I'm pulling the trigger....

[Bone Stockman]

So after my ride(s) both this and last Sunday, I'm not happy with how the beast is running. I'm used to the decel popping, but now it's running hotter and hotter, and it's starting to miss at cruising speeds. After much deliberation, a long talk with Mike (MBKodiak) and Dave at JD's, I'm taking my bike up for a TTS, a Low Cat (in black, of course), a Doherty a/c, and a dyno tune. While it's there, I'm going to have Dave check the tensioners. Ignorance has been bliss (Harleys have cam chain tensioners? Who knew?). Now that I know they're problematic I'm having nightmares about them disintegrating in my engine.

My hope is that everything's copacetic inside the cam chest, and I'll have an excellent Stage One tune for the next year until I can really afford to do the build I want to do.

Given the way my luck runs.........

At any rate, I'll probably be up in the Bethlehem area in March to get this sucker done.

[RKotter]

Sweet...

Dave's good people...I know you'll be a happy camper!

Dave and MBkodiak have been getting alot of inquiries as of late. And I hear from one of them that the other is getting a new clutch...

Does Dana know you're doing this???

[Sonic]

Originally Posted by '05Train

So after my ride(s) both this and last Sunday, I'm not happy with how the beast is running. I'm used to the decel popping, but now it's running hotter and hotter, and it's starting to miss at cruising speeds. After much deliberation, a long talk with Mike (MBKodiak) and Dave at JD's, I'm taking my bike up for a TTS, a Low Cat (in black, of course), a Doherty a/c, and a dyno tune. While it's there, I'm going to have Dave check the tensioners. Ignorance has been bliss (Harleys have cam chain tensioners? Who knew?). Now that I know they're problematic I'm having nightmares about them disintegrating in my engine.

My hope is that everything's copacetic inside the cam chest, and I'll have an excellent Stage One tune for the next year until I can really afford to do the build I want to do.

Given the way my luck runs.........

At any rate, I'll probably be up in the Bethlehem area in March to get this sucker done.

I started out checking cam tensioners....4000 dollars later just sayin...

[Bone Stockman]

We've talked about it in broad, vague, general terms. We'll go over the specifics tonight.

On the one hand, I'm hoping that everything's OK. On the other, a 107 would be awfully nice (because you know if the tensioners are shot, the crank runout will be out of whack as well).

[Berserker]

Originally Posted by '05Train

(because you know if the tensioners are shot, the crank runout will be out of whack as well).

I don't know if thats true. If yuo get chunks of pad going through your engine, you will have issues with oil pump and more. But I don't know if its related to runout. But I am no expert, thats for sure. Plus if you need an excuse to tell the wife for your 107, go ahead.

[MegaGlide]

When you say 107, you're not thinking RevPerf/Nikasil, I surely hope...

[fxr4mikey]

Originally Posted by Sonic

I started out checking cam tensioners....4000 dollars later just sayin...

I started out with a oil leak on the base rocker boxes ..... I haven't added it up yet, but I know it's between 2500 and 3K ........... heads are 'expensive', then you throgh all the other 'small' stuff in there

hone the jugs
swap the cam gears
chrome lifter blocks
new carb
new A/C
new push rods
gaskets
a couple of new tools to add to the collection
new ignition system


next thing ya know, ya spent 3 grand .....

I love my Harley

[Bone Stockman]

'Serker- I realize that the two aren't related, but given the way my luck runs......

Mega- No, definitely not. Dave and I have spoken a little about strokers, and from what I can tell, there's not much difference (dollar-wise) between a 103 and a 107.

[MegaGlide]

Well, hell, 113's are time tested...
Just PM me your CC # and expiration date.
Watch for the BBT.

[Dsanchez]

Not necessarily related. ****************BUT*********** while ya got the cam cover off...why not switch to the conversion kit (Andrews) and eliminate the need for further checks of the tensioner shoes. And while you're at that...throw in a nice bolt in cam...like a 26.

I have the TTS & a 26 in a '07 bagger...whats not to like. ( a great 2-1 pipe too) I initially installed a TTS calibration and I started the V-tune process today. What a great product...THANKS DOC, STEVE COLE, & MASTERTUNE !!!!

[y2kflhr]

I can assure you that whatever Dave @ JD does to your bike you are going to be really happy with it, I am still smiling thinking about riding my friends bike on sunday.

[MegaGlide]

The laughter isn't dissin' the wrench, just laughing at how a spark plug change ends up deing a 124" monster by the time it's over...

[Bone Stockman]

I've thought about that. I assume that when you say "conversion kit", you're talking about the hydraulic tensioners. I have two issues with that.

- Gear drive provides more accurate cam timing, and has fewer maintenance issues. Granted it'll cost substantially more if my crank is out of spec, but at that point I'll be prepared for it. I don't plan on ever getting rid of this bike, and everything I've read points to the gear drive being the way to go. That said, I'm open to other ideas.

- I don't want to spend an additional grand or so putting in the 26, then a year from now, taking it out and putting in a Woods 6HG or bigger when I do the build. No matter what, the engine's going to be at least a 95.

No, I've considered just doing an Andrews 26 and some headwork, but I know me.....I'm going to want more.

I'm also chuckling at how stuff snowballs. My current project (new wheels, tires, front fender, turn signals & complete dechroming) began by trading an old set of gloves for a pair of black Ness mirrors.

[MegaGlide]

If you stroke it, Timkens, of course...

[Backroad Mike]

Originally Posted by Sonic

I started out checking cam tensioners....4000 dollars later just sayin...

You surely are not alone there.

Originally Posted by RKotter

Sweet...

Dave's good people...I know you'll be a happy camper!

Dave and MBkodiak have been getting alot of inquiries as of late. And I hear from one of them that the other is getting a new clutch...

Yeah Tim, I deserved that one since I spilled the beans on your heads.

Originally Posted by fxr4mikey

I started out with a oil leak on the base rocker boxes ..... I haven't added it up yet, but I know it's between 2500 and 3K ........... heads are 'expensive', then you throgh all the other 'small' stuff in there

hone the jugs
swap the cam gears
chrome lifter blocks
new carb
new A/C
new push rods
gaskets
a couple of new tools to add to the collection I do expect my torque wrench back
new ignition system

next thing ya know, ya spent 3 grand .....

I love my Harley

Mikey; Fixed it for ya..

Here's the latest had to do's:

New 10-84 ring gear set up because the old one was showing some serious wear.
New drive belt sprocket, the old one was showing more wear than the ring gear.
Barnet clutch disc's.. Apparently Dave tried to tune the bike today and the stock clutch with VPC 84T won't hold the power anymore.
Front motor mount.

Originally Posted by '05Train

I've thought about that. I assume that when you say "conversion kit", you're talking about the hydraulic tensioners. I have two issues with that.

- Gear drive provides more accurate cam timing, and has fewer maintenance issues. Granted it'll cost substantially more if my crank is out of spec, but at that point I'll be prepared for it. I don't plan on ever getting rid of this bike, and everything I've read points to the gear drive being the way to go. That said, I'm open to other ideas.

- I don't want to spend an additional grand or so putting in the 26, then a year from now, taking it out and putting in a Woods 6HG or bigger when I do the build. No matter what, the engine's going to be at least a 95.

No, I've considered just doing an Andrews 26 and some headwork, but I know me.....I'm going to want more.

I'm also chuckling at how stuff snowballs. My current project (new wheels, tires, front fender, turn signals & complete dechroming) began by trading an old set of gloves for a pair of black Ness mirrors.

3 years ago I started my first build from stock. If I would have waited and saved just a little more money, I could have prevented a couple of failed steps and went straight to a 117.