Twin Cam Tear Down Harley Part 1 - INTERVIEW WITH DEFECTIVE M8 OWNER - Kevin Baxter - Pro Twin Perfo

Twin Cam Tear Down. In this video series, you will see the tear down of a Twin Cam Harley engine and we interview the defective M8 owner! I will inspect and explain every component telling you exactly what to look for. We tear down this Harley Twin Cam 96 or Twin Cam 88 step by step. This is part 1 of a 4 part series. Harley M8 vs Twin Cam. Which is better? Is the Twin Cam Harley better than Milwaukee 8? Or is the Harley Milwaukee 8 better than the Twin Cam?
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/ @kevinbaxter
Pro Twin Performance and Baxter's Garage
723 W Winder Industrial Pkwy
Winder, GA 30680
[phone]

[@tomb.8485]

This is like going to school, but the most interesting class you have.

[@samueljeppsen9785]

I'm glad you're doing this. My 2012 Superglide had a BUNCH of metal, aluminum shavings, for the 1st 10K miles. Plugged oil passages, 2 quart oil refill, till I was finally at 2.75 quarts of oil. (At 10K.) Dealer said, don't worry. That said, it now has 106K miles on it with never a wrench to the motor. Blessed. No other explanation. But when it comes time to rebuild her, I'm trailering her back to you boys, from Arizona. Yup! I'm sold on you boys.

[@bobmaslan2401]

Kevin, It was nice to hear your comments about the motor company. It seems that people are quick to criticize the company, and you don't hear positive comments very often. Harley Davidson produces great motorcycles. Sometimes things get through the assembly line and inspections, but that is just the nature of mass production. Even the defective M8 ran well until you figured it out. Thank you for another great video.

[@KevinBaxter]

A couple have commented that all my videos do is talk about the bad, and none of the good. I look at it like this....the MC already does a nice job of telling people how great their bikes are. As a whole, they are. But...people don't need help when nothing is wrong. They need tech, help, and direction when things aren't so good....and that's what were here for. Also...we are the type of shop that the hard stuff comes to. Be it dealers, other shops, or people from other states and countries that have issues that cant seem to get resolved...that means, we see problems. Every day....collectively. One shop may say "we dont see that" or "we rarely see that". And that can often be because they are a shop that doesn't see the types of complex issues we do or do as many engines or build as many bikes as we do. Therefore, we DO see these problems....and people should know in the event they experience similar issues. If anyone has been a viewer long enough, they will know we don't bash anyone....not even the MC. We present facts as best we know them to be. And if we aren't sure....we will say so. Also...many of the bikes we work on are well outside of warranty...and those owners are less likely to go to a dealership when repairs like these are needed...meaning...at times, a great dealer tech may not be aware, or regularly see, these common long term problems we do. No fault of theirs...it just is what it is. Thank you for a great comment and for watching.

[@keithlim6749]

I’m looking forward to the Evo repair series. I bought a ‘93 Heritage new in ‘93 and rode it through 46 states and 210k miles before rebuilding it. It currently has 23k miles on the rebuild and has been coast to coast twice in Summer 2020.I’ll never part with it and I dig carbureted Evos !

[@donniebaker5984]

What we need is a stand alone bolt on throttle body that has its computer built in ..like FiTech for cars ..all you do is bolt it on and run a 12vdc cable to it and hook up a 02sencer And it self tunes its self

[@donniebaker5984]

What we need is a stand alone bolt on throttle body that has its computer built in ..like FiTech for cars ..all you do is bolt it on and run a 12vdc cable to it and hook up a 02sencer And it self tunes its self

[@Marcus_from_OZ]

The setup with the camera is better than I thought, it gives a really good view of the fine details. Well done.

