I would like to know what are the first indications or initial symptoms of a compensator that is beginning to go. This way I can be on the alert and have it taken care of before a total failure of the unit should I have that problem in the future.

Thanks to those that reply.

 

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...mpensater.html

Summary: Big bang at startup (may or may not be a problem)
Sound like rocks or marbles rolling around in the primary.

I've been hearing the bang at startup but not the gravel-filled primary noise. I've subscribed to every thread I can find on the subject and will continue to monitor.

 

Bang happens once in awhile.....rarely. No other symptoms so just keeping an eye on things for the time being.

 

For what it is worth, my '10 Ultra would fire up with a bang occasionally. After I changed cams I no longer hear it. Not sure why but I noticed it right off the bat. I am sure the experts will chime in with a why. Without hearing the bang is there still a reason to worry? Is there damage still being done.

 

As others have noted, the "bang" or hard hit on start up. I also noticed some drive train surging or slack under low-load conditions as if the drive belt had a great deal of slack in it.

I've since replaced the stock comp with the SE version and that seems to have solved my issues...it's been fine for a couple years and many thousands of miles.

Hope that helps!

 

When mine went I started getting what sounded like a bad starter gear but only when engine was hot. It would bang and jerk when I'd start up after getting gas or stopping for less then an hour. Sounded fine when starting cold. Finally took out the rotor.

 

Would not the bang or backfire be caused by excessive fuel in the compression chamber on start up? I guess the next question is why was there excessive fuel in the compression chamber.

 

been told compression and where the engine stops/starts from has the bang effect.

 

Mine gave no warning, and when it went, it went big time! Here's a link to original discussion.

I replaced mine with the beefier SE unit (under warranty, only had to pay price difference).

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...mpensator.html

 

My 07 sounds like its doing the same as yours did. I'm at 52K miles and wanting a SE comp. When you say it took out the rotor, is that the same as the stator?