Compensator Knock?
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 239
Likes: 27
From: Boston
But the manual plainly states that the engine oil put in the bike at the factory is Syn3. The manual does not explicitly state what the factory puts in the primary and tranny. However the manual does say to use SYN3 in all 3 holes when changing fluids.
I'm wondering if the primary and tranny actually are initially filled with Formula+ at the factory and ONLY the motor is filled with SYN3. That's the only explanation I can think of for why the knock showed up after the 1st service.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 108
Likes: 9
From: Stanton,Tn
I wasn't aware they came with Syn3 in them. Normally,you want to wait until the initial breakin period before introducing synthetics into an engine.
On my 2014 Slim,i had them do the 1000 mile service & had Harley conventional put in the motor & Formula + in the primary & transmission.
I'll be using Spectro in all 3 holes on the 1st scheduled change & from then on.They have a great 6 speed trans oil,a primary oil,as shown above,& a formula specifically for V twins.
On my 2014 Slim,i had them do the 1000 mile service & had Harley conventional put in the motor & Formula + in the primary & transmission.
I'll be using Spectro in all 3 holes on the 1st scheduled change & from then on.They have a great 6 speed trans oil,a primary oil,as shown above,& a formula specifically for V twins.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 239
Likes: 27
From: Boston
I wasn't aware they came with Syn3 in them. Normally,you want to wait until the initial breakin period before introducing synthetics into an engine.
On my 2014 Slim,i had them do the 1000 mile service & had Harley conventional put in the motor & Formula + in the primary & transmission.
I'll be using Spectro in all 3 holes on the 1st scheduled change & from then on.They have a great 6 speed trans oil,a primary oil,as shown above,& a formula specifically for V twins.
On my 2014 Slim,i had them do the 1000 mile service & had Harley conventional put in the motor & Formula + in the primary & transmission.
I'll be using Spectro in all 3 holes on the 1st scheduled change & from then on.They have a great 6 speed trans oil,a primary oil,as shown above,& a formula specifically for V twins.
I'm sure if I asked different dealers I'd get all different answers.
I guess I'll just have to see what the dealer says, assuming they can replicate the sound. Maybe next summer when I have some extra coin I'll just put a Baker comp in it and have peace of mind.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,300
Likes: 6,325
From: Honah Lee
Read your owners manual. What does it say about the first choice for transmission and primary? Most I have seen is Formula + and SYN 3 in the engine now since around 2014 except they missed CVO. Dealers are reluctant to change since SYN 3 draws in more $$.
If you get down and listen, all are going to be noisy. Those surfaces on compensator are extremely hard surfaces but are cast and makes a little racket especially the firing order is just slightly uneven and this make it hunt.
Do no go overboard trying to quieten it.
My guess is it came new with 20-50 Regular oil and Formula in transmission in transmission and primary. They say change it at 1000 and there was no reason to put SYN in it the. SYN is not going to make the engine last longer the Standard 20-50 oil. It just gives us warm cuddly fillings coming out of that fancy container.
I make my own.
If you get down and listen, all are going to be noisy. Those surfaces on compensator are extremely hard surfaces but are cast and makes a little racket especially the firing order is just slightly uneven and this make it hunt.
Do no go overboard trying to quieten it.
My guess is it came new with 20-50 Regular oil and Formula in transmission in transmission and primary. They say change it at 1000 and there was no reason to put SYN in it the. SYN is not going to make the engine last longer the Standard 20-50 oil. It just gives us warm cuddly fillings coming out of that fancy container.
I make my own.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Sep 14, 2018 at 07:47 AM.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 239
Likes: 27
From: Boston
I've posted like 3 times in this thread what the manual calls for lol....
For all 3 holes it calls for SYN3.
but everyone says SYN3 is too thin for primary and probably the reason for my noise.
If the dealer tells me it's not an issue I'll probably live with it, but I just want to be sure. I don't want to be 500 miles from home and have the whole primary blow apart haha.
For all 3 holes it calls for SYN3.
but everyone says SYN3 is too thin for primary and probably the reason for my noise.
If the dealer tells me it's not an issue I'll probably live with it, but I just want to be sure. I don't want to be 500 miles from home and have the whole primary blow apart haha.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,300
Likes: 6,325
From: Honah Lee
I've posted like 3 times in this thread what the manual calls for lol....
For all 3 holes it calls for SYN3.
but everyone says SYN3 is too thin for primary and probably the reason for my noise.
If the dealer tells me it's not an issue I'll probably live with it, but I just want to be sure. I don't want to be 500 miles from home and have the whole primary blow apart haha.
For all 3 holes it calls for SYN3.
but everyone says SYN3 is too thin for primary and probably the reason for my noise.
If the dealer tells me it's not an issue I'll probably live with it, but I just want to be sure. I don't want to be 500 miles from home and have the whole primary blow apart haha.
Looking at the 2014 Tour service manual right now and it is Formal + as the first choice for transmission and primary. Then SY 3 as second.
Engine is SYN 3 20W-50 and second is H-D 360 20W-50
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Jun 20, 2017 at 03:25 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 809
Likes: 122
From: Portland Oregon
They are a lot tougher than most people give them credit. That goes for most things mechanical. However, you should give my fluid recommendations a shot. See what YOU think.
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Chaska, MN
bad comp
If your compensator is knocking have it changed out now. I have an '09 fxstc and the comp started knocking at about 25k mi. Over 40k on it now. I'd researched the problem here and other recourses and found that weak springs, lack of lubrication and poor design leads to HUGE problems. My bike is torn down right now because the comp knock has caused or helped cause the mainshaft inner bearing race (behind the clutch) to walk out and start scraping.. Clutch basket might be ruined as well. So I'll be installing a Baker Compensator. HD knows about this problem but they wont do anything.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,300
Likes: 6,325
From: Honah Lee
Yours is the first I have ever heard of walking out, they always walk in and get the quad seal. Somewhere around your year, Harley put a step on the input shaft to stop it from going in.
I had never heard the compensator could make it move. My thought was heavy loads on it like when people do heavy engine gear change braking or WOT banging thru the gears.
If you bang the compensator to either lock, that is a lot of load on the drive train. Even my 04 will bang it if I WOT shift it. The compensator is designed to smooth the impulses of the V-twin for a smooth ride. Not protect the drive train. Harley had to put the cushion drive in the rear pulley for that on their big bikes.
I had never heard the compensator could make it move. My thought was heavy loads on it like when people do heavy engine gear change braking or WOT banging thru the gears.
If you bang the compensator to either lock, that is a lot of load on the drive train. Even my 04 will bang it if I WOT shift it. The compensator is designed to smooth the impulses of the V-twin for a smooth ride. Not protect the drive train. Harley had to put the cushion drive in the rear pulley for that on their big bikes.