Twin cam tension tools for setting timing.. anyone got any?

beaver · Dec 6, 2017

Just wondering if anyone has the tooling for the cam chains,, basically, what they do is replace the existing tensioners but account for the fact that they don't have oil pressure behind them when the engine is stopped.. so add additional pressure for setting the cams...
Don't want to take anything in bits if I can't re-set the thing.... obviously I can mark the existing positions if no one has anything…

beaver · Dec 6, 2017

no one

wow.. anyone found a way to cheat the system... screwing a fixed bolt into a given depth / torque / turns from contact??...

Or are we saying no one except a Dealer has had the heads off of a twin cam yet????? I can't believe that...

Bendy toy · Dec 7, 2017

Those that have may well be the mechanics.

Give a bump now and then and see what turns up.

NOOBrainer · Dec 18, 2017

I did replace a rhd cilinder and piston. Didn't use the tension tool, what I did use was a tool to lock the camshafts. Checked the timing after a few k km and no off timing was measurable nor noticeable.
There is a thread about it on adv rider.
But why do you want to open it? Ain't fix if it ain't broken

http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/1100029/

beaver · Dec 18, 2017

NOOBrainer said:
I did replace a rhd cilinder and piston. Didn't use the tension tool, what I did use was a tool to lock the camshafts. Checked the timing after a few k km and no off timing was measurable nor noticeable.
There is a thread about it on adv rider.
But why do you want to open it? Ain't fix if it ain't broken

http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/1100029/

Yes.. thanks for that, when I first checked one side to the other, I tought it was a tad out... but having re-checked and put some weight where the tensioners are, they are actualy knob on.. but goes to show, the oil pressure in the tensioner does move the timing slightly when its gone and just under spring pressure.

NOOBrainer · Dec 19, 2017

beaver said:
Yes.. thanks for that, when I first checked one side to the other, I tought it was a tad out... but having re-checked and put some weight where the tensioners are, they are actualy knob on.. but goes to show, the oil pressure in the tensioner does move the timing slightly when its gone and just under spring pressure.

I think that you are right about the tensioner and that it has a marginal impact on the timing. However I set the timing without the tool as I didn't have it. What I didn't like was the way the sprocket is mounted on the camshaft. No unequal bolt pattern or something like that, just one bolt. timing and stay on time is just based on the friction between the sprocket and shaft. Little bit hard to explain but you will notice it if you have worked on camshaft systems on other bikes.

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beaver · Dec 19, 2017

Your right, and most modern cars ar like that now also, just friction to drive the cams. That said, the valves are all 5mm stems also no, so no real mass to drive... its all very cheap and nasty in my mind.. I'd expect at least a tapper drive?

Bin Ridin · Dec 24, 2017

How would the tensioner change the timing? The timing depends on the drive-side, the tensioner is on the non-drive side....Set the timing with the sack taken up on the drive side..
If it is like my 2010 TC model, i set it using a straight edge to set and align the cams.

Bendy toy · Dec 24, 2017

NOOBrainer said:
I think that you are right about the tensioner and that it has a marginal impact on the timing. However I set the timing without the tool as I didn't have it. What I didn't like was the way the sprocket is mounted on the camshaft. No unequal bolt pattern or something like that, just one bolt. timing and stay on time is just based on the friction between the sprocket and shaft. Little bit hard to explain but you will notice it if you have worked on camshaft systems on other bikes.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn G3121 met Tapatalk

Incorrect timing can make a big difference. Even more when there are two cams. A worn cam chain might put the timing out but it’s likely the tensioning system will be at its limit around the same time.
Even with light valves, the springs have to be compressed. At low speed that can be a heavy load on the chain/belt/gears. At higher revs the loads even out.

NOOBrainer · Dec 24, 2017

Bin Ridin said:
How would the tensioner change the timing? The timing depends on the drive-side, the tensioner is on the non-drive side....Set the timing with the sack taken up on the drive side..
If it is like my 2010 TC model, i set it using a straight edge to set and align the cams.

Just a guess, but could it be that the tension tool keeps the pressure on the whole chain? By using the tool you guarantee that slack is on the non drive side and not on the drive side. Without the tool it could be that there is slack on both sides, I guess. However I did no use it, and set the timing by using a camshaft tool AND rotating the engine in the right direction, to make sure that the slack is on the non drive side. Now after a year still running.

beaver · Dec 25, 2017

I guess you could have the cams out 1-2 deg and it would not matter... the tools just tensions the system as if oil pressure was in the tensioner so you can get it spot on... I'd guess a bolt in contact the turned another 90 deg or so would do the same job...

MattCero · May 18, 2021

Cam locking tool (jig) for 2012-2013 hexhead?

Can anyone tell me what the part number is for the cam locking tool otherwise known as a camshaft alignment jig for the hexhead R1200GS years 2010 to 2013?

Thank you.

Matt

Big Si · May 18, 2021

beaver said:
no one wow.. anyone found a way to cheat the system... screwing a fixed bolt into a given depth / torque / turns from contact??...

Or are we saying no one except a Dealer has had the heads off of a twin cam yet????? I can't believe that...

Have you ever considered joining Harley Davidson Riders Club of Great Britain (HDRCGB)? They have a huge collection of specialised Harley tools that they lend out to members for free. Just a thought. :nenau

www.hdrcgb.org

MattCero · May 18, 2021

Do you have the cam locking/alignment tool part number for the hexheads, 2010-1013 R1200GS? Thank you.

Twin cam tension tools for setting timing.. anyone got any?

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