[@richporak]

Your a great guy Kevin! Thanks so much for your expertise as it’s greatly appreciated. We all know how Harley dealers treat their customers (not bashing Harley) , but we always get the cold shoulder at dealers. I bought my bike knowing from day one I was going to be the mechanic on it and i wouldn’t even think of bringing my bike to the dealer for warranty work let alone any other service except brake fluid changes in order to hopefully (praying) , warranty the abs and brake system. And hopefully they flush the system properly by cycling the abs pump while changing the fluid. I pray for Harley and that they make a big comeback and make the changes they need for future customers.

[@harleycamper5577]

I’ve renewed that warranty twice best investment you will ever make if your gonna ride it.

[@bradleywoodward7753]

Good video - glad your there to help the man out. Every now and then you find a decent mechanic at a dealer shop but most of the time it's a joke. Charging big money and taking no care at all for your. They love to excuse the issues. My experience anyway. Luckily, I haven't had any issues like Alan.

[@danielbates4137]

Most underrated motorcycle channel on KZbin. U listen to ur viewers and produce awesome interesting content . Hope u have nothing but success Mr Kevin Baxter ☝️❤🇺🇸

[@KraeseRepairs]

Not every Harley dealer is bad. Glad this guy is getting taken care of but in the meantime he should find a new dealer to work with.

[@richedmundson8964]

I'm sure now with his experiences with dealers,only Kevin will be working on that bike.

[@weaverkevin5462]

I now you said everyone makes mistakes but HD Motor Co is not going to like you for showing their mistakes. I think your doing the right thing. Thanks for the video.

[@andrewsumner5388]

I’m very intrigued with your knowledge of V-Twins and my lack there of lol. I know the basics but as a High School teacher once told me knowledge is never wasted! So glad your taking your time to include us in this journey. Not to mention I have 2017 RGS with the first generation Milwaukee 8 engine. 15K miles on mine so far, and very lucky other then a little oil consumption. I do have HD’s torque cam and tuner high flow x-pipe exhaust and ventilator intake. As to keep my ESP 🤷🏻 don’t shoot the messenger. Thanks again!....

[@keesketsers5866]

I had a loud whining noise in my Evo Heritage a few years ago. Called my bikeshop (not an HD dealer or even HD specialist) and they picked up the bike...they checked it on the spot, ofcourse no noise. But still they took me very seriously, they rode it for a few days until it started making the noise. I had just bought the bike from them a few weeks before and they gave me the choice of me getting my old bike and money back, changing the bike for another or having this bike fixed. Seeing that I had to go on a bike holiday two weeks later I opted for another bike (twin cam heritage). Now THAT was service I have never seen before. All other bikes I have bought or had serviced after that has been with this shop. Thats how you keep customers.

[@williamguinn9299]

Since he complained about it before the factory warranty expired, the factory should be covering the warranty.

[@bobberguy1]

Motor Co. has a house full of high priced attorneys to fight Average Joe through the court system.

[@danielgaskell5490]

Kevin did say the Motor Co. is honoring the warranty and through his shop!

[@williamguinn9299]

@@danielgaskell5490 no, he said the extended warranty was covering it.

[@kerrylewis2581]

I'm pumped up for this next series like a premium S&S lifter

[@KevinBaxter]

man....i like how you did that. LOL. awesome.

[@Running-with-skizers]

The 2 camera setup is awesome

[@thomasbartlett3409]

Very nicely done video as usual and thank you!! Now, place yourself in the shoes of a CVO owner. They shell out $40000 for a CVO motorcycle and much more for the CVO trike. If it were me , I would not settle for this wear at 21000 miles. CVO's should have blueprinted engines with far higher quality control for what the motorcycle company is getting.

[@andyvonyeast332]

Kevin, I love your videos. I’m a heavy duty diesel truck mechanic and do all my own Harley work. I have one Twin Cam with a factory sidecar and five Evos. Two Sportsters and three big twins. I would love to see some Evo stuff. Thanks for the great videos.

[@KevinBaxter]

Thank you sir. Evo build series coming soon!

[@GalvTexGuy]

I'm learning a lot, Kevin. Thanks for sharing your expertise with us!

