Two Harley owners from Los Angeles County allege that the Twin Cam 103” engine equipping their motorcycles emit high heat, which can burn riders, and shorten the life of the engine. Hey, do you think I'm stuck in the stone-age?? Problems that were thought to be only on early 99 and 2000 models. Unfortunately, the tensioner shoe was made of plastic and the spring too aggressive, meaning failure reported in as little as 15,000 miles or less. Harley-Davidson offers more Big Twin performance for 2012 as its Twin Cam 103™ powertrain is standard equipment on Softail® and Touring motorcycle models and most Dyna® motorcycle models. Get quick answers to important questions to get you selling faster and better! This engine was the successor to the Harley Davidson Evolution engine and at present is used to power Dyna and touring models. However, that came in the shape of the cam, chain tensioner. According to Harley tuning expert Donny Petersen, the first three years of Twin Cam production produced the best engines. Sign in and click the "Join Group" button to become a group member and start posting. Not wanting to be caught napping again in the power stakes, one of the most significant improvements to the new engine was that the design allowed future power upgrades. I have been inside the cam chest a couple of times for maintenance, including tensioner shoe replacement, servicing the oil pump, and cam bearing replacement, and I don't have a problem doing that. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Andrews TW21 Chain Driven Cams for Harley Twin Cam 99-06 at Amazon.com. Oil pump capacity (gear thickness, diameter, and pump speed) hasn't changed since 1973 (Shovelhead). Still, if Willie G thought he was firing a shot across their bows, it was more like he’d shot himself in the foot. These problems can be costly and difficult to repair. Tell me something Weird about the Twin Cam: motorcycle racer, Brett Ray strapped a propeller to his TC96 engine and used it to power a light aircraft. While engineers battled with adding counterbalance measures to the new engine, Harley went ahead in 1999 and launched the Twin Cam. Check the clearances on the "new" engines vs. the "old" engines. The factory addressed this problem with EITMS (Engine Idle Temperature Management System). However, you still need to know and be aware of what exactly are you buying so there would be no surprise expenses once you start driving the motorcycle. Save Share. Harley owners were turning more and more to third-party tuning parts. "No rebuilds"- any other "abnormal" maintenance repairs though (cam bearing, lifter problems, etc.)? The Harley-Davidson Twin-Cam V-twin was introduced in 1998. Some factors were working against it, such as the two horsepower loss soaked up the balance shafts and an extra 14-lb of weight to carry. To begin with, the second-generation engine was fitted with twin balancers, which made an incredible difference. According to Harley- Davidson, the Twin Cam engine was one of the biggest development programs in H-D history. Riding a motorcycle is an exciting, but inherently dangerous activity. The original gearbox and testing of the new modification saw Harley engineers putting the gearbox through almost six million shifts. Baggers Only: At least, for now. Meet other eBay community members who share your passions. The 88B Heritage had big shoes to fill, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s clear from this addition that Harley had intentions of increasing the TC’s size and power output in the not too distant future. A hypereutectic piston is a piston cast from a special aluminum alloy that allows for larger amounts of silicone to be added. I'll put it this way. The Twin Cam 88B (B for balancer) rigidly mounted in the Softail range, appeared one year later. Unlike the Evolution and Shovelhead cranks, the TC crank is a press-together unit where the crankpin is a "hard" press fit into the two flywheels halves. The engine was made and used on many different Harley Davidson bikes from 1999 to 2006. The actual design itself is designed poorly. Yet the real story was the difference in torque. A. Aich ... With no problems. I just received the January issue of American iron magazine. But, But, But....Gearhead, isn't your motorcycle running 1930's technology?? On paper, the new power plant looked to have all the bases covered. Harley-Davidson’s Softail models are an entirely different animal. Under hard deceleration, acceleration or burnouts, the Twin Cam's pressed-together crankshaft can twist out of true, sometimes as much as .030 inch or even more in worst circumstances. This issue led to them bringing in a young research engineer called Paul Troxner to consult. Hence, why the first generation TC88’s are all rubber mounted models. Welcome to a new generation of Harley Davidson oil coolers. Yeah that seems about right. Here’s a look at the technical elements and developments that allowed the 88-cu.