Cam sensor and no spark, 2003 chopper

[ZeDevil]

I know this issue has been discussed over and over, I read the forums, did my homework, but I still have questions.

Last week I replaced a bad cam sensor with one from Drag Specialties. I don't know what caused it to go bad at that time, I simply rode the bike through town and the next morning it wouldn't start.

Replaced the sensor. Did a 300 mile trip and all was good. Let the bike cool down and later that day took a short ride around town and guess what - the new sensor died too (the bike was pretty hot when it happened).

I've read around here that any evo style sensor would do the job.
I've also read that these sensors go bad because of temperature.
It was pretty hot outside, about 90 degrees ..but come on, when am I supposed to ride the bike if not during summer?!

Any ideas on this one? Should I just try another sensor and hope it lasts?
Bike is stock and also has an oil cooler installed.

 

[BigDogBro1]

Is the timing set properly. Engine could be running hot because of the where the timing is set.

 

[ZeDevil]

Timing is right. I checked after replacing the first bad sensor. Rode about 300 miles all day with this last sensor and then it died again while in a town where traffic was slow and outside temp was high. I know it's the sensor, it's easy to check, no doubt here.

I had to leave the bike in that town where it died and get the train back home. Already ordered a new sensor so I can get the bike home this weekend. Not much of a choice, towing it 300 miles costs way too much.

 

[Th3InfamousI]

Timing is right. I checked after replacing the first bad sensor. Rode about 300 miles all day with this last sensor and then it died again while in a town where traffic was slow and outside temp was high. I know it's the sensor, it's easy to check, no doubt here.

I had to leave the bike in that town where it died and get the train back home. Already ordered a new sensor so I can get the bike home this weekend. Not much of a choice, towing it 300 miles costs way too much.

where did you find a spot to store it? Did you know somebody in the area?

I think some guys have issues with the exhaust routed next to the cam sensor. I think the issue would be compounded if you don't have heatshields.

 

[ZeDevil]

where did you find a spot to store it? Did you know somebody in the area?

I think some guys have issues with the exhaust routed next to the cam sensor. I think the issue would be compounded if you don't have heatshields.

Heh, I met some bikers at the bar where the sensor died and one of them lived near, so we pushed the bike and left it in his back yard.

The exhaust heat might be contributing since I don't have any heat shields.. it just never occurred to me until you mentioned :bang:

 

[Th3InfamousI]

Heh, I met some bikers at the bar where the sensor died and one of them lived near, so we pushed the bike and left it in his back yard.

The exhaust heat might be contributing since I don't have any heat shields.. it just never occurred to me until you mentioned :bang:

Not sure how much space you got between the exhaust and the sensor but I would be willing to bet that exhaust gets 400-500 degrees on hot days. Not much electrical will last long at those temps.

 

[ZeDevil]

A quick update on this:

I went back to where I left the bike, replaced the sensor with another aftermarket one.
Left the side cover open, just to allow the sensor to breathe a little more.

Took a 500 mile trip back home and then further to the seaside.
Outside temperature was around 90-95 degrees most of the day.
Avoided getting into cities or slow traffic.

No issues so far, but I still get a little nervous when I have to sit in traffic and everything seems to melt around me.

Will keep this updated for those interested, another trip coming this weekend.

 

[Lafay]

I hope you have a good update as I'm thinking this may be the same thing we've experienced; however, now ours doesn't even start!

 

[ZeDevil]

Lafay, I haven't had any issues since I've replaced the sensor last week.
Outside temperature is well above 90 degrees and I still ride without the cam cover, just to let the sensor breathe a little better.

I believe the first sensor that I replaced simply came from a bad batch, or was faulty from the start. This last one seems to work fine.

Also, in case someone wonders, you can't just replace the sensor without at least checking that the timing is right and if not, adjust it.

 

[chevalcabre]

can you tell me what part # drag specialities or off what harley davidson the sensor is from ? i need to order one..

 

[ZeDevil]

Like it has been written before, any evo style cam sensor will work.
Drag Specialties part is #0807-3017, but it looks kind of low quality compared to the original one in the bike. You might want to order two