[@Simbo551]

Just finished watching and loved every minute of it. this is how you learn from the best and Kevin is right up there with the best. Looking forward to the rest, Thank you Kevin.

[@KevinBaxter]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you BOB!!!

[@jondakers3460]

Hi Kev yet another great series & as usual wonderful delivery of content . I would gladly give you all my business if only you had a shop here in QLD Australia. I have an issue with my 2014 RK Classic where by if I wipe out the inside of my rear cylinder muffler i always find it sticky with fine oil film. The bike runs well, has been Dyno tuned, is very well maintained but uses oil. Dealership who has always maintained the bike keeps telling me it’s fine. I’ve had them do a compression test as well as a draw down test. Comp test showed over 200psi. Leak down they say is within specification. Stop worrying they always tell me, we know your bike. The oil dip stick was marked at last service and I did a 1000 mile trip the following week and I took it back and showed them the dip stick level after the ride. It needed about 9 1/2 ounces to top it back up. Their Answer was that the oil usage is ok and in spec. To which I replied why is oil film only in one muffler as I assume that’s where I’m blowing oil out. I said maybe I’ve got a valve spring or seating issue. Reply was we’ll take your money if you want us to do that but the bikes ok. When I clean my Heavy breather air filter it shows no oil other than the pink oil filter coating oil. The Intake is also clean. Just don’t know anyone with your skills to get to the bottom of this before it becomes an issue. On a brighter note after watching your oil segment a few months ago I went on the hunt for AMS Oil I’ve just found someone who sells it. I’ve just purchased everything to convert all fluids & will get this done tomorrow. I’m also going to pull the plugs and see if I can get a feel to what’ may be going on inside that rear cylinder. Merry Xmas to you Kev & all the boys in your shop. I try not to miss anything you put out. Hope you’ve got enough energy to keep it up. Ps what’s happened to the red cup lately?

[@ocglide2566]

Interesting I had a 2007 Street Glide, I had several problems with it over the years and the dealership wasn't doing anything about it. The bike would make noise when starting, and at times when shutting it down. Ended being the compensator problem but I had to pay an upcharge to get the SE one installed. They also had to change the clutch basket and ring gear because it was damaged as well. That all happened under the extended warranty period just short of 5 years after I bought it at 48K.

[@KevinBaxter]

Yes sir...you were one of many. You definitely dont want to miss tonights. We cover all of that.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

It seems with Harley the more money you pay the worst of the the bike get

[@warricknorris5034]

Love the top. I have work on my bikes by APL (Windsor, NSW, Australia). A good business and great people. Good One.

[@KevinBaxter]

Right on!

[@darthgoggins1747]

Intermittent problems are the worst ones to diagnose and repair. As we saw with this bike , it ran great and if you looked in the normal areas you would find nothing unusual. If indeed you heard the noise you would know something was wrong but that's if you heard it.

[@Wooley689]

This is fantastic Kevin, this is relevant to me because I have a 2007 RK with 50,000 + on it. Very interesting to see the same engine being showcased.

[@bodeine454]

Great info and the new GoPro camera angle is excellent in my opinion. Another interesting video thank you...

[@devinhutman3435]

I’m excited for the evo build

[@rebel_ltz]

This channel became one of my favourites! Super interesting videos! Greetings from Hungary!

[@michaelmitchell5909]

Yes sir!....this series is gonna be an awesome tool for me....thanks man!...2003 cvo road king ann edition. Se103 engine

[@raypugh1551]

The guy that owns the harley with the shavings is my best friend I told him he was being too nice to harley looks like a duck sounds like a duck it must be a duck

[@Azzow15]

I agree. I'm very disappointed with they way i have been treated here in Australia too. Premium price sub standard service i believe.

[@davidknows3320]

I absolutely love the fact that you are building a touring bike with a touring based engine. Makes me wish I had found this before as sold my '07 Ultra

[@9999plato]

The Stealership just wants to deny warranty claims. They don't get paid as much for warranty claims as they do for regular work.

[@bobberguy1]

"Nothing wrong. That noise is normal." Bet I know the dealership.

