Cam gear undersize

[hogrdr]

I recently had my 2001 heritage Softail engine completely rebuilt. Dark horse Man of war 124 crank, T-Man 124 piston and cylinder kit, T-Man gear 662-2 cam. I had this engine built before and I didn't like the build so I have somebody else build it and he did a excellent job. Before I had the engine rebuilt I put on about 100 mi and the cam gears were quiet. After the rebuild same cam plate (s&s T-3), same cam and same pinion gear. Pinion gear whines now. Tried one undersize still whines. Went to the double undersize and I still have a whine. but not as loud. What causes that drastic change? Or what can I look for. Thanks.

[Ohio HD]

Follow the S&S instructions for measuring backlash at the gears. And chose the appropriate gear from the measurements. That being said, it's gear drive so there will be some noise, but shouldn't be excessive.

Measure front and rear gears.

[hogrdr]

I have zero backlash on double undersize pinion gear. I don't think they make any undersize more than that. I guess I will be going with roller chain a hydraulic tensioners.

[Ohio HD]

I have zero backlash on double undersize pinion gear. I don't think they make any undersize more than that. I guess I will be going with roller chain a hydraulic tensioners.

Did you check for backlash at 90° (0° 90° 180° 270°) intervals around the gear? You may have a tight then loose spots based on crank runout. I see you have a DH crank, but have you checked the crank runout?

Also if you change to chain you'll need new cams for chain drive.

[hogrdr]

Yes I checked four places around the pinion. I have everything for the setup except for the cams. Already have the roller chain kit and the hydraulic chain tensors. I have .001 run out. I just put in a dark horse man o war 124 crank. 4.625 stroke.


 

[WhipLash96]

Yes I checked four places around the pinion. I have everything for the setup except for the cams. Already have the roller chain kit and the hydraulic chain tensors. I have .001 run out. I just put in a dark horse man o war 124 crank. 4.625 stroke.

What swayed you to the DH crank over S&S? I have a 124 in my 01 FLTR and used the S&S. I'm in beginning stages of building a standby engine (113). I am leaning towards a DH crank. Thanks

[Deye76]

S&S probably assembly line, Darkhorse more meticulous IME.