How to check compensator?
Thread Starter
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,114
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
How to check compensator?
Long story short, I have some clicking and ticking sound on the left side near primary cover, it only make little ticking under load otherwise nice and quiet. I just opened the primary, everything look ok. I am putting a M6 tensioner, also have a BDL compensator ready if needed. How do I check the old one? If it aint broke, I don't wanna touch it. Thanks Alex
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,791
Likes: 57
From: N Texas
Really need to take it out and disassemble. I would look carefully at the spokes of the compensating sprocket for damage and on the inside diameter for excessive scoring. Look at the sprocket retainer for scoring too - this is an area that oil has a difficult time getting to. I would look at the sliding cam for dings/damage and check out the thrust washer too.
There may be more, but this is where I would focus.
There may be more, but this is where I would focus.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,623
Likes: 6,442
From: Honah Lee
I did some checking. If it's not physical broke, it's fine. Belleville spring unlike coil springs. have a limited range (flat) As designed, this does not exceed any elastic limit. Where I worked for 46 years, they are used to retain the tools in the NC machines. (hydraulic pressure is used to press on them to release tool but in released state is what retain tools. Only see one failure on a 20 year old machine that ran 24-7 that changed tools hundreds of times each day. There is not a spect to collapse it and measure it. All they do is relieve the impulse of the V Twin. They offer little protection and they cannot turn 360 even if broke. Any Harley can make it clack. If it was broke, you would know. Be like ridding a car with no shocks. That is why Harley had to put the flex drive in the rear sprocket on the big cruisers.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Jul 21, 2014 at 02:57 PM.
Unofficial HDF Chaplain
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 21,160
Likes: 18,083
From: san diego
it will bang and make some pretty good knocking sounds, if it is going bad. but since you have the BDL unit, why not put it in while you're in there? mine is still humming along, all nice and quiet, and I'm quite happy. keep the HD unit just in case of some emergency or as a paper weight!
Thread Starter
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,114
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From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
Thanks guys! I end up changing the auto tensioner only, noise is completely gone! No more noise under heavy acceleration. I am gonna keep the compensator as spare part, sure I will need it one day. Cheers 
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Scotland
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Long story short, I have some clicking and ticking sound on the left side near primary cover, it only make little ticking under load otherwise nice and quiet. I just opened the primary, everything look ok. I am putting a M6 tensioner, also have a BDL compensator ready if needed. How do I check the old one? If it aint broke, I don't wanna touch it. Thanks Alex
is that the "screw" type compensator ? I ordered one and they are currently on backorder until the 30 of this month. Where did you get yours ?
