How do i check the compensator
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 5
From: Florida
I would just check with your tw set @ 150. If it clicks without the NUT moving AT ALL then your okay. If the nut moves any amount, you will have to remove it, clean threads of nut and shaft, add 2-3 drops of red loctite, and torque to a minimum of 150# (I would tighten it a smidge past that). Mark the position of the nut so you can tell for sure if it moves or not.
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,358
Likes: 34
I got it back on, adjusted the clutch and chain while I had it apart. I wanted to check it make sure it was good and once I had it off I don't think you can visually inspect it. I know it's tight now at 165#. Can't beat the free tool rental, I knew they had it, but thought it was only special tools like bearing pullers for cars.
Here's the odd thing. After I got it all back together, before loosening the chain adjuster, there was way more slack in the chain than there was when I started. Nothing moved that I can see and I don't believe that the chain could develop slack simply from tightening the comp nut. Is it possible something was misaligned and tightend up incorrectly prior to me disassembling it?
Here's the odd thing. After I got it all back together, before loosening the chain adjuster, there was way more slack in the chain than there was when I started. Nothing moved that I can see and I don't believe that the chain could develop slack simply from tightening the comp nut. Is it possible something was misaligned and tightend up incorrectly prior to me disassembling it?
Last edited by br549A1; May 7, 2014 at 05:03 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 8
From: Montgomery, AL
You may have just rotated the chain around some. The chain will have different levels of play at different locations. Rotate the chain all the way around noting the loosest area and adjust there. Also make sure you clean the threads on that comp sprocket bolt and apply a couple drops of red loctite.
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,358
Likes: 34
You may have just rotated the chain around some. The chain will have different levels of play at different locations. Rotate the chain all the way around noting the loosest area and adjust there. Also make sure you clean the threads on that comp sprocket bolt and apply a couple drops of red loctite.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
I definitely did that. It was looser after and I rotated it around about 5 times it never got tighter until I adjusted the shoe. There's no way that shoe moved either it was still tight. Doesn't make any sense to me at all. I know your thinking it's not possible but it happened somehow.
Did you use a locking bar or just jam something between the chain and the sprocket gear?
I may be completely wrong but the first time I took mine apart I started to jam something (block of wood) between the chain and the sprocket but I stopped fairly quickly because I didn't like putting that much tension to one point of the chain.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
If you can adjust the chain tension to within spec then I would do that and not worry about it.
The next time you have to take off the chain check it to see if it is too stretched.
If you can't adjust the chain to spec then go ahead and replace it.
In the future I would use a lock bar between the sprockets so that you don't put any extra tension on the chain. JMO
The next time you have to take off the chain check it to see if it is too stretched.
If you can't adjust the chain to spec then go ahead and replace it.
In the future I would use a lock bar between the sprockets so that you don't put any extra tension on the chain. JMO
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,358
Likes: 34
I think it's fine too I just couldn't understand what could change so much from tightening it. Lock bar probably would have been better or I should have ordered the tool. I didn't plan to do it just had the time and wanted to change the fluid again so figured I should knock it all out in one night.
