Strangely, mine required a fair amount of trimming when I did it, and I traced the outline/was careful/etc.

Nonetheless, the point is, it's better for the uninitiated to know about/plan for it as part of the job and have the right tool on hand instead of wondering what the heck is going on ... like I did.

 

just noticed mine started a clunk when releasing clutch, and little more difficult to start. just today after a few miles also i think i was noticing a whine from left side also... do these sound like compensator symptoms..... also any pics or tips for the SE comp. install. some mentioned trimming inner primary.. thanks all.

 

I done mine and it is fairly painless, I did mine with a 90 degree die grinder and a 60 grit 1" sanding wheel, also cut grooves in back side of sprocket for better lubrication, there is step by step directions here just do the search man.. Really the best $250 I spent so far..

 

Hi. I just got back from a 2800 mile trip on my 2010 FLHTC which included one visit to the service dept at Ocean State Harley in RI. I told them that I had a strangle rattling sound coming from the primary area when I let the clutch out to the point of engagement in 1st gear while the motor was idling. It happens as the bike wants to stall. I reproduced the sound for them, to which the guy said he had never heard that and that it certainly wasn't normal. They brought the bike right in the shop after it cooled down, and found that the compensator bolt was loose, so they replaced the bolt and adjusted the chain tension. I was on my way within 2 hours. Great service from the guys down there.

However, my issue wasn't fixed and on top of that when I got the bike back the clutch adjustment had changed. There was weak friction up until the clutch was almost all the way out, and then a jolt forward once the clutch was almost all the way out.

I have some other things I find weird, so I'm going into the dealer on Monday with my list.

1) "Clutch" noise at idle once the lever is let out to engage, just before the engine want to stall. Sounds like marbles around the primary.
2) Clutch slipping in 5th and 6th gears on Interstate speeds - all above 2500 RPM
3) Motor "binds up" occassionally when starting with no start, requiring a second start of the engine. When this happens, the radio usually comes on by itself.
4) Loud whining noise when making left sweeping turns at cruising speeds. Uneven tire wear?
5) "Clunk" when rolling on the throttle after coasting at cruising speeds.
6) Transmission dipstick is loosing it's chrome finish at different places on the stick.

Do you think some of these issues might be related?

Thanks,
Dan

 

Sorry, I've got 8600 miles on her now and she's bone stock.

 

Why is it the dealers fault? Why don't you wait till you're hurt to cry....Customers like you likely end up getting "fired"

Mark

 

Who is this directed at?

 

WILDMN on the first page

Mark

 

You have a metal chain running on metal sprockets and a metal starter gear engaging a metal starter ring on the clutch basket. The clutch discs have metal in them, a small amount of metallic "shiners" are expected. Just ride your bike and hit the maint. points and enjoy it.

Mark

 

well the new compensator version 2011-06-01 has a plastic thrust washer with spiral grooves (item #5 in pic). I'm holding one in my hand right now. I'm wondering if harley skipped over a dime to save a nickel. The grooves might help lube the compensator, but, not sure if the plastic washer can actually hold a torque. Apparently it can't. SO I guess, I should chuck the plastic washer and use a steel one, and do the standard sprocket grind instead of relying on this plastic washer.