Primary chain noise "maybe?"
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Stage I
Joined: May 2019
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From: TN
Primary chain noise "maybe?"
Okay, here's the deal. I'm no Harley-davidson expert so I need a little help. I have an 08 Electra glide Classic. I notice a noise that sounds like the primary chan is bouncing up and hitting the housing. Keep in mind, this is just what it sounds like. From a stopped condition, It does it just when I ease out on the clutch slowly in 1st gear with a warm engine . Just as the clutch starts to engage. 30,000 miles, changed all oils 200 miles ago. All oils looked clean. Adjusted the clutch by the book. Any ideas? I will make video if that would help.
Last edited by Ironsj; May 8, 2019 at 09:53 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: poway
An 08 with 30K on will likely need a new compensator. Your auto tensioner may not be working right also.. If the noise is more prevalent when cool, I would suspect the tensioner. If it does it all the time or warm it's probably the comp (your case). The splines that the compensator cam runs on typically wear out. The springs have issues too. HD has been through about 4 different designs of the comp. The replacement need a new alternator rotor, and gluing of a plastic piece to the outer primary to redirect oil into the comp.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 472
Likes: 59
From: farmington ny
If the chain is hitting the housing you will see marks on the primary cover and most likely have aluminum shavings in the oil. The 08 and 09 Harleys are prone to I.P.B.(inner primary bearing) and compensator failure. The common sound when the comp starts to fail is it a sound like marbles hitting each other. I have an 08 ultra and last summer I had to replace my IPB(32,000 miles) because of the auto tensioner, I replaced it with bakers attitude adjuster. My next upgrade will be the comp ,its making a little noise. Harleys auto tensioner in most situations will create a to tight problem( the cause if IPB failure) if your tensioner is not keeping it snug enough then there is something wrong. Proper adjustment should be between 5/8 and 7/8 slack. If its more then 7/8 then there is a problem.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: poway
If the chain is hitting the housing you will see marks on the primary cover and most likely have aluminum shavings in the oil. The 08 and 09 Harleys are prone to I.P.B.(inner primary bearing) and compensator failure. The common sound when the comp starts to fail is it a sound like marbles hitting each other. I have an 08 ultra and last summer I had to replace my IPB(32,000 miles) because of the auto tensioner, I replaced it with bakers attitude adjuster. My next upgrade will be the comp ,its making a little noise. Harleys auto tensioner in most situations will create a to tight problem( the cause if IPB failure) if your tensioner is not keeping it snug enough then there is something wrong. Proper adjustment should be between 5/8 and 7/8 slack. If its more then 7/8 then there is a problem.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 472
Likes: 59
From: farmington ny
Last year after my winter inspection my primary chain was perfect and the ipb was not making any noise what so ever. last spring when I brought the bike out I had less then 1000 miles on her and the ipb started making noise. 2 weeks before a 2000 mile road trip I decided to check things out. popped the cover to find the primary chain was so tight it had hardly any slack, not the less then 7/8 it had just 1000 miles prier. In the 32,000 miles the auto chain adjuster worked flawlessly then all of a sudden it failed. Why did it fail? haven't a clue. don't care, fixed it , replace the adjuster with a baker and thru the auto adjuster in the scrap bucket. I would of replaced the comp with a baker but didn't have the over 800 bucks( adjuster,comp and rotor) to complete the job. the comp and rotor are the next thing to complete.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: poway
Last year after my winter inspection my primary chain was perfect and the ipb was not making any noise what so ever. last spring when I brought the bike out I had less then 1000 miles on her and the ipb started making noise. 2 weeks before a 2000 mile road trip I decided to check things out. popped the cover to find the primary chain was so tight it had hardly any slack, not the less then 7/8 it had just 1000 miles prier. In the 32,000 miles the auto chain adjuster worked flawlessly then all of a sudden it failed. Why did it fail? haven't a clue. don't care, fixed it , replace the adjuster with a baker and thru the auto adjuster in the scrap bucket. I would of replaced the comp with a baker but didn't have the over 800 bucks( adjuster,comp and rotor) to complete the job. the comp and rotor are the next thing to complete.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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just for grins and giggles
how would a solid replacement fair.
i have had machines with solid replacements and really found no issues.
just like rigid mount, all what one gets used to
how would a solid replacement fair.
i have had machines with solid replacements and really found no issues.
just like rigid mount, all what one gets used to
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: poway
I would say it depends on the size of the motor and the weight of the bike. Have a 113 evo bobber (light bike) with belt drive primary. Vibration is portional to the throttle opening. Can't hardly feel the drive train pulses in a newer M8 with the latest comp. While the later comps had issues they did do a better job of isolating drive train pulses. Big motors with early TC / Evo comps vibrate pretty good at lower Rs. Newer stuff with the rubber isolator in the rear hub should be less susceptible.
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 472
Likes: 59
From: farmington ny
Yes would agree with you on snapping the load, its possible can't really remember. Its common knowledge that lugging a Harley motor with a auto tensioner will cause it to tighten, so there for I have always been care full to not lug it. It is what it is
Seasoned HDF Member
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From: poway
I spent some time play with compensators since the early versions did not seem to last on the 07 EGC. I've had the primary off at least a dozen times. Last time was to rebuild the clutch and go heavier on the clutch spring. I've yet to find the primary chain too tight or loose for that matter. Last time was at about 80000 miles.
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