Cam Bearing Failure

[johng3d]

I have a 2000 RK TC88 with 5,100 original miles. About 3 weeks ago I noticed a subtle noise coming from the motor. I had a couple of buds take a listen and there comment was all Harleys make noise. I have been riding long enough to know when you here a new noise no matter how subtle it is best to check it out. I posted a discription of the noise on other forums and got everything from sproket compensator, primary chain, and even lifters. Well I'm here to tell you I checked all those things and the noise got worse. The noise started as a chain sound and evolved into a intermintent clink. My gut told me to look into the Cam Chest and that is just what I did. Guess what I found? (See Pics)
I have been a Harley Buff my whole life and was very disapointed with the result of my findings. (Cam Bearing Failure) I realize that things happen but this is ridiculous! They, (HD) knew they had a problem but choose to ignore it for a time thinking perhaps it would just go away. SHAME ON THEM! We shell out large sums of money to own a piece of there legend only to have to spend more money to keep them in one piece.
I did check the crank runout and it was surprisingly within acceptable limits, .002.
I am torn between going to the cam gear conversion or the new roller chain conversion. As you see in the pics I will need a new oil pump and cam support plate. Any Suggestion?
Thanks for any imput!

[Blackdog 15]

Look into the Andrews 37G gear drive setup...also while you're in there put in a Feauling cam plate and oil pump...new lifters and adjustable pushrods...then your bottom end will be as close to bullet proof as they come... Andrews makes the cams for S & S...they are good stuff...

[KBOlsen]

Yep... the shoes going bad is a known problem... the kicker is, nobody knows exactly how long they will last (and while I don't remember if there was a specific recall... I know that some dealerships were replacing the parts under some kind of warranty for several years). Mine went around 13k, IIRC. If I was you and if you're planning on keeping the bike a while, I'd get the gear drive.

[Blackdog 15]

I have an buddy who is an old school HD mechanic, they told them at Harley that you should check the cam shoes every 10K miles...sure doesn't say that in the owner's or service manual.....

[johng3d]

Do you know where I can get these parts?

[Dave63]

There's a recall on cam bearings, 1999-2000 twin cams.

You or your dealer can phone the Factory with two engine serial numbers, the vehicle identification number, (VIN), that your bike is registered with off the left side engine casing at the base of the cylinders and the motor number off the bottom of the right engine case. If your engine was built before Dec. 14 1999 then you have the problem ball bearings. On and after Dec. 14 1999 and the new improved roller bearings with the new cam support plate will have been installed in your engine.Harley’s are built in ½ years not the full yearly production you are probably more familiar with.

The cam shoe you have in the pic is fine, however, I can't see the other one.

Call your dealer.....this may be covered.

[Blackdog 15]

Originally Posted by johng3d

Do you know where I can get these parts?

Look at JP Cycles, think it's jpcycles.com

[SCHMIDTYS]

It's probably not covered . If I remember correctly HD extended coverage for this problem out to 5 years and 50k miles . HD also has a cam plate conversion kit that updates older TCs to the current SE configuration , hydraulic tensioners and a better oil pump . Quieter than gear drive and reliable so far .

[johng3d]

After lots of research and cost comparisons I ordered my parts today. Believe it or not the HDD was very comparable to the after market parts houses. Yea that's right! In fact I had priced a Feuling Cam Plate and HV Oil pump and it was over $800.00. I price a Screaming Eagle Billet Cam plate with HV pump and it was cheaper than stock HD. Imagine that! It was also $300.00 cheaper than the Feuling. So here's what I went with;
S&S 510g Gear conversion cam kit.
Screaming Eagle, cam plate, pump, lifters and adjustable pushrods.
Along with the other odds & ends I needed, All from the local HDD.

[ultrax]

My 2000 has 17,000 and I think I am hearing noise in the motor and like Johng3d my friends say “It’s all right”.
Going to check when the engine was built and pull the cover.
Thank for this information.