03 twin cam ????

Just wondering I've been told I should do an upgrade by replacing the cam chains with a gear drive before the motor gets damaged. Has anyone any info on this? I have about 10,000 trouble free miles. Not sure what to do I'm planning a couple of trips this year and don't want to be stuck on the road.

In Reply To The Question Of Gear Over Chain. Gear Drive Cam Setup Is Definately The More Bulletproof Choice For Higher Hp Motors And The More Agressive Rider, But I Have A 2003 Flht Approaching 40,000 Mile With The Stock Setup. I Have Purchased An S&s Gear Drive Setup Along With A 95" Big Bore Kit To Be Aplied At A Later Date. So Overall I Beleive The Chain Is Definately Not A Bald Tire Fixing To Blow, But If Your Purse Will Allow The Upgrade You Will Definatley Not Be Dissapointed. I Hope This Gives Some Insight To Your Question ,flht1

The recall was on 1999-2000 models for failure. Here's the details.

http://www.vehicle-injuries.com/harley-engine-defect.htm

The Twinkies went to chain drives because of EPA regulations, the EVO's had gear drives. Outside the 99/2000 year problem mentioned above , which has now run it's extended warranty course , the cam chain tensioners can get worn and can cause significant engine damage. If you are going to stay with stock heads , and either stock or 95" consider the Andrews TW26G with the gear drive , this will deliver good low end torque and more dependability down the road.

I had a 99 FXDX with 20K , never had a problem , I am putting gear drives in my 02 FXDWG3 with the build I'm doing: 95" flat top cast pistons / SE heads/ Mik HSR42 / Andrews TW31G /Dyna TC88 -2 . The 31G has the same lobes /lift as the TW37G but the timing is biased to come on lower 1800-5600 vs 2200-5800 and handles the 10:1 compression better.

I have 51.5k miles on my stock '03 TC88B, with no problems. I don't plan on going to gear-drive for the cams until around 100k miles, when I'll probably go to Stage 2.
Bob

This is a pic of a cam chain tensioner on an FL with about 30K miles

Thanks for posting that. What year is the FL?
Bob

03

Thanks, Nidan. I think I'll pull off the "points" cover and look at the front one on mine. The one you posted looked scored and stained but, to me anyway, looks like it had a lot of life left in it.
Bob

That was from a fellow CVO owner on that forum , he switched to gear drives. Other than the risk of engine damage , the gear drives are more efficient and can give up to 4hp more. If everything is fine , np , if you are looking at changing cams , go with the gear drives , it's a wise investment.

I seen this on some bike sites promoting the new H.D's.I saw a pic of it somewhere but I can't find it now.It's much beefier looking.I wonder why they didn't just go to gear drive instead of making a stronger chain drive.By making improvements to the old design the obviously acknowledge the problem.

"Engine Upgrades

The Twin Cam 88 engine has been updated to fit the new six-speed transmission and improve the cam chain mechanism. The cam plate has been revised to include new roller chain, plain cam bearings and a new hydraulic automatic chain tensioner

Thanks for the input. Yep, I'd go to gear drive if/when I get top end work done down the road sometime, but I'm happy with the stock performance. I was under the mistaken impression that the CVO bikes had gear-driven cams from the factory. And I sure didn't know about the 4hp gain. Thanks for the info.
Bob

The CVO twin cams are all chain drive. The Evo's have gear drive cams. It is a question of noise (EPA) and cost. If you put in a Baisley oil spring ($12) the noise isn't a factor. I'm picking my gear drive set for $550 complete , there are lower prices at Wally's but I won't deal with them.