Compensator / Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 223
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From: Jackson Louisiana
Compensator / Starter
Me and my 2009 Ultra just returned from another road trip. The noise / clanking , or whatever you want to call it is getting worse. I have 60K on the bike and all original parts except for SE255 cams and stage one and pipes. I have a new SE Compensator and Baker chain adjuster on the bench ready for surgery this weekend. How about the starter? Should I change it also or do the Compensator and chain adjuster first? Just some thought from you guys would be nice.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,445
Likes: 2,817
From: Oklahoma
The STARTER can be damaged by the factory compensator-specifically the starter clutch. Have you ever had a brief grinding sound, especially when the engine is hot, during starting? If you have, that is most likely the sprag clutch in the starter drive slipping and then grabbing. If you have never had the grinding sound, leave the starter alone. The starter drive can be changed later when it becomes necessary without having to open the primary.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,445
Likes: 2,817
From: Oklahoma
The starter drive is not hard to change and is available for about $100 over the net. I have gotten 54,000 trouble free miles from an Allballs starter drive. If your preference is to just R & R the starter that will be a bit more expensive. Some guys have had trouble with after market starters. Except for the starter drive, my factory starter has performed very well for 69,000 miles and 6 years. May not work on the next try, you never know. If you do the starter drive yourself, pay attention to the location of the big single ball bearing, it is important.
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Novice
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Belgium
Do not forget the inner primary bearing when doing the compensator.I had to open the primary again after doing the compensator,bearing made a noise.
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