Gear Cam Change

I just had a local shop install a set of 26G Andrews Gear Drive Cams. While I would have liked to do the job myself I don't have the time and to be truthful I was more than a little apprehensive about taking on a job this size. My cam chain tensioners were pretty worn so I decided to go Gear Drive. I am thrilled with the performance increase of the new cams and the added power and ridability the bike has now Its awesome. Between last night and tonight I've put 360 miles on the bike (2001 Electra Glide Classic). I shoulda done this a long time ago...Ride safe, Clif

[Wrightturn]

Hey clif,

I have the same cam in a Dyna. Useful increase in power. Fun to ride and quiet.

[street bob]

Ya know, I've wondered about that!
How many miles can you expect to get on the cam chain tensioners?
I have an 07' street bob and it just turned over 15,000 miles.
How many miles should I expect to get?

street bob, The numbers vary as the mecahnic told me he's seen some with 80k and little wear and some with 20k that were about shot. mine were well worn at only 23k. The smart guys that I've talked to said you shouldn't go past 25k without having them checked because if they wear too much it'll clog up your oil pump...and you know what happens next...Clif

[street bob]

Ya.. I sure do!!!
I would like to go with gear drive....since thats all I've ever known.
How would you know if they are wearing badly??
Are there any indications?

Mine gave no hard indication other than the noise from the cam chest started increasing a little. I popped off my cam cover and looked at the outside tensioner and it was worn better than 60% and the manual suggests you replace them when they are that worn. Problem is there is a tensioner on the inside of the cam support plate as well. I figured if I was gonna go that far to replace tensioners that I'd probably have to do again in 20k I might as well go whole hog and have the gear drives installed....no chains or tensioners to worry about again and it runs great!

[shovelmike]

I'm glad the cams are working well for you, Cliff. My advice to you, Street Bob, would be to go for the gear drive! As stated there is no rule of thumb for mileage on tensioner shoes. Many have experienced serious engine damage without any audible warning.
I have 2,000 miles on my Andrews TW21G's and am very happy as well.
Wrightturn is the gear drive cam guru here!

Thanks guys. The bike got a workout this weekend. 440 miles and I'm still amazed at the difference the cams make and its one less major component to worry about with the tensioners. Ya'll have a great week and ride safe. Clif

[Tbone]

What does the gear drive cost? Approximately?
Could a guy that changed the clutch in a 4-wheel drive Isuzu Trooper by himself on his back porch change the chain to gear drive?

[Wrightturn]

Hey T Bone,

By all means DIY. If you have a 2006 Dyna you have the new and improved cam tensioners, cam chains and oil pump. My TC tools will not work on the new design. All indications are the conversion will be easier since you will not need to press the outer cam bearings. Check out the Andrews web site for the install on the newer bikes. The cams will be listed with an H as 26HG.