Inside my Primary.....WTF?(PICS)
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From: Po-Dunk Looziana
Inside my Primary.....WTF?(PICS)
Well, I had my Primary cover off while waiting on chrome bolts fromGardner-Wescott to replace the ugly Zinc bolts and I begin to investigate what I thought was chain slop. I enjoy wrenching on my bike and don't mind finding things I can improve on so in my quest to fix what isn't broke I discovered the primary chain tensioner of previous is a weaker design than what is available now. SAY WHAT??
Yep, the chain tensioner has been beefed up for what I would presume to prevent flexing and the "ratcheting" possibly slipping allowing the chain to have more undesirable slack.
Speculation?
Probably. But to say there was ever/never a problem is taboo and most shops would scoff at the presumption.
Make of it what you will, but I've "fixed" my chain from being so loose, but not being piano string tight either. Here is what I've found as a possible additional "fix" to a noisy primary to some and what others would call "NORMAL"...lol:
Old Primary Tensioner:
New Primary Tensioner:
See the difference in the bottom "spine"? #1 vs #2 in the pic?
A noticeable difference in the increase in strength via change in design.
Pic of the box and part #:
While I was in the Primary, I also changed out my clutch spring for a little heavier application. I've never cared for the way the bike would take off loaded 2 up once warmed up and found no resolution with continual clutch lever adjustment via correct setting procedure, nor resolution with different fluid usage
so when I built my motor up, my quest for a littler heavier spring was on. I didn't want a substantial increase in lever pull, just a bit more bite when loaded and fluids hot. I have found my answer thanks to this thread HERE:
The 37871-98 spring is a reported 145KgF vs the OEM spring 37882-06 of 117KgF with the SE Spring 37951-98 @ 175 KgF. The 37871-98 put the pull effort in the middle between OEM vs SE and to reiterate I did not want the additional pull effort that the SE spring has especially when caught in stop and go traffic.
Here is the 37871-98
There is a 37871-98(A) available now that succeeds the -98. The only thing we could find out at the Harley dealership being the difference between the -98 and -98A is that there was a price increase with no difference in construction.
Therefore, presumably the 37871-98 and the 37871-98A are the same spring.
Concluding, the bike now shifts with a much smoother feel and developed a stronger "attitude" between shifts. Take off's no longer require an effort and it's shifting is precise, smooth, and a much more natural feel, one of which I've longed for and through diligence have acquired.
The contribution in resolving MY aforementioned issues is likely due to the addition of the combination of fixing those things that weren't broke to start with in keeping with forum etiquette, which afterall, is why I own a Harley in the first place!
Merry Christmas!
Yep, the chain tensioner has been beefed up for what I would presume to prevent flexing and the "ratcheting" possibly slipping allowing the chain to have more undesirable slack.Speculation?
Probably. But to say there was ever/never a problem is taboo and most shops would scoff at the presumption.Make of it what you will, but I've "fixed" my chain from being so loose, but not being piano string tight either. Here is what I've found as a possible additional "fix" to a noisy primary to some and what others would call "NORMAL"...lol:
Old Primary Tensioner:
New Primary Tensioner:
See the difference in the bottom "spine"? #1 vs #2 in the pic?
A noticeable difference in the increase in strength via change in design.
Pic of the box and part #:
While I was in the Primary, I also changed out my clutch spring for a little heavier application. I've never cared for the way the bike would take off loaded 2 up once warmed up and found no resolution with continual clutch lever adjustment via correct setting procedure, nor resolution with different fluid usage
so when I built my motor up, my quest for a littler heavier spring was on. I didn't want a substantial increase in lever pull, just a bit more bite when loaded and fluids hot. I have found my answer thanks to this thread HERE:The 37871-98 spring is a reported 145KgF vs the OEM spring 37882-06 of 117KgF with the SE Spring 37951-98 @ 175 KgF. The 37871-98 put the pull effort in the middle between OEM vs SE and to reiterate I did not want the additional pull effort that the SE spring has especially when caught in stop and go traffic.
Here is the 37871-98
There is a 37871-98(A) available now that succeeds the -98. The only thing we could find out at the Harley dealership being the difference between the -98 and -98A is that there was a price increase with no difference in construction.
Therefore, presumably the 37871-98 and the 37871-98A are the same spring.Concluding, the bike now shifts with a much smoother feel and developed a stronger "attitude" between shifts. Take off's no longer require an effort and it's shifting is precise, smooth, and a much more natural feel, one of which I've longed for and through diligence have acquired.
The contribution in resolving MY aforementioned issues is likely due to the addition of the combination of fixing those things that weren't broke to start with in keeping with forum etiquette, which afterall, is why I own a Harley in the first place!
Merry Christmas!
Last edited by UltraKla$$ic; Dec 21, 2009 at 09:16 AM.
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Ultimate HDF Member
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From: Po-Dunk Looziana
I knew I forgot something....LOL!
Yes, this application was for my '07 Ultra. One thing I'm sure of is these auto tensioners began in '07, but to say when HD switched to the 39929-06A part # is something I cannot answer at this time even though I checked all TSB's for a hint of this information. Maybe dawg could chime in with this info.
I would HOPE that even a late model '08 would have the revised tensioner, so I would be inclined to definitely put money on an '09 having the newer beefier one.
Check your parts manual for the (A) revised part #.
Yes, this application was for my '07 Ultra. One thing I'm sure of is these auto tensioners began in '07, but to say when HD switched to the 39929-06A part # is something I cannot answer at this time even though I checked all TSB's for a hint of this information. Maybe dawg could chime in with this info.
I would HOPE that even a late model '08 would have the revised tensioner, so I would be inclined to definitely put money on an '09 having the newer beefier one.
Check your parts manual for the (A) revised part #.
Last edited by UltraKla$$ic; Dec 21, 2009 at 09:33 AM.
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From: Vermont
The auto tensioner had been upgraded. Southern Oregon Hot Bikes has come out with their new wedge tensioner available for both the TC88's and TC96's. This should alleviate any chain issues in the primary with people's tensioners not ratcheting properly. The 08 and later has the "A" pn# in it, but has still had some ratcheting issues.
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Thread Starter
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,294
Likes: 33
From: Po-Dunk Looziana
The auto tensioner had been upgraded. Southern Oregon Hot Bikes has come out with their new wedge tensioner available for both the TC88's and TC96's. This should alleviate any chain issues in the primary with people's tensioners not ratcheting properly. The 08 and later has the "A" pn# in it, but has still had some ratcheting issues.
You mean I may have to go back in there? Thanks for the good news!
Originally Posted by masterblaster
Are you putting miles on that motor yet?
Last edited by UltraKla$$ic; Dec 21, 2009 at 09:50 AM.
