Cam Update Harley Engine Discuss Cam Update in the Harley Tech & Harley How-to forums; After looking inside the cams and found that the cam tensioners had worn down .020 in 18000 miles (not to bad). The limit is .060 to .080. I talked to ...

[BCJ]

After looking inside the cams and found that the cam tensioners had worn down .020 in 18000 miles (not to bad). The limit is .060 to .080. I talked to a local wrench and he said he has around 3 to 4 bikes a month come in for failed cam tensioners. I am going to put in gears. Is not worth the chance of all the damage that can occur. As a side note: Had a conversation with an area Harley dealership mechanic about the cam tensioners. They keep at least 6 sets of tensioners on hand at all times, they use them up that fast. Pretty large inventory for a problem that does not exist. Have a question for all out there. Any one knows about how the new cams are carried in the new engines. I am being told that there is not a bearing anymore. The cams ride on just a milled hole that the shaft fits into. If this is true, does anyone see the future problem here?

[shovelmike]

That's right BCJ, the outboard end of the cam rides right in the aluminum material of the support plate. The Japanese makers have done it that way for decades and many of their engines turn RPM's that Harleys never come close to, so I wouldn't say that it's a recipe for instant disaster. It just seems to be one more step toward planned obsolescence. How it holds up, time will tell. To me it's cause to run the best oil you can get and change it often.

I believe that the cam chain tensioners are the weak link in the twin cams. I just replaced mine with gear drive and it's one less worry for me. I have heard of them failing as low as 18000 miles and it's one less worry for me now. If they are installed right they actually can be quieter than the silent chain and so much more precise. I am so happy with mine.

Yes from what I have heard the new bikes don't use bearings and just like you have heard. ride on a milled hole. I would have thought at least a sleeve inset. Time will tell how they hold up. I just replaced my bearings with Torrington (Timpkin USA) bearings and will probably last the life of the top end or more. I just don't know what the new 96 motors can expect from the new bearing-less mills. Hopefully they will be alright. Just like the bored lifter holes...they do make a sleeve that can be used to keep rebuilding forever and ever. So maybe someone will offer a sleeve when it becomes necessary for rebuild for cost reduction. I have the last bike I will own....I am glad I have found the ultimate bike for me and will be able to rebuild for the rest of my life.

[94flhtcu]

The cam does run directly in the bored hole with no brg or bushing. If the engine was water cooled, I'd have no problem. I guess, to some degree, it's gonna hang in there, like mike says... Japan has been doin it that way. Now, this is an area for synthetic oil.

[shovelmike]

I highly suspect just as Fifthgear says, that some skilled and innovative enthusiasts are going to find ways to rectify these things. I have known several people in the disposal business. They routinely haul away Japanese bikes and have never, never, hauled off a Harley. I don't think the faithful will let that change (just my opinion).

[BlueBob]

The more I read and hear, the more I lean towards going with a gear drive. Anyone know the warranty implications? Crackin' it open to put new cams (.510) in anyway.

[BCJ]

Bob, as long as the eng is under warranty I would leave it alone. Unless you don't want the hassle of warranty work if the cam goes. But as soon as the warranty is up I would change over to gears. If yo wait until the warranty goes out it gives you time to put the upgrade money away.

[ssc89]

Have you seen the "billet" cam support plate? These have a metalized bushings.Wonder why?