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Primary/Transmission/Driveline/ClutchFind answers to general powertrain, primary and transmission. Have clutch issues and need suggestions? Post them here.
Long story short... New to me 09 Road Glide, 22000mi. Tearing the bike down over winter to customize.
Since I've had the bike it's had a disticnt "Clak-clak" on startup whether cold or hot. Otherwie when running, no strange noises or vibrations. Presumed to be a compensator with a weak spring.
Pulled the cover and was shocked to see that the starer gear has made contact at some point with the inner primary cover. Chain also seemed very tight and wasn't even riding on the tensioner shoe straight.
Removed chain and compensator, found no play in the clutch. none up or down, none in and out. When spinning by hand there is a distinct wobble to it though. Measured with my dual indicator and Total Runout is 0.050", which seems excessive to me.
Pulled the clutch to inspect main shaft, no visible signs of broken spline teeth, cracks or bends. Measured total Runout on mainshaft, just under 0.003" which is still in spec according to the manual.
What's my next step? Inner primary bearing? Clutch hub? This is the furthest I've ever gone inside the primary so I could use some assisance.
The markings on the inner primary are because the chain is too tight. Usually the first thing to go is the inner primary but more problems can come from it. The auto tensioner is the cause of this problem.
We have a manual tensioner, Harley and Twin Power also make manual tensioners.
When I got my 2008 FLHTC, it had 10k miles and when I opened the primary I had the same mark. My chain wasn't tight. I have put 60k more miles and haven't seen the mark change. It is open right now and looks the same as it did 8 years ago when I was first in there. Never did find the cause. Never created any more problem. I would button her up with a good chain tensioner like Mark said and ride it.
The markings on the inner primary are because the chain is too tight. Usually the first thing to go is the inner primary but more problems can come from it. The auto tensioner is the cause of this problem.
We have a manual tensioner, Harley and Twin Power also make manual tensioners.
My thoughts are, the clapped out compensator in combination with an over tight chain is what did the damage... my plan was to ditch the compensator all together and go with an Eliminator kit from Twin Power.
Going with a 32T vs stock 34T to pick up some low end and comes with a manual tensioner.
My dilemma is now with the clutch wobble.. is that normal? Should I replace the inner primary bearing? Clutch bearing? Without any play I don't know what else to look for.
Your in this deep... you'd be stupid not to replace the ipb. Auto tensioners suck...
Im torn on the IPB... I have zero end play, no leaks, and mainshaft runout is in spec. My mechanic just recommend doing the clutch bearing and re checking the starter gear run out to see where I'm at.
I've never pulled the inner primary cover, not sure what extra steps are involved to get that bearing off.
I'm a believer in doing thingsb right... but also don't
need to throw away money for nothing.
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Primary / Compensator / Clutch Wobble / HELP!
