Installing SE compensator kit w/pics
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 131
Likes: 4
From: so. Wisconsin
Not that it makes a difference but my local service department stated they'd never grind the part to install the SE Compensator - too much chance the owner would bring it back and blame them for screwing up. I don't care if you grind your primary case or not. It's just not how I choose to do it. Sounds like you've found a way that works for you. Me too.
Either way the upgrade is definitely worth the effort regardless of which method is used. I'd still like to hear a good reason for not grinding because after doing it, I sincerely cannot think of one. I guess I don't want someone that is contemplating doing this to be scared off from doing the job themselves because they don't want to mess with removing the inner primary. Or by doing it with the method I, among others, have used just because someone states that they wouldn't grind the lip... without giving a legit reason why it shouldn't be done. We can agree to disagree on this one. Ride safe, Larry P.
Last edited by bowa18; Apr 4, 2011 at 07:31 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 709
Likes: 1
From: Maine
Grinding inner primary
There are a number of different casting molds that HD has because some need more material than others removed and some you can even get rotor off without grinding. I took my inner primary off a couple times without grinding but i will remove the material the next time i take it apart, Why i didn't do it the first time is beyond me. There would be no reason not to do it unless you didn't have the proper tools to do it. Issue with your stator or replace output shaft seal would be a much simpler repair without disturbing the inner. I ground the grooves in the spokes of the compensating sprocket with a dremel and i have no more rusty fretting coming out of that now. The two SE compensators before look like **** without that mod. I haven't been sitting up at night worrying about the balancing that i probably threw out grinding the grooves by hand. It breaks i'll fix it simple as that.
Supporter
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,133
Likes: 147
From: Grays Creek, NC
Looks like a faily cheap upgrade, thanks for the detailed pics. I will be grinding myself, looks much easier and the little bit of lip your ginding doesnt look like it will affect anything. If I hadn't seen this thread and was just doing the upgrade my self I think I would have figured grinding would have been the way I would have gone anyways.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,117
Likes: 4
From: Log home in SE Michigan full time. Log cabin in east TN, Smoky Mountians part time
Excellent write up and photo's. I've copied and pasted the thread into MS Word and saved the file. I've done a few projects like this and posted here...There will be many guys who appreciated your taking the time. I am one of them. Thank You.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 131
Likes: 4
From: so. Wisconsin
You're very welcome. I know I like these type threads as well... helps you visualize what it takes to do the job.
Advanced
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Eugene, Or
After much research I got a carbide bit and cut the grooves on the back side of the pulley. After cleaning everything up I put it all in the engine and started torqueing the the bolt.
Clicked at 100 so backed off a full turn. Tightened back to the 100 ft/lbs, click. Tightened to 120, click. Reset for 140 and started tightening, SNAP. Broke the bolt. INSIDE the crank.
Managed to drill out and checked with several HD shops. No part in stock. Went to local bolt/nut/screw distributor to see about another bolt. No problem but in the process was told the bolt that comes with the SE compensator is imported, from CHINA, and may not be as strong as an American made bolt. Was told the the American bolt would withstand 165 ft/lbs. Went back to shop and installed reaching 140 ft/lbs very easily.
Go figure.
Made in America motorcycle but parts imported. Might buy metric next time even though I love the Harley. Just tired of the BS trying to improve "updates" that HD won't back up.
Clicked at 100 so backed off a full turn. Tightened back to the 100 ft/lbs, click. Tightened to 120, click. Reset for 140 and started tightening, SNAP. Broke the bolt. INSIDE the crank.
Managed to drill out and checked with several HD shops. No part in stock. Went to local bolt/nut/screw distributor to see about another bolt. No problem but in the process was told the bolt that comes with the SE compensator is imported, from CHINA, and may not be as strong as an American made bolt. Was told the the American bolt would withstand 165 ft/lbs. Went back to shop and installed reaching 140 ft/lbs very easily.
Go figure.
Made in America motorcycle but parts imported. Might buy metric next time even though I love the Harley. Just tired of the BS trying to improve "updates" that HD won't back up.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 929
Likes: 1
From: Central CA
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 9
From: Woodinville, WA
After much research I got a carbide bit and cut the grooves on the back side of the pulley. After cleaning everything up I put it all in the engine and started torqueing the the bolt.
Clicked at 100 so backed off a full turn. Tightened back to the 100 ft/lbs, click. Tightened to 120, click. Reset for 140 and started tightening, SNAP. Broke the bolt. INSIDE the crank.
Managed to drill out and checked with several HD shops. No part in stock. Went to local bolt/nut/screw distributor to see about another bolt. No problem but in the process was told the bolt that comes with the SE compensator is imported, from CHINA, and may not be as strong as an American made bolt. Was told the the American bolt would withstand 165 ft/lbs. Went back to shop and installed reaching 140 ft/lbs very easily.
Go figure.
Made in America motorcycle but parts imported. Might buy metric next time even though I love the Harley. Just tired of the BS trying to improve "updates" that HD won't back up.
Clicked at 100 so backed off a full turn. Tightened back to the 100 ft/lbs, click. Tightened to 120, click. Reset for 140 and started tightening, SNAP. Broke the bolt. INSIDE the crank.
Managed to drill out and checked with several HD shops. No part in stock. Went to local bolt/nut/screw distributor to see about another bolt. No problem but in the process was told the bolt that comes with the SE compensator is imported, from CHINA, and may not be as strong as an American made bolt. Was told the the American bolt would withstand 165 ft/lbs. Went back to shop and installed reaching 140 ft/lbs very easily.
Go figure.
Made in America motorcycle but parts imported. Might buy metric next time even though I love the Harley. Just tired of the BS trying to improve "updates" that HD won't back up.