Official Website: http://www.lawabidingbiker.com  LAB-73-Harley Davidson Twin Cam Chain Tensioner Problem 1999-2006 | Are Other Years Affected?   Podcast-In this episode we break down the issue of problems with pre 2006 Dyna’s & 1999-2006 spring loaded cam chain followers in Harley Davidson twin cam motors. The chain tensioning system in these motors uses plastic “shoes” riding on the cam chains that wear out. We here at Law Abiding Biker all agree that there is no real concern with the newer post 2006 motors and is limited to the years stated. Although we are pro Harley Davidson, this was a complete design failure and the company should have done a better job taking care of owners of the affected years in our opinion.  You really need to listen in to this podcast episode to get all the facts and information.   Harley damaged cam chain tensioner Harley damaged cam chain tensioner What is happening on the affected years? The plastic spring loaded cam chain follower fails & it shreds plastic material that fouls the rotary gear oil pump cutting off oil flow to the engine. The problem is that many are experiencing failures at many different mileages, so it is hard to predict. Additionally, riders likely will not hear anything going wrong. The only way to check the status of your cam chain followers is to dig in and inspect them. If you are going to be in there for that then we suggest to just fix the problem permanently & we will tell you how.   What did Harley do to fix the problem on the newer motors? On the 2007 and later motors, hydraulic cam chain followers are now used to get rid of the stiff spring that put too much pressure on the followers rubbing on the cam chain. Some believe that the problem still exists even with the new hydraulic cam chain followers, but we are not seeing that at all.   Our opinion is that if you have an affected model that you take action as soon as you can and avoid the impending problem all together since you can't predict when it will happen.   S&S Cycle Complete Gear Drive 510G Camshaft Kit S&S Cycle Complete Gear Drive 510G Camshaft Kit The Fix #1 (Our 1st Choice):   Our suggestion is for you to get rid of the chain system entirely and switch to gear driven cams for the listed years. There are companies making aftermarket kits for this and without labor they cost around $750. The best thing is that you will get upgraded cams on top of the rest of the upgrade kit, thus more performance.  If you appreciate this Free content consider using our 2 Wheel Parts Supply Affiliate Link to purchase any of these kits (S&S Cycle Complete Gear Drive 510G Camshaft Kit) & help support us.   Screamin' Eagle Hydraulic Cam Chain Tensioner Plate Upgrade Kit Harley Davidson upgrade/fix kit The Fix #2 (Our 2nd Choice):   Harley Davidson also sells an upgrade/fix kit for around $499 (example) without labor costs. Again, we believe that Harley Davidson should not be selling a "fix it" kit when it was their design problem in the first place, but it is what you may be stuck with. This HD kit does not change it to a gear driven system & you don't get upgraded cams. Instead, it comes with hydraulic cam chain tensioner and high-flow oil pump. Harley says that the high-flow oil pump provides increased oil pressure at high-operating temperatures. It changes the chain tensioner from spring to hydraulic. This is the standard fix that Harley dealerships will give you unless you want to go with the gear driven system and cams, which is again our first suggestion depending on you budget of course.   Harley Cam Gear Chain Replacement Complete Gear Drive Kit Picture (installed) Harley Cam Chain Tensioner back side Harley cam chain tensioner (twin cam)(backside)   Email that spawned this episode:   Subject: Plastic Shoes with cam chains   Marc Littell of East Tennessee First just wanted to say thanks for the great content you guys put out. I commute a couple hours to work on an airplane and the Law Abiding Biker Podcast is always pl