04 117 Cam Sensor / timing

[BDRider]

Hey guys,
So how do you tell if you have the timing right as in how do you set the cam sensor plate?
Also, what would make a sensor plate go out in just 100 mi?

 

[2004BC]

If the plate loosens up you'll go out of time. If the trigger cup/plate loosens up you'll probably just smash the pickup/sensor until it just doesn't work. Both scenarios are obvious on inspection. To manually adjust follow S&S instructions which are roughly get front piston to just before TDC, take out timing plug, rotate until TB/TD???? whatever is in center of hole, then turn on key and rotate timing plate until Thunderheart light goes on. Double check, triple check, but that will get you very close. A professional shop will get you spot on or at least confirm your work.

PS, This is what I did on my 2004 107" Ridgeback. I don't know for sure if 117"'s are different. I hope this helps a bit.

 

[BDRider]

Duh!! Sometimes I just don't get the obvious.
Ok, the Thunderheart flashes once when you hit the run button, but not when you rotate the cam sensor. So I just have to get another cam sensor and try that? Wiring is good.
Is there any other way to test the cam sensor?

 

[DRBarnhart]

Is there any other way to test the cam sensor?

Of course! And here it is...

1. Disconnect the cam sensor from the ignition module.
2. Take out your trusty multimeter and set it to the RX1 scale.
3. Now while touching the sensor backing plate with the negative meter lead touch the positive meter lead on each of the three wires of the sensor connector (red, black, & green). If you get continuity from the backing plate to any of them the sensor is bad.

If it passes the first test...
1. With your meter still at the same settings touch the positive meter lead to the green wire and the negative meter lead to the black wire. If you get an "open" it's good.
2. Then take the positive meter lead and touch the black sensor wire while touching the negative meter lead to the green wire. In this case an "open" is bad. A reading somewhere around 300 - 750 Kohms is what you're looking for.

So what values did you get in each step?

Dennis

 

[2004BC]

Of course! And here it is...

1. Disconnect the cam sensor from the ignition module.
2. Take out your trusty multimeter and set it to the RX1 scale.
3. Now while touching the sensor backing plate with the negative meter lead touch the positive meter lead on each of the three wires of the sensor connector (red, black, & green). If you get continuity from the backing plate to any of them the sensor is bad.

If it passes the first test...
1. With your meter still at the same settings touch the positive meter lead to the green wire and the negative meter lead to the black wire. If you get an "open" it's good.
2. Then take the positive meter lead and touch the black sensor wire while touching the negative meter lead to the green wire. In this case an "open" is bad. A reading somewhere around 300 - 750 Kohms is what you're looking for.

So what values did you get in each step?

Dennis

Great info! Dennis, I'm just guessing here but isn't the cam sensor just an inductive pickup reading ferrous metal and then a gap? If so a final "Hot" check would be to turn key on, run button pushed, and with the plate held in your hand and grounded to the bike pass a piece a steel in between the sensor to see if the Thunderheart light goes on and off. Is this correct? Thanks!

 

[DRBarnhart]

I'm just guessing here but isn't the cam sensor just an inductive pickup reading ferrous metal and then a gap? If so a final "Hot" check would be to turn key on, run button pushed, and with the plate held in your hand and grounded to the bike pass a piece a steel in between the sensor to see if the Thunderheart light goes on and off. Is this correct?

:2thumbs:

However, I would pull the spark plug wires or something so it doesn't fire!

Dennis

 

[BDRider]

Watch for reply. It might be a couple days to get at it. I'll let you know. Just what I was looking for.Thanks.

 

[Moespeeds]

I burned 3 cam sensors on my 04. First one went at about 1500 miles.

 

[2004BC]

:2thumbs:

However, I would pull the spark plug wires or something so it doesn't fire!

Dennis

Ha ha ha! Good point!!!:2thumbs: Thanks!

 

[BDRider]

Ok, I've got a cam sensor for a HD 80-93 FL touring, a 90 - 95 FL touring and a 91-95 Dyna. All dirrect HD replacements. What would I need for the 04 117 big Dog?

 

[Gatlin5]

Another good thread with no update, that sucks but not sure what you can do about it.

I guess it was the Cam sensor.

Will be checking mine today.