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Primary noise issue
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Novice
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 20
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From: America
Primary noise issue
'97 Road King, has 80ci Evo in it. Just bought it a few weeks ago, was told the trans was just rebuilt, along with some other stuff done.
Bike is pretty loud but once I got it home and had a chance to get a real ear to it on another couple rides, I noticed what I thought was valvetrain (heavy sewing machine kind of noise) noise while riding around 30mph. That was all the time I had for a couple weeks while away.
Upon closer listen it was coming from the primary area. Hard to explain the sound but with some light rpms it is most noticeable- like a rotational noise, something being tossed around. (Think sewing machine type of noise)
Pulled the outer primary cover off and at the tightest, chain has about 5/8" slack (cold) BUT at the loosest its 1 1/8" slack.
I've also found chewed marks in the cover from the compensator, I'm thinking it's prior though? Bikes got over 140k miles but the motor is around 18k miles I'm told. I put a wrench on the nut and it seems tight without removing it or really getting after it.
With the bike running you can see how much slack is thrown around and can definitely hear the noise I think i
I'm hearing although it sounds different without the primary cover on.
The compensator nut visibily oscillates a bit as it runs, should I be concerned? I'm reading that it's not particularly uncommon for sprockets, etc. To be out of round/less than round lol.
I see all kinds of conflicting and concerning information out there regarding this topic lol so it sure makes it hard to find a basis for my issues here.
I dont find any stiff links, etc. All looks pretty good. Manual tensioner. No crazy filings in the oil, there was a few tiny pieces left over in the cases which I would think are left over from whenever the damage was caused?
Bike is pretty loud but once I got it home and had a chance to get a real ear to it on another couple rides, I noticed what I thought was valvetrain (heavy sewing machine kind of noise) noise while riding around 30mph. That was all the time I had for a couple weeks while away.
Upon closer listen it was coming from the primary area. Hard to explain the sound but with some light rpms it is most noticeable- like a rotational noise, something being tossed around. (Think sewing machine type of noise)
Pulled the outer primary cover off and at the tightest, chain has about 5/8" slack (cold) BUT at the loosest its 1 1/8" slack.
I've also found chewed marks in the cover from the compensator, I'm thinking it's prior though? Bikes got over 140k miles but the motor is around 18k miles I'm told. I put a wrench on the nut and it seems tight without removing it or really getting after it.
With the bike running you can see how much slack is thrown around and can definitely hear the noise I think i
I'm hearing although it sounds different without the primary cover on.
The compensator nut visibily oscillates a bit as it runs, should I be concerned? I'm reading that it's not particularly uncommon for sprockets, etc. To be out of round/less than round lol.
I see all kinds of conflicting and concerning information out there regarding this topic lol so it sure makes it hard to find a basis for my issues here.
I dont find any stiff links, etc. All looks pretty good. Manual tensioner. No crazy filings in the oil, there was a few tiny pieces left over in the cases which I would think are left over from whenever the damage was caused?
Last edited by Cornpipe; Jun 15, 2024 at 05:46 PM.
My friend, you have a high mile, old bike. Trying to get help describing noise on a forum wont be much help. These bikes are noisy new. My old Pans and Shovels made all kinds of rattling noises and usually ran ok, but they did break a lot too. I wish you the best of luck.
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Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Oxford, Nc
I ran my Road Glide up to 172,000 with the original primary chain (with an M-6 tensioner,) and had no where near the the range of slack that you reported. Gentle rider.
On that bike, replace the chain (and probably at least the front sprocket,) before something breaks (which might cause a rear wheel lock up at a very inconvenient time.)
On that bike, replace the chain (and probably at least the front sprocket,) before something breaks (which might cause a rear wheel lock up at a very inconvenient time.)
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,143
Likes: 11,214
From: San Diego, CA
Pulled the outer primary cover off and at the tightest, chain has about 5/8" slack (cold) BUT at the loosest its 1 1/8" slack.
The compensator nut visibily oscillates a bit as it runs, should I be concerned? I'm reading that it's not particularly uncommon for sprockets, etc. To be out of round/less than round lol.
On a high mileage bike with those symptoms, I suspect you have some worn out primary parts.
I would be removing, closely inspecting, and then replacing the out of spec parts of the primary (ie: chain, comp, comp sprocket, and clutch basket sprocket)..
Last edited by hattitude; Aug 27, 2023 at 10:19 AM.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Apr 2014
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From: America
I am more curious now if anyone else has noticed such large differences in chain slack between the tightest and loosest measurements. Or if finding other components to be out of spec/ out of round. Ive gotta get myself a shop manual for sure...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,143
Likes: 11,214
From: San Diego, CA
I have never found a primary chain with a difference that large. That slack difference seems pretty large to me... Interested to see what others say...
I have found one bike with really worn comp ramps and replaced the comp...
I have not personally seen a case with badly/oddly worn gear teeth...
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Sounds like it confirms the mileage and theres plenty of folks with higher mileage that dont experience what youre finding.
As stated, verify items are not worn beyond specs and replace if so.
Could have been ridden hard and put away wet in turn causing that wear.
Good luck!
As stated, verify items are not worn beyond specs and replace if so.
Could have been ridden hard and put away wet in turn causing that wear.
Good luck!
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 20
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From: America
Took it apart, everything looked pretty new. Compensator bolt was tight as hell, definitely not loose with the ol loctite on there so damage to outer case was previous. Reassembled- reclocked compensator, chain and sprocket. Filled with Amsoil Primary. No noise now.
I'll keep an eye/ear on it to see if the chain stretches some more.
I DID end up with a damn leak at the second bottom primary bolt, though. WITH a new gasket. Had to drain it and pull it back off and use a skim of rtv on both sides....
I'll keep an eye/ear on it to see if the chain stretches some more.
I DID end up with a damn leak at the second bottom primary bolt, though. WITH a new gasket. Had to drain it and pull it back off and use a skim of rtv on both sides....
Last edited by tjwb; Aug 29, 2023 at 07:38 PM.