Compensator or something else?
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: WV
Compensator or something else?
2017 Street glide almost 30k miles. Haven't had any issues with her thus far. Fairly stock with the accepting of slip ons and air cleaner. Last night I started getting a rattling sound from what sounded like near the primary. It was hard to pinpoint and didn't want to mess around too much with wife on the back. The issue only seems to be in 1st gear in low rpms and engine braking. I'm also getting a pulse in the clutch lever. Any suggestions ?
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 938
From: Lincolnshire, IL
For what it's worth after my recent 3-hole change (27,500 miles) using Syn3 in all 3, I've noticed a bit more "noise" at idle than previously when I ran Red Line in the transmission. The next 3-hole change I plan on switching back to Red Line in the transmission and Syn3 in the engine and primary. (btw...I change all 3 fluids every year or every 5,000 miles, whichever comes first)
Last edited by Rob175; Jun 26, 2024 at 12:23 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,824
Likes: 603
From: Myrtle Beach SC
I can tell you this. I worked in the Service Dept of a Harley dealership. I can't tell you how many guys complained about noisy primaries that switched back to Harley Formula Plus from Syn 3 and similar lighter oils and the noise went away immediately. I know 20/50 is recommended but this often works. I'm one of them. I like Amsoil but in this case it may not be the best for your primary. Try Formula Plus and see if it disappears. Just a suggestion, it's worked for lots of other who thought they had more serious problems.
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 910
Likes: 115
From: Elk Mound, WI
I agree with pulling the primary cover and inspecting. On my 2012 I had the same type of issue and the problem ended up being the shoe on the automatic primary chain tensioner was warn. Replaced and problem solved. The bike had about 50K on it at the time.
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Banned
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 4,027
Likes: 6,286
From: SoCal
If it is the compensator you'll notice slower, more labored starting with the occasional backfire and metal-to-metal CLUNK.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 384
From: Arkansastan
I can tell you this. I worked in the Service Dept of a Harley dealership. I can't tell you how many guys complained about noisy primaries that switched back to Harley Formula Plus from Syn 3 and similar lighter oils and the noise went away immediately. I know 20/50 is recommended but this often works. I'm one of them. I like Amsoil but in this case it may not be the best for your primary. Try Formula Plus and see if it disappears. Just a suggestion, it's worked for lots of other who thought they had more serious problems.
