2009 Ultra Classic compensator

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Dec 30, 2019 | 07:10 PM

#21

kel03

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 17,684

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From: Niagara, Ontario, Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1993FXSTS

What are some early indicators that the compensator is going bad? I got lucky and bought a super low mileage 09 FLHTC that is only now at 7K miles. It has a "stage 1" set up, but nothing more than that. I do hate that slam sound when the starter drive disengages!

The symptoms of a bad compensator are a loud clang at start up, trouble shifting into first or neutral and a sound like gravel in the front of the primary around 2200 RPM. But, the only way to know for sure that you have this problem is to pull the primary cover off and look.

Dec 30, 2019 | 07:19 PM

#22

1993FXSTS

Cruiser

Joined: Jan 2014

Posts: 147

Likes: 61

From: Mulkeytown, IL

Thanks for the reply. I only have symptom #1 (maybe). My 09 is my first twin cam and I'm actually not sure if the sound is normal or not. Much louder starter drive sound than the sweet old Evo!! Even the old Ironhead is much quieter (when it cranks LOL)

Dec 30, 2019 | 07:21 PM

#23

kel03

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 17,684

Likes: 6,062

From: Niagara, Ontario, Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1993FXSTS

Mine's banged on start up for years, had it opened up all is good. Just a Harley bang.

Dec 30, 2019 | 07:30 PM

#24

Big Dave

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2009

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From: Osoyoos B C Canada

My Opinion only but the 96 was the last Harley made without compression releases and I think a lot of the noise these things make and the Comp problems reflect the hard starting limit of the starting system , although noisy mine went 50,000 miles with no problems , I added cams and then the problems arose with higher CCP, I chose to go with the solid gear and am happy but that was my decision and I am happy with it.

Now if I could just make a decision on suspension LOL

Dave

Dec 30, 2019 | 07:43 PM

#25

1993FXSTS

Cruiser

Joined: Jan 2014

Posts: 147

Likes: 61

From: Mulkeytown, IL

I am planning on going to a stage 2 107" Fuel Moto kit at some point. I want to be able to get better passing performance to overtake the 18 wheelers more quickly! I will install compression releases when I do that. The starter drive sound is really unnerving sometimes. I have been wrenching my whole life and it makes me cringe to hear that noise every time I start it, knowing the stresses that are being exerted on all of the associated components! It amazes me that parts don't break more frequently. My friends bike sounds just as bad, so I guess it is "normal"................