Primary chain issue
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 174
Likes: 111
From: Melbourne, Florida
Primary chain issue
I replaced the stock compensator with a war horse compensator. While in there I replaced the primary chain and installed a manual chain tensioner. I also checked the run out on both front and back. Everything was good. Everything torqued back to specs and I checked the chain tension. In one spot of the chain while turning it, it gets pretty tight. Other spots the chain is fine. The chain tensioner is at its lowest setting as well. After I closed everything up and started the bike I hear the chain slapping. What could be the issue? Thanks in advance.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 929
Likes: 907
From: Upstate NY
I dont want to sound like a *****, but Id go in and recheck your measurements. Is this a hydraulic/spring tensioner or do you have to manually set it? I know I go to great lengths of making measuring tools with coat hangers and masking tape for measuring this kind of stuff. Sometimes it really takes a trained eye.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 929
Likes: 907
From: Upstate NY
Yeah man if its manual, Id open it up again and check your settings, and do some research on how you set the tension. I know my 06 is supposed to have something like 5/8ths to 3/4 deflection, (top of the head guess) and I spent the better part of an afternoon measuring, setting, measuring again. Its not rocket science but I benefited from watching HD techs do it for years and it still took some guesswork.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,195
Likes: 11,311
From: San Diego, CA
I replaced the stock compensator with a war horse compensator. While in there I replaced the primary chain and installed a manual chain tensioner. I also checked the run out on both front and back. Everything was good. Everything torqued back to specs and I checked the chain tension. In one spot of the chain while turning it, it gets pretty tight. Other spots the chain is fine. The chain tensioner is at its lowest setting as well. After I closed everything up and started the bike I hear the chain slapping. What could be the issue? Thanks in advance.
If everything was put back together correctly, and the chain you bought was the proper size, then your chain is adjusted too loose...
Last edited by hattitude; Jun 2, 2022 at 09:17 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 11,229
Likes: 3,052
From: St.Louis Mo.
I have the Baker adjuster in mine and yes, it does have tight and loose spots. Every primary i have ever been into is this way. I adjust my tension in the tightest spot. You have to check it in many places.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,903
Likes: 3,886
From: Cape Cod
That is the main reason I went with a spring tensioner.
Ya dont have to open it up and check it every few thousand miles and it's never too tight or too loose.
Went with the Heyden.
Been over 40k miles worry free!!
Ya dont have to open it up and check it every few thousand miles and it's never too tight or too loose.
Went with the Heyden.
Been over 40k miles worry free!!
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 174
Likes: 111
From: Melbourne, Florida
I reopened the primary and readjusted. Rather then measuring from the tightest point I measured from the loosest and it’s good to go now. Appreciate the feedback.
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