HarleyTechTalk

Is it common practise to change out the Lifters and Cam Chains (31K miles) with new ones when doing a cam change? (Woods TW6, new tensioners (runout=.0036" that why no gears))

-Snuff

at 31K lifters yes chains not unless there is a problem.

i put new tensioners and lifters is at 35,000.leave the chains alone imo. 

Quote from: Jeffd on June 22, 2009, 09:22:40 AM
chains not unless there is a problem.

What problems would there be?  Could valve train noise be one?  I was told the valve train noise is caused by not changing the lifters and chains.

-Snuff

I suppose it is possible for chains to be stretched at 31K but pretty unlikely. 

Chains do stretch, but that is what tensioners are for.  Here is a picture of what appears to be a fairly new chain:

http://harleyhog.co.uk/camguidepage1.htm

As the chain stretches, the part on the left side pushed in by the tensioner will get more pronounced, and you should be able to see this as you take things apart.  I reused chains that had 70K on them and so far so good.  They have about 97K now.  Next time I do the tensioners I might get new chains as well, not sure.  Lifters for sure, that is cheap insurance.  You don't want one of those rollers coming apart spraying those tiny needle bearings everywhere.

Valve train noise? couldn't be the Woods cams........naw.

naw...... not the cams.  I was told it because I didn't change the lifters & chains.  He said, "It's not his the cams."

I'll change the lifters.  As others have said, "..cheap insurance."

-Snuff