Installing SE compensator kit w/pics
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
From: connecticut
++1. I did the job a few months back and it definately made the job easier. The only thing i did with the service manual was make it dirty thumbing through it then had a brainstorm, i printed this thread with pics and low and behold my problems were solved. This for me anyway has been one of the best threads. Thanks
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 98
From: Colorado Springs
I just installed my SE Compensator along with a chrome inner primary last evening, and am not sure if I have something wrong. To those of you who have done this, is it normal to be able to rotate by hand when in neutral the compensator back and forth so that it goes partially up and down the ramps in each direction? Everything is tight and torqued to specs and lines up fine. The other thing I notice related to this rotation is a clunk when turning off the bike as the compensator unloads. Any suggestions? Tx.
I would recheck my install. About the only things I can think that could go wrong is putting the springs in wrong or putting the thrust washer in wrong.
Good luck...
Novice
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: St Louis MO
Solved
Thanks guys for the tip, I felt that there was not enough pre-load and found that I had one of the middle washers turned the wrong way. Once reversed, everything is tighter and is good to go!
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 200
Likes: 1
From: Kentucky
I'm goingt to change the compensator soon--one question-- how much wear on the tensioner is acceptable? I have over 40,000 on my 08. should I change the tensioner along with the compensator? My Ultra will not start when hot and has alot of noise coming from the primary.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,895
From: Oklahoma
I have absolutely no idea how long the tensioner will run. The question is, do you want to open the primary again in, say, 20,000 miles to change the tensioner or just do it now and be done with it? I strongly suspect all of the trouble and noise you have now is related to the compensator, not the tensioner. If a source for the tensioner is fairly close and the scoot is not needed for the trip, look at the one you have now and then decide or buy it and see if you can return it if not needed.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 728
Likes: 25
From: griffin ga
well ...my 09 street glide has 11K miles on it,.. the tentioner looked like new.. my 08 softail has 20K miles & only had a small scuff where the chain was riding.. looked in very good shape... so I let it run..
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 569
Likes: 7
From: Massachusetts
bowa18, thanks for the detailed thread. I've printed it off and will stick it in my service manual for when I do the change. Good Job
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Novice
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: St Louis MO
Amazing
It is amazing what a difference this made to my 2010 FLHTK with 13k miles. I never liked the noise in the primary from day one, and had the dealer look at it 2x under warranty, only to say it's normal they all make these noises. It sounds and feels like a totally different bike with the new compensator, the best $200 I could have spent!
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 8
From: Atlanta, GA
I used the same process as in this thread. I found it necessary to use the dremel tool grind some material off the case so the rotor would come out, but no worries, this is easy and only took five minutes. Wear eye protection and take your time.
To avoid any misadventures like I had be sure you set aside or throw away all the old parts before you install with the new. I accidentally picked up the original compensator bolt which is shorter than the new one. The result was heart stopping.
The shorter bolt will only catch the first two or three threads in the shaft, and when you start putting any torque on the bolt, you will strip and pull out the first two internal threads in the shaft. I got out of this jam by carefuly using a tap to clean up the mess. My message is learn from my stupid mistake so you won't have to experience one of your own. Be sure you don't mix up the bolts.
To avoid any misadventures like I had be sure you set aside or throw away all the old parts before you install with the new. I accidentally picked up the original compensator bolt which is shorter than the new one. The result was heart stopping.
The shorter bolt will only catch the first two or three threads in the shaft, and when you start putting any torque on the bolt, you will strip and pull out the first two internal threads in the shaft. I got out of this jam by carefuly using a tap to clean up the mess. My message is learn from my stupid mistake so you won't have to experience one of your own. Be sure you don't mix up the bolts.