Compensator issues
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,146
Likes: 11,220
From: San Diego, CA
The biggest issue I have read about the early Twin Cam compensators (before the "upgrade" in 2007+ models) is that sometimes the the comp nut will come loose.
It was a big enough problem that HD covered it in a Tech Tip.
Tech Tip- TT122, dated 10/29/03, "Engine Noise and Vibration Complaints"- It discussed engine noise & vibrations could be caused by a loose compensator nut. The loose nut could be due to bad clamp load on the comp nut.
If no indications of poor clamp load and the comp nut is loose, they suggested to reassembled with clean threads, Threadlocker 262, and retorque to 150-165 ft lbs
If the comp nut is tight, they suggested it may be a clamp load issue. They recommend, "Try adding a 24033-70 shim under the head of the compensating nut (p/n 40392-91) and re-assemble as described above."
They also changed the torque spec from 150-165 ft lbs to basically torquing the comp nut to 75 ft lbs, then tightening an additional 45° - 50°, with a max of 50 °. This came out in a Service Bulletin, M-1170, dated 5/27/05.
Many experienced techs ignore the shim recommended by the MoCo. Any time they have to work on an early twin Cam Compensator, they just trim the comp nut bottom .030". That way it is a non-issue. If someone takes it apart, unfamiliar with TT122, they can just reassemble per the Service Manual, and they are golden. They don't have to find a shim, not mentioned in the Service Manual and wonder, what's with this shim? Should there should be a shim? Where is it supposed to go? etc, etc....
---see below---
Last edited by hattitude; Sep 19, 2024 at 04:43 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 983
From: Ohio
The biggest issue I have read about the early Twin Cam compensators (before the "upgrade" in 2007+ models) is that sometimes the the comp nut will come loose.
It was a big enough problem that HD covered it in a Tech Tip.
Tech Tip- TT122, dated 10/29/03, "Engine Noise and Vibration Complaints"- It discussed engine noise & vibrations could be caused by a loose compensator nut. The loose nut could be due to bad clamp load on the comp nut.
If no indications of poor clamp load and the comp nut is loose, they suggested to reassembled with clean threads, Threadlocker 262, and retorque to 150-165 ft lbs
If the comp nut is tight, they suggested it may be a clamp load issue. They recommend, "Try adding a 24033-70 shim under the head of the compensating nut (p/n 40392-91) and re-assemble as described above."
They also changed the torque spec from 150-165 ft lbs to basically torquing the comp nut to 75 ft lbs, then tightening an additional 45° - 50°, with a max of 50 °. This came out in a Service Bulletin, M-1170, dated 5/27/05.
Many experienced techs ignore the shim recommended by the MoCo. Any time they have to work on an early twin Cam Compensator, they just trim the comp nut bottom .030". That way it is a non-issue. If someone takes it apart, unfamiliar with TT122, they can just reassemble per the Service Manual. and they are golden. They don't have to find a shim, not mentioned in the Service Manual and wonder, what's with this shim? Should there should be a shim? Where is it supposed to go? etc, etc....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,146
Likes: 11,220
From: San Diego, CA
Yeah, I learned about it when you & other guys smarter than me, were discussing it several years ago on the HTT forum...
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 983
From: Ohio
That would be my main man FSG.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,146
Likes: 11,220
From: San Diego, CA
The shim we are talking about, which is discussed in the TT122, goes under the head of the comp bolt, so it doesn't bottom out and have stacking issues.... it's labelled "shim" in the 2nd diagram I posted.
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