[@ynptrip]

Me too : “Anywhere H-D, in Everyplace USA”

[@KevinBaxter]

Thank you for refraining. I have a standing rule in my shop...have for over 20 years, on here, and socially in my day to day. In the shop, I never want to know who may have previously worked on a bike. Its of no concern to me. Second...Noone, not employees or customers, are permitted to speak poorly of other shops. If they choose to tell others of a bad experience somewhere else, thats for them to decide...but not in my place. Also...not here or socially. I would hope if a customer had a concern with us, it would be discussed with me first and handled appropriately. Its a respect thing for me...and to be blunt, i have always preferred to build business and reputation based on abilities and professionalism, not off of bad experiences someone had elsewhere. Hope that makes sense. Respect sir. 🙌

[@61espo]

Great start to the series Kevin! Thank you!

[@davidmitchell9048]

Thanks for sharing your vast knowledge and experience. Love this type of videos!

[@michaelpohlman1925]

Thank ya sir for videos like this one. I find them very interesting and entertaining to watch and learn as I drink a morning cup of Joe.

[@KevinBaxter]

Glad you like them! thank you sir.

[@LonesomeNomad137]

You’re the man. Good stuff Kevin. I’m now an Evo man

[@cmonster6]

I bought a1200 sportster custom in 2008 and took it back to the dealer for valve noise( I am a mechanic)and believe it or not they called me back a few days later and said Harley was replacing the engine which only took about 3 weeks!

[@hdfxst1521]

These tutorial videos are helpful and well done. The only problem I have with them is my wallet starts begging for mercy! I have an 07 twin cam 96 softail standard getting ready to hit 30k. Needless to say I’m a little Leary about opening up the cam chest. $$$$$$$

[@robertrodriguez2412]

Great video keep them coming! Wow 21k miles & all those issues? I have 105,000 miles no issues. Knock on wood! Maybe he doesn't ride it enough?

[@markfrank2454]

Thank You! For these videos it's sad some dealers or I should say the service advisors can't or won't take some time with their customers and try to help them after the sale not all are unwilling to listen but too many don't. I guess it's not a bad thing for you and your employees but it hurts the company. I think your disclaimer about your findings was standup the right thing to say a Harley Davidson is a great motorcycle but it's like anything it can wear and wear out parts

[@wongfou]

Love the new camera and view. Excellent content. Keep up the good work my friend.

[@alissarobertson8840]

I fixed both my twin cams I sold both of them and bought a 98 FLSTF Evo. Problem solved.

[@razzrasmussen5773]

So much good information...I do like the POV camera. I would love to just work and learn all day from you. Hooah

[@danielgaskell5490]

This is just great Kevin! Thanks for showing us what you look for.....

[@rodcameron5129]

Mate ,I'll tell Adam and Julie you said hi love your work cheers from Oz

[@KevinBaxter]

Thanks Rod! Cheers Mate!

[@tonyputman3398]

I like the head cam so we can see what you are looking at!

[@KevinBaxter]

sweet. a little jerky, and adds a bunch to editing time but hey...if you guys like it, im all about it.

[@martywood3648]

Dang it KB now I have to change my TPS....LOL!!! Great video....

[@KevinBaxter]

LOL. i do it as a precaution but never have issues people complain about related to TPS either.

[@fredlewis4432]

Great Job Kevin, You have a new Fan!

[@3percentmick705]

It's unfortunate that he had a garbage service dept at his dealership. Mine at Redstone Harley in Huntsville, AL is absolutely amazing. The owner is a prior tech and will open early at stay late if he needs to.

[@Fayco1981]

Super interested in the twin cam stuff as I now have two of them in the garage to take care of. Thanks for the details!

[@lookfunjosephbob6857]

I just fell asleep ..did I miss anything?.lol...playin..great vidja....took a while to get to raisin Cain..but glad I got there...good job guys

[@rexstewart6111]

Great videos keep up the good work.

