cam chain issue - Harley Forum

Yankee George · #1 10-06-2009, 11:40 AM

I have an 05 FLHT Classic (carb). Whats the better fix for the cam chain/tensioners/shoe replacement. Go with the 07 upgrade by
harley or switch to gears like the S&S set up? Ive heard the gears whine
and there may be issues with Crank shaft runout and other clearance issues but last almost forever and the upgrade kit from the factory is good for
50000 miles as opposed to the 30k on the older bikes.

yankee george
Kingsland, Ga

tommyglide · #2 10-06-2009, 02:24 PM

Hello YG, either system will be considerably better than what you currently have. Gear drives when set up properly don't make too much noise to my ears, and the crankshaft runout can be checked when the cam chest is apart and a decision made then. Lots of 07s around having good luck with HD's upgrade, including mine, so see what your favorite mechanic suggests.

Tbone · #3 10-06-2009, 03:32 PM

While I had my bike apart for the transmission repair, I peeked into the cam chest at the tensioner for my bike. It is an '06 Dyna and has the hydraulic tensioner and smooth chain like the '07 bikes. I couldn't really see the inner tensioner but the outer one had absolutely no wear at all. I had 29,200 mi. on mine at the time.
Just a little information to help with the decision on what to go with.

Yankee George · #4 10-06-2009, 04:33 PM

thanks bros.