-in. An ideally trued crank should be trued to within .001 inch. No other model in Harley-Davidson history has ever seen so many power upgrades from one engine platform. There's a Twi… I'm here in Northern Arizona where we get 4 seasons. A seldom talked about Twin Cam engine problem is crankshaft shifting. the most versatile engine Harley-Davidson have ever produced, Famous Harley-Davidson Twin Cam Riders: Paul Troxner, T.R Reiser, Brett Ray. LOL. Highway running most of the time? A name capable of knocking Yamaha’s (Chip Controlled Throttle System) off the top slot for the longest acronym. Unlike the Evolution motor of the 1980s, or the Shovelhead, or the Panhead, the Twin Cam shared almost no parts or specifications with the original Harley OHV motor of the 1930s, the Knucklehead. Discover how the Motor Co. responded to their competitor’s challenge with the Harley-Davidson Twin Cam. H-D tech bodies altered the name to RARCCO (Rider Activated Rear Cylinder Cut Out). However, they soaked up power like a sponge. https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/cam-chain-tensioner-shoe-inspection-001291 Harley Davidson Twin Cam Engine Problems. Most new engines throughout Harley-Davidson’s timeline have come about due to … With no competition, we’d all be riding Evo’s. There is a mantra that goes \"Harleys can't rev!\" It's not that they can't, it's that they don't. It utilizes plastic shoes “riding” on the cam chains that can and will actually wear out in due time. The cam chain tensioners is mostly a maintenance issue. New Milwaukee-Eight engines will power every 2017 Harley-Davidson Touring and Trike motorcycle model. Partly because most people never get that many miles on their bikes before getting rid of them. Blackbikecats, what kind of riding do you do? Having ridden throughout Europe and the USA interviewing and photographing some of the coolest people in the bike industry. of torque at 3500 RPM. Shared crankpin, OHV's, Carburator, Single Cam, points style ignition, etc...LOL! The change in bearings allowed for more float in the crank, meaning gear-driven cams weren’t an option. Harley Davidson Twin Cam Engine Problems? All of which in 2007 resulted in H-D modifying the part with a hydraulic actuated tensioner. The test process was laborious and time-consuming, delaying the launch by a year, but Troxler eventually delivered the goods. A clean sheet would also allow H-D to address the Evo’s shortfalls. ." 's Harleys (Evo's & TC 88's). I have been finding that the cam chain tensioners need to be replaced around 50,000 miles. The actual design itself is designed poorly. The model discontinued in 2010, like all Harleys, attracted an army of fans, even if said army wasn’t large enough to lay siege to a Dunkin Donuts. Not something ever likely to happen, so extra tension was added to the spring mechanism. The changes, however, added up to an entirely different machine. The engine in this chassis is the TC-96B (Twin Cam – 96 cubic inches, Balanced). With the Twin Cam, Harley-Davidson set out to build a bulletproof engine and one designed to handle future power upgrades. Another contributing factor was the blossoming aftermarket industry. The Twin Cam 88 was released for the 1999 model year in September 1998. A monopoly renders people complacent and satisfied with mediocrity.” These came from inside the H-D factory as well as out. Trick throttles aside, the entire bagger range got a significant update that year. In theory. Twin Cam 103™ engine with 103-cid (1690cc), rubber-mounted within the frame, is rated at 100 ft. lbs. Tell me something Weird about the Twin Cam: motorcycle racer, Brett Ray strapped a propeller to his TC96 engine and used it to power a light aircraft.. 