[@kingkrimson8771]

"They all do that" is the first thing they teach a would-be Harley tech to say

[@cookingwithsamontheblackst3282]

Man thats one tuff engine

[@firestorm755]

Getting dealers to listen it's really hard because it'll cost them time and money. I had a Yamaha FJ12 a long time ago. Bought from a dealer with 100 miles on it. When hot that motor was so noisy with horrible gear box. When the motor is cooler it was fine. It went back to Yamaha who listened to it cold, it was fine. They just refused to go further. I had to sell it on in the end.

[@jonz5978]

Thank you for the great content! Looking forward to everything mentioned for future posts

[@netmeistr329]

Watching you videos...great job. Would like to see crankcase split....

[@marceltheriault9222]

Another good series.👍

[@KevinBaxter]

Thanks 👍

[@jwrappuhn71]

Excellent vid.

[@michaelpoplett2745]

I think HD rely on engineers like Kevin! I love my 2004 Heritage, but it's so needy. 25k miles and we're looking at major engine work- cam chain tensioner.... My 2002 ST1300 and I have done close to 0.25 million miles, and apart from a few bulbs, fork seals, and not much else the ruddy thing is just bomb proof. Why, oh why can't HD make a reliable bike?????????

[@bamahi7142]

Kevin, you're in love with Harley because they sell a crappy product and keeps you busy fixing their crap. Truth.

[@k53847]

You don't end up with machining chips in an engine without a major process breakdown in your engine plant. This isn't just one or two engines, it's in hundreds or thousands of engines.

[@Indobiker61]

Fasinating story would like to see if the M8 is as strong and lasting as the Evo. This as i been riding HD Evo for 30 years..

[@whenim6462]

Really enjoyed the video. I’m looking forward to learning more about the twin cam engine as I have a mildly enhanced 2005 fatboy.

[@mahagowitz]

Shoot, I've got a completely stock 2007 Dyna Street Bob with just over 100,000 miles on it in perfect running order if you wanted to show wear on an engine.

[@chuckstrickland2027]

Kevin, you talked about checking the ohms on the spark plug wires. What numbers do you like to see when checking the wires?

[@bradleywoodward7753]

These shop videos are invaluable!! How can we fund you?

[@gucci4871]

That good old boy Alan Hilfiger sure knows a dramatic story

[@30pvfd]

question? Since tore down why not replace chain cam tensioner with a chain drive. Isn’t it beneficial in long run . I know is more costly , new cams , pushrods etc

[@danwilliams5867]

Big problem here in Midwest with ethanol fuel. Would using a quality fuel injector cleaner help with deposits?

[@KevinBaxter]

carbon yes, but ethanol....not really. an occasional efi cleaner with techron isnt a bad idea.

[@yzmoto80]

I take it you haven’t worked a day in your life....that is...if this is what you have been doing your entire career 😂. I’m just referring to, “do what you absolutely love to do, and you will never work a day in your life”, I don’t know who coined that phrase, but he/she is so right.

[@readtheinstructions1407]

Could you, would you consider performing a gas filter inspection/replacement? I have an FXDC with around 21k miles and it seems to be starting with difficulty.

[@ronaldstevison8073]

Curious to hear the sound clips of the noise.

[@user-li8fr7rr9k]

Cannot confirm customer's complaint....., on to the next job. Sadly alot of issues get overlooked because tech are paid by the job and not the time. Isn't just a Harley issue it is a entire field issue with factory repair shops. HD, yamaha, Ford, dodge, chevy, etc...

[@davidkojis80]

Any Shovelhead rebuild showing up in the future

[@kfatbob1]

Love ya videos Kevin. The wear on the lifter roller, is it wear on roller shaft that you noticed. Cheers Kevin from OZ🇦🇺

[@Firestorm637]

Water cooling will help Euro 5 and 6 emissions

[@loumendoza3397]

When y'all are doing a 88 ci upgrades like you did on this dresser, how much can you go. Or other words have y'all done a 88Ci upgrades lately

[@adriankiraly5172]

Hi Kev, awesome content. Do you have any Victory related videos in your arsenal?

