Cam Bearings

[Gus]

Saw a post in another thread about an issue with cam bearings on 99 TC88s. Can anyone expand on this for me?
My WG is a 99 which I bought from a non-Harley dealer (but a big and very reputable one) at a good price; hope it wasn't beauase it had a known problem!!! What self-diagnosis (if any) can I do on this?

[Stuarty]

Originally Posted by Gus

Saw a post in another thread about an issue with cam bearings on 99 TC88s. Can anyone expand on this for me?
My WG is a 99 which I bought from a non-Harley dealer (but a big and very reputable one) at a good price; hope it wasn't beauase it had a known problem!!! What self-diagnosis (if any) can I do on this?

Try here

http://www.harley-davidson-hangout.c...ad.php?t=28924

If you don't know the bikes history for certain, the only way is to take the cam cover off and have a look and see if it's already been rectified.

Two ball bearings in the support plate? You need to fit a rear roller bearing.

Check your messages.

[CrazyIvan]

Originally Posted by harleyhog

If you don't know the bikes history for certain, the only way is to take the cam cover off and have a look and see if it's already been rectified.

Two ball bearings in the support plate? You need to fit a rear roller bearing.

Check your messages.

I've been told by an Indy that it's almost impossible to know for sure by simply taking the cam cover off. He also mentioned something about a plate being put on if the job had been done. I just don't know for sure but others seem to

You can *see* if there are two ball bearings in the plate, or if you are lucky one rear roller bearing and a ball bearing in the front, you just need to remove the outer sprockets and chain.
If you need to borrow the locking block and tensioner relieving tools let me know.

You can have a lookie without full dis-assembly, just the cover and sprockets/chain.
Then you'll Know for sure, two ball bearing put it back together and get someone to do it if you don't feel confident.

See here: http://www.harleyhog.co.uk/tensionerinstall2.htm

[banquo]

Isn't this the one where you can find out if it's already been fixed under warranty by sending your VIN to PhilD (as mentioned on the link in Stuarty's post) or posting it on the Moco website?

Might be better to do that 1st, before pulling it apart...?
S'pose if it's not shown as being done under warranty, you would still have to check it though, coz it could have been fixed outside warranty too

[kiwidave]

further reading Gus.......there is a lot on the Internet about this but these two articles really sum it up.

http://rmhfaq.com/TC88cambearing.htm

http://www.heavydutycycles.com/bearfail.htm


BTW Donny Petersen of Heavy Duty Cycles in Toronto is probably the most highly regarded Harley mechanic (as opposed to TV masturbator, sorry, master builder) in North America. You can take his opinion to the BANK. Harley-Davidson showed him the Twin Cam motor before release to ask his opinion.

There was a wide consumer outcry about H-D NOT issuing a recall on this. They didn't want a PR disaster with new motor. They issued a ''Technical Service Bulletin'' to DEALERS instead.

Summary: ''IF someone's motor blows up, OK we'll take a look at it. Do nothing til then.''

[CrazyIvan]

Gus,

How have you got on? I've got some time this week and intend to have a look at mine or get someone to do for me. Will let you know the outcome

[CrazyIvan]

Unfortunately mine needs replacing But, should be sorted out this week and I can stop worrying and enjoy riding!

[Gus]

Originally Posted by CrazyIvan

Gus,

How have you got on? I've got some time this week and intend to have a look at mine or get someone to do for me. Will let you know the outcome

Ivan, here's the pain - I'm stuck in NI and the bike is in Birmingham. Wont get to see her again until Apr probably!! I spend a lot of my time dreaming!