Harley Davidson when The Twin Cam first came out.

[@goodboyringo9716]

@@DeathProofProductions ..The cam cover bolts can not be removed because of the exhaust . I have a larger exhaust , just like many other people . Also, my 2000 Road King has a wire to the cam cover and needs more room . The dam exhaust needs to come off.

[@DeathProofProductions]

if you have the factory header pipe then it requires several tricks and tools to get the bolts out, I tell you what I will make a video showing how to do it but hang tight because I have several videos on the 1950 panhead that I have to finish. then I can do it.

[@goodboyringo9716]

@@DeathProofProductions .... Save your time , no need a video for me. I bought a 4" Reinhart true duals exhaust but I have done a hydraulic cam plate a few years back.

[@unclemikeb]

It really IS important to check those shoes. A friend had his let go at 35,000 miles. I don't know if my 2000 had extra tough shoes or if it is my riding style but mine lasted to 88,000 miles. At the 10,000 mark I switched to Amsoil and changed it at every 5,000 miles. I'm a cruiser, rarely rev it higher than 3200. Don't have to it has lots of torque. The dealer installed screaming eagle ignition module, rejetted carb and reworked the air filter to let in more air. Screaming eagle air filter with the oil removal tubes so oil vapor never went into the intake. It had so much torque I could ease the clutch in first gear at idle and it would pull right away. I'm in the process of changing the shoes now. Bought the shop manual and watched a bunch of videos to see what I'm up against.

[@DeathProofProductions]

It's easy to do. I have a video on how to do it without all the special tools. Also there is no need to remove the oil pump to do the rear tensioner. It saves you from having to buy the alignment tools for the pump and reduces the possibility of getting grit in it .

[@frankqu1427]

some of the cam chains used have sharper edges on them which caused premature pad wear

[@unclemikeb]

@@frankqu1427 There was a video that showed a guy polishing his chain to remove all edges and smooth it.

[@frankqu1427]

@@unclemikeb Thanks Mike. Polishing the chain is a great idea. That should have been done at the factory

[@bouldernelsonbigfoot]

thx