Bad Compensator
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 203
Likes: 2
Actually you can gain some good insight by just looking at the assembly. Primary oil that has a red hue from the metal fretting and also look closely at the ramps on the assembly, worn compensators will show pitting on the ramps and will be very shinny. The new revised (for the 3rd time) compensators have better oiling methods. The main reason they fail is lack of lubrication.
Look at the pics I have attached. Some pics show the new revised compensator. I will also try to upload a video showing me taking apart a noisy compensator. It was pulled apart when the owner started forst noticing a noise coming from the primary
Look at the pics I have attached. Some pics show the new revised compensator. I will also try to upload a video showing me taking apart a noisy compensator. It was pulled apart when the owner started forst noticing a noise coming from the primary
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,178
Likes: 600
From: SoCal.....I'm only here for the weather
Actually you can gain some good insight by just looking at the assembly. Primary oil that has a red hue from the metal fretting and also look closely at the ramps on the assembly, worn compensators will show pitting on the ramps and will be very shinny. The new revised (for the 3rd time) compensators have better oiling methods. The main reason they fail is lack of lubrication.
Look at the pics I have attached. Some pics show the new revised compensator. I will also try to upload a video showing me taking apart a noisy compensator. It was pulled apart when the owner started forst noticing a noise coming from the primary
Look at the pics I have attached. Some pics show the new revised compensator. I will also try to upload a video showing me taking apart a noisy compensator. It was pulled apart when the owner started forst noticing a noise coming from the primary
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 39
From: Everywhere
You need to replace the rotor on '10 and earlier I believe. Compensator kit 40100061 includes rotor assembly 30041-08. Compensator kit 42200064a does not.
Last edited by Weavr99FLHT; Nov 19, 2014 at 03:19 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 270
Likes: 9
From: Western PA
My 07 did all of this, starter was replaced with a high torque and the problem stayed , it all went away with a SE comp....I had no primary noises only a sound like a car starter that is shimmed wrong, every one told me it was a starter problem but since I ot a new comp about 15000 miles ago it's gone
actually put two All ***** Starters in before I gave up and did the compensator. No issues since I did that with over 10K miles.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,653
Likes: 9,113
From: Snow Hill, NC
Yes, it has the latest.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 67
Pretty much all of the compensators have been questionable for the last decade. The Harley compensator is poorly designed.
That is why they keep bringing out "new and improved" versions. I am not at all sure they have got it fixed with the 2015 models. It looks different, but time will tell.
That is why they keep bringing out "new and improved" versions. I am not at all sure they have got it fixed with the 2015 models. It looks different, but time will tell.
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Banned
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 67
Can you guys tell me what years and models came with bad compensators? My dad has an 08 Electraglide Classic and has issues with the starter. Sometimes when he starts it when the motor is hot it sounds like the starter grinds the teeth and sounds horrible. I'm wondering if it's related to the compensator.
A compression release or EZ start cams are what is really needed. Most of the newer bikes come from the factory with compression releases built into the heads now. 2008, 2009 and 2010, not so much.