Question for Pat Campbell

[FLATHEAD]

Pat I got to thinking a little and I just have to know why the motor company decided to run chain driven cams on the TC 88? It just does not seem to make sense. It is more prone to fail than gear driven. The timing will fluctuate if ever so slightly.To think about that chain in there winging around theoretically at 5400 rpm it is amazing they hold up not to mention the tensioner. All those mighty flatheads, that were about bullet proof ran four cams and that whole deal was gear driven. It just seems to me that gear drive would be a lot more durable. Am I missing something?? I hope not as I am going with an aftermarket s+s gear drive on my TC like we discussed before. Was just wondering what made them decide the chain was the way to go? Sorry to post this here but I lost your email. By the how was the traffic up there last week

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: Question for Pat Campbell

^<br />looks like this is a Harley question. where did JB put that harley section? now i'm curious even tho i'll not be gettin a harley in this life - well, maybe if i win something

 

[pjc]

Re: Question for Pat Campbell

mornin' Flahthead,<br />one reason for cam chain is noise. fact is gears make noise unless fit is near perfect. Evo motors, for example have a "coding" system for the pinion gear that ensures at assembly gear lash is minimal. Very expensive process considering time needed to measure pinion gear batches, cam gear batches, so on. If you hear an Evo that has mismatched cam/pinion, ie- someone stuck in an Andrews w/o checking lash, first impression is lifter noise.<br />Anyhooo- the car guys been using cam chains for some time and are pretty reliable. <br />Real tight tollerances on the HD chain and gears.<br />The 100th was most awsome, the best buncha folks this town has seen---Good God--Was Finest Kind--<br />E. John at the Sunday Party was a letdown for many though. Best fireworks show I've ever seen!<br />An aside, my Lovely Bride and I celebrated our 7th anniversary on Sunday, the 31st.

 

[pjc]

Re: Question for Pat Campbell

regards that noise issue, the Kalifornia market as well as others are becoming more and more sensative to noise pollution. Lotta work goes into eliminating typical mechanical clatter. This is one advantage other brands have 'cause they can hang plastic bodywork all over to sheild or deaden noise. As well as hide all the emmisions hardware. HD styling will not allow this.<br />heres my email- roxxi@nconnect.net<br />ebb, lotsa charity drawings around to enter- just might win ya a hog

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Question for Pat Campbell

I'm with ebb, can't afford one of them things, but on a side note, I did have someone email me wanting to trade a HD for my new jon boat. <br /><br />Man I can just imagine what that would look like.

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: Question for Pat Campbell

Ok I see, yeah I hear ya about valve lash.But I guess its the time factor that matters the most on a high production line. When I put a cam in an evo I don't like it set to where you get the clatter noise, It had just enough backlash to where it had a nice low whine, I know ,I know they say that is bad but the one I set up like that ran for over 40,000 miles(Andrews EV 27 grind) till I sold it and as far as I know it is still running. Again thanks Pat for your valuable info. Glad to hear ya had some fun last week. Although Elton John as the surprise performer I think Hd might have made a boo boo on that one. Happy anniversary to you my friend