Installed an SE Comp on my '08 UC about 15,000 miles ago but starting to get a little "tapping" noise (only once in a while) from the front of the chaincase both at initial startup and sometimes on light-load cruise.

The noise can be heard from the front of the chaincase, about even with the compensator and from the primary side only...definitely below the jugs.

I've also noticed with the noise, just a tiny bit of light-cruise surging as in a slightly sloppy driveline like I had with the old stock comp.

I pulled the primary cover and checked the chain for tension/hitting but all seemed fine. I don't have a torque wrench that will read above 75 lbs (and I'm only 175 lbs myself) so could not confirm the comp bolt torque setting.

Does this sound like the comp bolt may be working loose or maybe an issue with the SE comp itself?


TIA!

 

If you think it is the comp then you might want to borrow or even rent a torque wrench because that is the only way to tell if it is loose.

 

I removed the primary cover and checked the comp bolt...it was fine. But I did notice the chain was a bit loose.

So I removed and cleaned the tensioner. I did notice the teeth on the the ramp were a bit worn...maybe from being just between adjustments and grinding back and forth leave some slack in the chain.

I sharpened the teeth just a bit and re-installed everything. The first start up gave no noise. I'll have to give it a few more miles and starts to convince myself this may have been the cause of the original "tapping" noise.

Total cost to repair...one quart of oil and about an hour of my time.

 

I'm thinking it was the chain being loose. Good luck with that.

 

Seems to be the case...several more miles and startups with no noise.

So, I got rid of the noise and a new torque wrench for my efforts

 

What is the intial chain slack set too when the tensioner is R&R?

 

I guess there's a documented min/max somewhere.

When I removed the tie from the tensioner, the spring "needed help" to move the ramp rearward far enough to get maybe 1/2" slack in the upper section. Without the help, I could slap the chain against the housing.

 

Just get it in the ballpark, and it'll do the rest when you ride it. (Don't leave it lay all the way loose).

Just don't shove it up too tight, it likely won't loosen itself.

 

Put one of these in to smooth it out. No ratcheting.
http://www.sohotbikes.com/wedge.html