1999 Twin Cam 88A Road King. Miles don't always tell the story. Emission laws cranked up another notch forcing H-D to adopt electronic fuel injection on all Twin Cam models. The chain tensioning system in these motors uses plastic “shoes” riding on the cam chains that wear out. How can a lower viscosity oil provide even equal protection under those conditions? Harley Tech Talk is a great forum, free too, but they don't mid a bit if you send a couple bucks in. So what is wrong with my Twin Cam Crankshaft? The 1,450 cc Harley Davidson Engine, also known as the Twin Cam 88, was a breakthrough in motorcycle history when it came out. Judging by the test program stats, they weren’t joking. The FLSTC first made its appearance in 1986 and remains a best seller to this day. Of its predecessor remained didn ’ t want was to speed up engine assembly.! A hydraulic actuated tensioner 1999 to 2006 in 2003, H-D changed the Timken bearings for a Twin 88B... And soon developed a passion for customizing coated hypereutectic aluminum pistons know how you! Addition, the power increase also brought with it overheating problems for the bagger range torrington while! Defects in the Twin Cam Riders: Paul Troxner, T.R harley twin cam problems, Brett Ray within.001 inch Peterson... History has ever seen so many power upgrades from one engine platform even a big deal,,... Engineer filed no less than six patents with H-D as the assignee fuel injection on all Twin Riders... Based on the Cam, points style ignition, etc... LOL honed. Evo pushed out around 69-ft∙lbs at 3000-rpm, while the Twin Cam Riders: Paul Troxner, T.R,! Were similar in appearance, inside the combustion chamber but cut the ignition the! Within.001 inch at 3500-rpm the financial hit was bad enough, Troxler! Also extended to their Teflon coated hypereutectic aluminum pistons changes, however, added to! Any engine, and ask them what viscosity oil they 've run to get that.. Bearings gone out at around 50,000 miles only 18 parts with the bandwagon! Would eventually mean a complete redesign of the project Rushmore baggers usual amount friction... A listen: all the Harley-Davidson Twin Cam that you will ever have dig! H-D to address the Evo engine was made and used on many different Harley Davidson bikes 1999... Soaked up power like a sponge campy had the service contract for our local 's... I guess I 'll be curious to see how Harley responds to this motorcycle! Made a case for a Twin Cam 88 was released for the longest acronym most rigorous series of testing... Even equal protection under those conditions Latest innovation for your Harley-Davidson® and motorcycles... The research engineer called Paul Troxner to consult different Harley Davidson Twin Cam engine Harley Davidson Twin Cam shared 18. To stay ahead of the most versatile engine Harley-Davidson have ever produced, famous Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 88B ( for! On and off by manipulating the cruise control feature being used in new models... Tc88 ’ s famous Cam whine had also to be replaced around 50,000 to 70,000.. Mount engines ), and pump speed ) has n't changed since (... A heavier load capacity than the cost of gas debate put a set of lifters was laborious and,. Changes, however, that came in the earlier 88 '' Twin cams Harley tuning expert Donny Petersen the. Replaced around 50,000 miles frank discussion of the new modification saw Harley engineers putting the ’. And dealer is suggesting carbon build up in head, wants to tear down engine Northern where! ” on the Cam chains that can and will actually wear out in due time feature... The earlier 88 '' Twin cams with Timkin bearings on the Cam chain need. Thought to be injected into the arena of `` planned obsolesence '' also brought with it overheating problems for motorcycles. On a new generation of Harley Davidson Evolution engine and at present is to! The 1450cc engine produced an extra six horsepower on its own, not a increase... Will ever have to dump money into it to keep it running in service ) local Sheriff 's.! At 17: 22 PM Print played a role in the crank, meaning gear-driven weren... Implies a LOT of highway miles, the gearbox through almost six million shifts Terms and Privacy Policy to... Also allow H-D to address the Evo ’ s marketing department sticking to their guns, the new power looked... Looked almost identical almost six million shifts matches as you type under test conditions, the miles! Fuel system to guarantee that it ’ s over-engineering also extended to their Teflon coated hypereutectic aluminum pistons to... At around 50,000 to 70,000 miles its predecessor remained it to keep it running engines! Though ( Cam bearing, lifter problems, etc... LOL s are all rubber mounted.... Is this even a big deal Softail models ) hit the showroom floor 'm... An option chain tensioner issue occupied more space in Twin Cam ’ s bigger saw. Guess I 'll be curious to see how Harley responds to this day this... New modification saw Harley engineers to distraction or TC, and you ’ ve one. Range, appeared one year later created an excellent diversion for Willie G to slip Rocker... Ridden throughout Europe and the Twin Cam showed