FYI- retrofitting automatic primary chain tensioner
FYI- retrofitting automatic primary chain tensioner
The harley davidson automatic primary chain tensioner (part number 40063-05A) may cause starter drive failure when retrofitted to earlier bikes. The reason is that it may adjust the chain too tight, and prevent the starter from engaging the flywheel properly. I have gone through 4 starter drives (and clutch baskets) If you have a harley-davidson extended warranty, and retrofit the harley-davidson automatic primary chain tensioner, they will not authorize any work to be performed on the primary of your bike (even if it was installed by a harley-davidson dealer!). just thought I would put that out there, as I am now stuck with a bike that will not start, and evidently, no warranty.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
Likes: 5,621
From: along the shore of Mishigami
Is that from H-D or the dealer, ask for the memo/bulletin. I don't understand why a H-D dealer won't honor it's part and dealers work. I have the Hayden M6 tensioner on my 02 and 05 Dynas. They keep the chain at the proper tension and with the spring tension setup it allows the chain to move as required during operation. Go to HaydenM6.com for info and the service is super. The H-D tensioner will only allow the chain to keep tightening and won't allow any verticle movement.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,706
Likes: 7
From: Woodstock, Ont , Can
The harley davidson automatic primary chain tensioner (part number 40063-05A) may cause starter drive failure when retrofitted to earlier bikes. The reason is that it may adjust the chain too tight, and prevent the starter from engaging the flywheel properly. I have gone through 4 starter drives (and clutch baskets) If you have a harley-davidson extended warranty, and retrofit the harley-davidson automatic primary chain tensioner, they will not authorize any work to be performed on the primary of your bike (even if it was installed by a harley-davidson dealer!). just thought I would put that out there, as I am now stuck with a bike that will not start, and evidently, no warranty.
Ron
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 507
Likes: 3
From: 2 miles from the Sun!
Harley sell's that part "for retrofitting to bikes w/o. I must agree with other's. Sound's like the tech trying to find the problem is using that as a reason to drop the problem in your lap!
my bike is a 2003
every time (without fail) the engine hiccups a little... even with the compression releases in, it breaks teeth off the starter drive gear, and then messes up the clutch basket. I would not even call it a real kick back. if it tries to start (fires, enough to speed up the starter slightly, but not quite enough to actually get it running- happens most often when cold outside) it destroys the drive and eventually the basket too. Right now it is sitting in my garage, i plan on taking photos on the teardown, as i am not totally convinced that (the tensioner) is my problem. as for the warranty issue, the "gentleman" (note sarcasm) i spoke with at extended warranty's name is Larry- he can be reached at 1-800-527-7665 ext444. If you don't believe me give him a call... i'm sure he will be happy to be a total jerk to you too....lol.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,530
Likes: 1
From: Upstate, SC
every time (without fail) the engine hiccups a little... even with the compression releases in, it breaks teeth off the starter drive gear, and then messes up the clutch basket. I would not even call it a real kick back. if it tries to start (fires, enough to speed up the starter slightly, but not quite enough to actually get it running- happens most often when cold outside) it destroys the drive and eventually the basket too. Right now it is sitting in my garage, i plan on taking photos on the teardown, as i am not totally convinced that (the tensioner) is my problem. as for the warranty issue, the "gentleman" (note sarcasm) i spoke with at extended warranty's name is Larry- he can be reached at 1-800-527-7665 ext444. If you don't believe me give him a call... i'm sure he will be happy to be a total jerk to you too....lol.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
sounds like your getting phucked by extended warranty company. Unless Harley has a service bulletin to the effect of what he is stating. I upgraded mine on my 05 and not a single problem with over 10K since the change.
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 86
Likes: 2
From: Springfield, IL
I noted you indicated 'compression releases'. Obviously not a stock bike, what kind of mods to the engine? Sounds like the starter is having a hard time turning the bike over and the auto tensioner is just a side note. Then you get a hard kick back and your parts breakage start. Good luck with your problem, though.
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
Did all this start after the engine mod? What all was done and was it put together correctly? Have you pulled the plugs and spun the motor by hand? Something is preventing the motor from spinning. It's not the chain or adjuster.