Calling Pat Campbell

[FLATHEAD]

Take a look at this Pat. This is one of the shoes from the chain drive cams I just replaced. Not a great photo but I think you can see the chunks that are out of it. This is from a bike with only 20,000 miles. I believe the chunks would be large enough to block an oil passage. What do you think? Have you run into this out at the plant. I am a bit concerned about it. <br /><br />

 

[pjc]

Re: Calling Pat Campbell

Odd as it may sound, the condition of that shoe is normal. Lots of work went into choosing the correct material for that part. The material is "special" ( read very expensive ) and used in similar applications by other manufacturers.<br /><br />Regarding the missing chunks, slim to no chance of oil passage blockage. The size of oil passages as well as volume of oil flow ensures this.<br /><br />Have a great Christmas Flahthead!!

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: Calling Pat Campbell

Pat I have to say if that is normal HD has a real problem, I hate to disagree with you but MHO is that those chunks should not be out of that shoe. We have done four of these now and this is the only one that was chewed up. One of those little chunks was stuck in the lifter roller and caused some problems. Not being disrespectful of your knowledge but I don't like the whole set up with the chain cams.<br /><br />You and yours have a great Christmas also Pat

 

[pjc]

Re: Calling Pat Campbell

opppppsssss--Flahthead, I stand corrected. Yes there are issues with the shoe material. Inconsistent batches. And HD is replacing the entire cam plate assembly (cam plate, cams, chain, etc)for those customers who have shoe failures. <br /><br />The question I do not have an answer for is what problem or condition caused the customer to bring the bike to the dealer.<br /><br />Work continues to cure this situation.

 

[pjc]

Re: Calling Pat Campbell

Hey Flahthead--also please be mindful that questions posted that are of a nature that I can not answer due to confidentialy will be replied to stating such. I do work in product development and am accountable to the management Gods who can and do take a dim view of folks spouting off regarding internal info. <br /><br />In addition, I may not have direct knowledge of questions put forth, but can provide information that comes from those who do hold that information. <br /><br />For example, the tensioner shoe issue-kind of public knowledge due to what the dealers are doing for the customer. <br /><br />Historical info--a resource is our internal historian-phone call away for me. Please ask away.<br /><br />The 1936 VL you are restoring was the first Union Made Harley for example. <br /><br />The reality is that I have a good job with a great American company, but--I still put pants on one leg at a time. I work for the Motor Company because it supports my family.

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: Calling Pat Campbell

Pat I respect the confidentially thing. I would never want to put you in a tight spot. Any info you have ever given to me has been mucho appreciated, like the info on the shoe. I tend to stay away from the dealers so that may be why I have not heard about the shoes till you filled me in.<br /><br />When I first saw where you worked I thought finally someone who knows whats up. There are a lot of biker boards out there but the tech info is lame at best, nothing like the awesome tech info on this board. <br /><br />There is no doubt you know your HD motors and I hope to pick your brain from time to time You have given me straight answers and that seems to be more than the dealers are willing to do.<br /><br />The bike I am doing is a 37 ULH although a 36 VL would be nice. I just may take you up on the historical info real soon, I hope to get the ULH to AMCA 100 point standards but it may take me forever.<br /><br />Again thanks for your helpful info Pat.