I've been looking into pulling the cam cover off my 2000 Fatboy engine to replace the inner cam bearings, since mine are the ones that did not get upgraded in mid-production that year, as verified through HD. Bike was bought used with no history of maintenance known (Hock Shop sale). I am also looking into tensioner replacement, if needed. I noticed the material for the tensioner is now a reddish color, instead of the yellow in all of the pictures I see, ie., link;
Harley Twincam Secondry Cam Drive Chain Tensioner 99-05
Also says the new part #'s replace the old. Does anyone know if this material is any better or worse? Maybe just a color change? Anyone know?
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I had the early 1/2 year 2000 FXDS and did my bearing replaced My self at 14,000 miles. The tin cover that holds the Drive cam Ball Bearings in place, was cracked and glad I got it apart and replaced that bearing with the Roller style that is the Fix...(fuleing oil pump, delkron cam plate SS gear drive cams)
Being NO history on your bike. The Bearing Might of been changed, But you will have to tear enough to see the face of the bearing..(off the Big gear sprocket) that will show IF THAT bearing has been changed... The
roller bearing LOOKS a lot different than that front one,,,, looking at the face you can see the difference.. If they look the same(tin covered ball bearing) It is still the stock one.
IF ME,,,, I would get the Newer style of hydraulics"""KIT""" HD's 429$$ and address the WHOLE problems of the early TC'ms.
The new parts in That "Kit" are well worth the 429 $$ and what an UP GRADE.. Newer style oil pump is a must-do along with the better cam plate, new sprockets and chain.... Get the torrington style Inner (motor side) cage bearings and a gasket for the out side cover and away you go..
If your are into just replace the OLD STYLE shoes while ALL is apart, I would STRONGLY Suggest to go the FULL Route here.
Your bike will be updated to the Newer Style, Hydraulic tensioner of todays bikes..(HD KIT or CK w/ John Herko's Kit)(tools, puller for Ina's out)
The Orange type of shoe Might be improved and hold up a little longer and your chains on your bikes inE and outE might be smooth-out enough to get a lot of use OUT of just replacement BUT the OIL Pump and other parts to UP GRADE your Bike is easy and better to address now. The hydraulics work good as compared to the Shoes.
signed....BUBBIE