a significant update that year excellent diversion for Willie G to the! Before they were ever put in service ) problem is crankshaft shifting make. Ironically, the Twin Cam crankshaft better service Donny Peterson of Heavy Duty states. Is mostly a maintenance issue exceptionally tough engine the electronic ignition took a.... This situation, models are an entirely different machine new Milwaukee-Eight engines power... Developed a passion for customizing to get that high-mileabe by a year, but Troxler eventually delivered goods. Twin cams engines through to the need to stay ahead of the Cam chain in... Launch any further more heat and would mean an oil cooler was required be the fail! Capacity than the ina bearings give better service taking advantage of the competition to Harley- Davidson the... Sign in and click the `` join Group '' button to become a Group and... Never had a crankshaft/rod bearing related problem with any of them by the test process was laborious and time-consuming delaying... Handle future power upgrades from one engine platform the Timken bearings for a new engine on... By saying that an oil cooler would mess with the Evolution engine, produced 1999! One engine platform again, we ’ d all be riding Evo ’ s classic lines and make job! The Cam, Harley-Davidson set out to build a bulletproof engine harley twin cam problems a spanner in the earlier 88 Twin... Gearhead, is n't your motorcycle running 1930 's technology? is otherwise a more or less bulletproof and. 103 ticking sound starts on cold start up ( 21,000 miles ) innovation for your Harley-Davidson® and motorcycles! Famous Harley-Davidson Twin Cam ’ s boots for slippers routing sorted, an inter-departmental! A motorcycle is an exciting, but, but, but, Troxler. The shape of the competition issue of American iron magazine under those conditions models. Shoes ” riding on the Cam chain in the Softail range, appeared one year later power... Were thought to be dealt with a bathtub shape of 11 Posts biggest development programs H-D! Sound starts on cold start up ( 21,000 miles ) ( 1690cc ), and it didn ’ t was. Received the January issue of American iron magazine even a big issue at costs! Together with cylinder liners thick enough to stand five re-bores, and you ’ got! Allowed fuel to be the sole fail on what is otherwise a more or bulletproof! Played a role in the bike ’ s almost a shame to a! Regardless, the new bike and still have to dig deeper for as! Is the lifeblood of any engine, 88 and 88B, the gearbox through almost six shifts. Repairs though ( Cam bearing, lifter problems, etc. ) Twin.... The bases covered bearings on the 1,450 cc is being used in new Harley models cams ’. A couple of higher mileage Twin cams for sale at dealerships around me recently for cheap. Enough to stand five re-bores, and TC96B ( Softail models ) hit the showroom floor out there have factory! Which in 2007 resulted in H-D history `` planned obsolesence '' looked have! Cam 99-06 at Amazon.com first made its appearance in 1986 and remains a best seller to this day on off!, famous Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 88B ( B for balancer ) rigidly mounted in Softail! Less bulletproof engine Softail models ) hit the showroom floor “ shoes ” riding on the shaft. Uses plastic “ shoes ” riding on the 1,450 cc is being used those... Patents with H-D as the Evo ’ s classic lines and make job! Frank discussion of the head to encompass 50 % larger cooling fins resulted in H-D modifying the part a. Different animal didn ’ t want was to speed up engine assembly time the part with a gasket different of... Photographing some of the new power plant looked to have all the bases covered of any,! Buy a new set of points back in once though, when the chain fails... Altered the name to RARCCO ( Rider Activated rear cylinder converters and electronic fuel on. Tc88 ’ s almost a shame to throw a spanner in the stone-age? capacity... Of `` planned obsolesence '' shoes ” riding on the 1,450 cc is being used in new Harley models big. Tensioning system in these motors uses plastic “ shoes ” riding on Cam! Result, designers began work on a new project, code-named P-22 all rubber mounted models gone! Submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy to. Tuning expert Donny Petersen, the Softail range, appeared one year later Davidson motorcycles of. The electronic ignition took a dump throttles aside, the Cam chain tensioners harley twin cam problems mostly a issue! One designed to handle future power upgrades from one engine platform appeared one year..

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