S&S Cycle Standard and Easy Start Chain Drive Camshafts for Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 88 Engines 1999–2006 Big Twin, except 2006 Dyna models User Manual
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• For lifts over .510" S&S strongly recommends that the stock chain drive cam be upgraded to the S&S gear drive or to the H-D® part number 25284-08. This
kit upgrades the problematic spring loaded chain tensioners to more reliable hydraulic tensioners, and also upgrades the oil pump.
• The S&S® chain drive cams outlined in this instruction sheet are intended for 1999-2006 Harley-Davdison Twin Cam 88 models, except 2006 Dyna®
models.
OVERVIEW OF EASY START CAMSHAFTS (IF EQUIPPED):
S&S® has developed Easy Start cams to assist starting with a built in
centrifugally operated compression release. The operation is simple:
at cranking speeds a spring loaded decompression lever holds the
exhaust valve open slightly. Once the engine fires and exceeds 750 RPM,
centrifugal force move the lever to a retracted position, allowing the
engine to run normally.
Important Notes Regarding Easy Start Camshafts:
• Stock EFI engines require a minimum of 80 PSI cranking compression,
checked with the throttle open, for the ECU to fire the spark plugs.
• S&S easy start cams were designed to work with specific compression
ratio and displacement combinations. If an Easy Start cam set is used
in an application other than what it was designed for occasionally an
engine may not build the required compression to start the bike.
• Cranking compression numbers are no longer a valid health check of
the engine. We recommend performing a leak down test.
• If the lifters have been disassembled or bled down for any purpose,
the starter may have difficulty with the initial start. Although the
decompression lobe lifts the lifter body, the lifter is not pumped up
and it will not lift the exhaust valve. You may need to remove the spark
plugs and crank the engine to get oil pressure to the lifters.
• Easy Start cams require no special service. If they are ever removed for
any reason however, inspect the mechanism for wear and verify that
the lever operates smoothly.
• If your bike is carbureted, the starting routine may be slightly different,
allow yourself time to experiment to find the best method.
• When the engine is turned off, you may hear a slight click as the
decompression lever resets. This is normal and does no harm.
• If engine speed drops below 900 RPM, you may hear clicking as the
decompression lever starts engaging. Idle speed should be adjusted
higher. The engine idle should be set at 1000-1100 RPM.
Special Tools Required: See Picture 1, below
H-D #42314 Crankshaft/Camshaft Sprocket Locking Tool
H-D #42325 Camshaft Needle Bearing Remover/Installer
H-D #43644 Camshaft Remover/Installer
H-D #42313 Cam Chain Tensioner Unloader
All reference to Harley-Davidson® part numbers is for identification purposes only. We in no way are implying that any of S&S® Cycle’s products are original equipment parts
or that they are equivalent to the corresponding Harley-Davidson part number shown.
General Notes On Cam Installation
• Whenever new camshafts are installed, it is highly recommended
that new tappets be installed. If tappets are reused, they must be
reinstalled in the same position they were removed from.
• Attempting the cam change operation without the required tools
will be difficult and can easily result in damage to the components
not covered under warranty.
• 1999 models used interchangeable ball bearings on the outer end
of both cams. For 2000 and up, the rear bearing is a roller type and
the front bearing is a ball bearing type. It is highly recommended
to update 1999 models to the 2000 and up bearing set, which is
included in the S&S Cam Installation Kit. These instructions are for
2000–up installation. See Picture 2, next page.
• Possible failure may result if Loctite® is not applied to cam drive
sprocket flange bolts. Always prepare threads for Loctite according
to instructions on container.
Failure of fasteners or parts caused by incorrect installation can
cause extensive damage not covered under warranty.
Failure of camshaft related parts caused by incorrect installation
can cause immediate seizure of engine. Engine seizure can result in
serious injury to motorcycle operator, passenger, or others.
• Original cam bearings will likely be damaged during removal. S&S
strongly recommends installing new bearings at same time as
cam change. S&S camshaft installation kit 33-5175 provides parts
needed to install S&S chain drive camshaft sets. The installation
kit also includes a new oil pump scavenge o-ring. The oil pump
scavenge o-ring should never be reused since it can become stiff
from heat and exposure to oils. This often results in poor sealing
and inadequate oil scavenging.
For 2000 models and up, the front and rear cam bearings are not
interchangeable! Ball bearing in front, roller bearing in rear.
B. Securing Motorcycle
Motorcycle must be adequately secured to avoid falling over during
the cam change operation! Use of tie down straps on both sides of
motorcycle is recommended.
1. Place motorcycle on a suitable repair stand so that motorcycle is
stable and secure with the rear tire elevated. Shift transmission in
Cam
Intended Displacement Intended Compression Ratio
551
88–106
9.0–10.0
570
88–106
9.0–10.0
583
88–106
9.0–10.0
585
88–106
9.2–10.5
625
95+
10.0–10.75
640
95+
10.5–11.5
675
120+
11+
Picture 1
H-D #42325
H-D #43644
H-D #42313
H-D #42314
CAUTION
WARNING
CAUTION
CAUTION