Problems with Compensator
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,582
Likes: 2
From: Central Jersey
I had the same noise when the clutch was engaged and released slowly it would make a noise. I took it to one Dealer and they said it was normal for 08's. I took my bike to another dealer for a service and when the tech started the bike and started to move it he heard the noise. Then right away he said ,sounds like I had a loose compensator nut. Then under warranty they inspected the primary, changed the fuild and tighted the compensator nut. So far everything is ok.
Last edited by 1sweetglide08; Aug 31, 2010 at 10:18 AM.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,573
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis, MN
I had the same noise when the clutch was engaged and released slowly it would make a noise. I took it to one Dealer and they said it was normal for 08's. I took my bike to another dealer for a service and when the tech started the bike and started to move it he heard the noise. Then right away he said ,sounds like I had a loose compensator nut. Then under warranty they inspected the primary, changed the fuild and tighted the compensator nut. So far everything is ok.
Novice
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Charleston, SC
Had a chatter in mine from day one. My warranty was 3 months out and Harley covered it and a few other revised parts. My total cost was 100 +100 to go with SE comp.
I have an 08 Street Glide, they covered it under a "good will" warranty.
I have an 08 Street Glide, they covered it under a "good will" warranty.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
The HD Service Manual and a tool to lock the two gear sets together while you remove and assemble them (picture of one in the SM). Other then that, a few sockets ( 1 3/16 socket included) and your set. Mine's apart now, the new comp will be here today.
Last edited by HDV-GLIDE; Sep 2, 2010 at 06:45 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,932
Likes: 4
From: 46th State, USA
How does a compensator sheer the teeth off of a starter? I thought the compensator was on the engine crank shaft.
Last edited by shortride; Sep 2, 2010 at 06:45 AM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 3
From: Southeastern Michigan
The clunk you hear at start up, is the starter overcoming the spring's tension capabilities in the compensator as it ramps up and bottoms out on the splined shaft. The starter gear goes from a damped system to a hard hit as it bottoms. The hard hit is what causes severe stress on the starter gear. The SE Comp uses a different system of springs (concave washers) that allows for more progressive damping before bottoming, and far more force is required to bottom the SE Comp springs. A force the starter won't or shouldn't totally overcome.
Yes it is on the crank, but it acts as a system, with the primary chain connecting it to the clutch basket/flywheel. So when the clutch basket/flywheel turns, so does the compensator.
Yes it is on the crank, but it acts as a system, with the primary chain connecting it to the clutch basket/flywheel. So when the clutch basket/flywheel turns, so does the compensator.
Last edited by Scorpion07; Sep 2, 2010 at 07:12 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 474
Likes: 5
Scorpion07 - Great Description, thank you for that! I am mechanically inclined, but I have never had a compensator out or been able to look at one to see how they work.
I just made an appointment to get my 10 Road King in at the dealer. I figured I would let them do the work under warranty and I'll pay the difference in the compensator. This way it will still be under warranty for another year. That way if an SE SE Compensator comes out that fixes the SE compensator on the 11's, I can get that next year!
I just made an appointment to get my 10 Road King in at the dealer. I figured I would let them do the work under warranty and I'll pay the difference in the compensator. This way it will still be under warranty for another year. That way if an SE SE Compensator comes out that fixes the SE compensator on the 11's, I can get that next year!