I have considered putting in an auto tensioner on my '03 Wide Glide but have read a few things that give me pause.

Such as, the Moco auto tensioner is a ratchet based system that does not allow for over-tension draw back (allowing the tensioner to return to a previous setting).

Anyone out there with an older manual tension system that went to an auto tensioner such as the one from HD?

 

Could always put a Hayden auto tensioner in, good reputation

 

That's what I've been using for several years now!

 

Why bother? The manual system is trouble free and will never over tighten. I have two bikes with 60K miles between them, both early models with manual primary chain tensioners and they have each been adjusted once. I have found better things to spend the money on. JMHO.

 

Understood. I was just interested in the system since I have read that more than a few folks have had issues. I have had to adjust mine once in roughly 10k miles and it is fine now but would like to see if anyone has gone to the auto from the manual type.

 

i went with the baker manual adjuster in mine. i would stay with what you have, it's bullet proof.

 

I installed the Hayden in mine yesterday.

 

I've got a Hayden unit in both of my Dynas, a 2002 and a 2005, the Haydens have served well since 2003. They don't let the chain over tighten.

 

It truly makes little sense to install Harley's tensioner to me. Mine has 40+ K on original and has hardly warn 1/32" . If it ever did get grooved in to the rollers, chain would roll and it would never wear anymore. In 40+ K , I have moved mine up one step.
However to better answer what you ask. I had 3 of these in the picture. I installed one on mine, another on an older cruiser and sold one on here to another member. He paid to have it installed and about two weeks later, said he though it was too tight and paid to have it removed. I decided to recheck mine and it appeared quite tight. Maybe a little over 3/8 play. Quite pissed, I pulled my cover and then realized those two smaller heavy coil springs hide a little over 1/4" of play. That is why the unit runs so quite. When you push firmly with your thumb, you have about 5/8". That is not normally how you would check a manual one. As I see it, as designed it would be truly hard for it to over shoot and get to tight. If it did Harley would have 100,000s of bikes out there since all since around 2007 or so have them. One problem I do have is my primary chain got beat up from an alignment issue when the alternator spline ripped out and let it slip only being driven by the compensator spring. It grooved it out and let sprocket come out and made chain nip corner of sprocket. So I have a loose and tight place caused by chain length differences. (Need a new chain probably) I just said screw it and put the manual one back in. Once set and grooved in, I doubt you really need to check it ever 15K. It is a little noisy when running 5/8" of play. Interesting, mine gets tighter when hot. I can only guess the heat make the length between motor sprocket and transmission sprocket longer. Also the steps on the manual adjuster are 1/8" increments and you can only get so close. The Hayden would help this point for sure.

 

OP. If you want an auto tensioner ill give you my old one. I went with the Baker manual one. Id stick with what you have now though. How often are you having to adjust your primary chain?