[@KevinBaxter]

only a couple...but nothing too technical. we work on em though.

[@dukecraig2402]

How many Panhead riders does it take to change a lightbulb? 5, one to change the bulb and the other four to stand around and talk about how much better the old bulb was.

[@jeffreyengle2762]

I have a 2019 Road King with 21,000 miles on it. Should I have a leak down compression test done on it? Before warranty runs out?

[@darrellalsobrook4491]

Going with gear to gear on cams and timing system

[@glyde9826]

Make sure you don’t have excessive runout

[@KevinBaxter]

Absolutely. I was referring to reusing "on another build". Yours will have that pretty perfect crank i showed you. .0004 runout. Definitely going gear drive.

[@Firestorm637]

Honda builds 20 million bikes/year vs Harley’s 250,000/year.

[@dirkrobinson4436]

I'm new to your channel and would like to know about the 110 cvo water head and would would like to know if there is a way to build bigger better motor maybe a 120 or 130 but reliable.

[@seabee5629]

The Factory gave the thumbs down. No worries, I canceled it out with my up vote.

[@MM_in_Havasu]

They are called "stealerships" for a reason........

[@sevenjohn9565]

How can I get your location Bluffton, SC

[@robertrodriguez2412]

2007 flhrs TC

[@josevalencia5145]

👍🏽

[@cizzle1581]

Shouldn’t that bike be a 96 in being an 07

[@calvineason4315]

Dorothy & Daryl

[@damiencross86]

Kevin... you look tired as hell. Haha.

[@lynskyrd]

Kevin; I like your channel and appreciate your vids. What I don’t like… is when you start sniffing Harley-Davidson’s ass. You do NOT have to defend Harley-Davidson. Let THEM explain why after spending $25K - $35K, 30,000 miles later (and often less)- your compensator falls off, or your crank is junk or your oil pump seizes because it’s jammed with plastic bits from a tensioner that failed. Let them explain why they have so many recalls for STUPID things like cable routing, failing hydraulic clutches, ABS brake systems locking up or the complete failure of the bypass system on the ABS brakes failing to actuate the brake pistons Let THEM explain why their extended warranties are as useful as toilet paper.. denying claims because of aftermarket parts or calling things ‘normal’ wear and tear. Let THEM explain why their engines run abnormally hot. Let THEM explain why their horsepower numbers are underwhelming vs the competition in the same class. Let THEM explain why they continue to expect customer loyalty without ‘giving back’. Kevin; do what you do- it’s great and I’ve learned a lot from your vids,,, but stop being Harley’s lawyer. Ride safe everybody.

[@ynptrip]

What’s wrong with bashing Harley? They screwed up, but then they didn’t fix it. The dealer told him to go screw. That’s the problem with Harley. Their dealers want your money, but then don’t want anything to do with you if there is warranty work needed.

[@eddwiggins4383]

Sweet Jesus you need a fast forward section to shorten these videos.

[@clips4524]

Holy crap, 20k miles, get a gold wing and go 200k and no do any engine work and save a ton of money!!

[@johndworak6474]

I would never take my bike to a dealer never would buy an M8 eather

[@SGTJDerek]

Typical Stealership Shop. Don't want to do a dang thing until it's out of Warranty. Harley is worse than Ford when it comes to that practice.

[@richardalvis4695]

I get you not bashing HD. Automotive world there are Kia. Hyundai. Engine recalls. I also work on European vehicles. Mercedes-Benz, B.M.W. Volvo and a Rolls and a Bentley every blue moon or so. That being said, C class Benz Im doing chains and guides in. At 70k or so. Often. Turbo engines. Kinda of introductory level car. Anyway, I get it happens. HD being a premium brand I would expect more out of them as they're at a price point of being BMW or Mercedes Benze in the world of Motorcycles. I mean really? Machining mills left in the case? How does one really dismiss that? Its unacceptable! Is it just me?