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Compensator Bolt

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Old Jun 29, 2025 | 06:04 AM
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Default Compensator Bolt

Good morning, all.
2011 FLHTK with a recently installed SE compensator kit.
I need to remove it again and some say it is a one-time use bolt. Who has re used the bolt a second time without a problem?
Thanks everyone...go for a ride today...you will feel better!
Barron
 
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Old Jun 29, 2025 | 06:48 AM
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From: Honah Lee
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A lot of bolts say that simple because they come with a coated epoxy locker coating on them(not Loctite)

If you clean them up and use the proper Loctite product and torque it to the correct specification, you will be fine.
 
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Old Jun 29, 2025 | 06:50 AM
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Thanks Jackie.
 
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Old Jun 29, 2025 | 06:58 AM
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I haven’t checked my manuals, but I believe it is a one-time use bolt, specifically a torque-to-yield bolt (TTY). The bolt stretches during installation, which enhances its clamping force. If reused, the bolt does not have the same clamping force as a new bolt. I’m sure some have reused them, but I would advise against doing so, but that’s just me.
 
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Old Jun 29, 2025 | 06:59 AM
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From: Honah Lee
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Originally Posted by bcool
Thanks Jackie.
Don't thank me yet. That post was a general statement.

Does the OEM service manual provide for what I said in post two above?

That bolt is still available for about $10.

Stretch bolts with helex grooves are never reused. I have never seen a compensator bolt like that however.
 

Last edited by Jackie Paper; Jun 29, 2025 at 07:04 AM.
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Old Jun 29, 2025 | 07:23 AM
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One time use due to stretch of the high torque value for that bolt, I've reused mine, still strong, ymmv
 
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Old Jun 29, 2025 | 07:28 AM
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Thanks GalvTexGuy.
 
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Old Jun 29, 2025 | 07:45 AM
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It turns out, it’s not a TTY bolt. Carry on…
 
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Old Jun 29, 2025 | 07:52 AM
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Originally Posted by GalvTexGuy
It turns out, it’s not a TTY bolt. Carry on…
Just want to make sure, where did you find the info that it's NOT a TTY bolt?
Thanks for your help!
 
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Old Jun 29, 2025 | 08:40 AM
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FWIW....

Early TWIN CAM Factory Service manuals say to clean the comp bolt threads and add red locktite for assembly.

Later manuals say to replace the bolt, it's one-time use.

Some speculate that the MoCo changed to one-time use just to ensure a proper threadlocker is used on the bolt.

From 2001 Softail Factory Service manual:






From 2003 Softail Factory Service Manual;


 
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