Twin Cam engines drive the cams with chains running on plastic tensioner shoes. Those shoes wear, and if they wear through, debris can reach the oil pump.
When to replace Harley cam tensioners
Many mechanics inspect the shoes around every 40,000 km and replace them when worn. Upgrades include replacement shoe kits, hydraulic tensioner conversions and gear-drive cam sets.
Tensioner noise or Harley lifter noise?
Worn tensioners can make a rattling or grinding noise from the cam cover. Lifter noise is usually a faster ticking from the top end that may quieten as oil pressure builds. A workshop can confirm with a stethoscope or by inspection.
A worn bottom end often goes with a tired top end. Our gasket kits cover a Harley top end rebuild.
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