Hyd.Tensioners

OK guys, Does anyone really know how long the hydralic tensioners should last in a well maintained engine or if they are still a concearn at all ?

I replaced a set for a buddy 58.000 miles or so give or take a few . about 3/4 of the way done .replaced them with the zippers set up don't know why the factory ones did just fine . I put a set of 204 cams at the same time .

So, I guess I should get a new set since I'm at 67k?

well Charlie your gonna have to change them at some point what I would do is purchase them and two cam cover gaskets and the oil pump case orings . pull the cover take a peek if they look good let it ride and change them when needed.

Thx BP. 'Might as well do it.

Let us know what they look like when you check them out...

I've been reading on other sites that the problem WAS the old style chain having rough edges/wearing out the pads. A lot of people inspect their NEW style and see ALMOST NO wear after considerable millage. I hear of cattastropic failures, but only on 06s and older bbikes :gah:

Would LIKE to hear first hand from someone who has checked out a new style before spending the $$. Looks like not cheap just to check.

I'd like to see also, I don't personally know or haven't heard of anyone who has trouble with them on 07 and newer.

I think it was a combination of the chain and the springs in the tensioners being too stiff...more so the springs putting too much pressure on the chain...mine were shot after only 28,000 and another 2000 give or take would have probably taken out more than the pump...Checked my tensioners last year and the wear was minimal(Hydraulic Hybrid kit),but only about 10,000 on them...
The hydraulics still are a wear item and will have to be replaced eventually,so, with 67,000 on them,prolly wouldn't hurt to check...not that big a job to check,then you'll know where you stand...

Listen, I have a simple solution. Ship the black beauty here and I will check it out fer ya.

Gee, whatta guy.

I don't know nothin bout hydraulic tensioners. Don't they make a gear drive kit that will just bolt in or do you need to change cams as well? My "05 has 11,000 on it now. I'd like to get the parts to have on hand untill I decide to open it up, but not to inspect, if I open it up..I'm changing somethin!! Too dammed lazy to open it twice..... :gah:

Aloha...Mike

OK I think I found my answer, if my crank run out is within specs go with gear drive...if its not then just upgrade the tensioner.

+ you'd have to make sure your crank run out was within spec for running gears,the newer bikes it's not even an option since HD upped their acceptable run out tolerance

Yeah, I see where crank runnout and how concentric it turns are very critticle with gears.

To run gears you must have a runout of .003" or less. From reading on HTT, people have measured brand new bikes with runout of .012":gah: And look at how much we get charged for these bikes...:gah: