Primary Whining and now so am I
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 974
Likes: 13
From: Chesapeake Virginia
probally 40 years off and on. I try all the new stuff, but always go back. 75W90 in the primary and 90W140 in the tranny. don't be fooled about the weight numbers. engine oil use SAE weights and gear oil uses another. So basically 20W50 (what Harley says to use) is the same as 75W90. difference is the shear rating of gear oil with stop all the whining that folks get with 10W40 and 20W50 espeasically after 20W50 breaks down.
see the chart.
its like the Dino vs synthetic ...Harley was down on syn and emphasized dyno until they started selling it.
see the chart.
its like the Dino vs synthetic ...Harley was down on syn and emphasized dyno until they started selling it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,534
Likes: 10
Thanks
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 166
Likes: 2
From: Pa
I'm nearly positive you will have to remove the outer primary cover, because I don't think you can get to the adjuster block from the inspection cover. The tensioner is spring loaded with the adjuster being two metal blocks with fine teeth in each half that move across each other as the tensioner shoe moves up to tighten the chain. Once adjustment occurs, it will not back off (one way adjusting). If you take a small screw driver and insert it between the two adjuster halves (can be tedious) they will unlock and the shoe can be relaxed. As soon as you release it the shoe will reset.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,600
Likes: 7
From: Minnesota
I have been chasing this problem too, although I’d say it is more of a howling sound then whining sound. I took the primary cover off last week, removed the tensioner and loosened it by 2 teeth and reinstalled it. The howling is still there but was better at first then after riding a while it is right back to where it was before.
I have part number 39929-06A
Harley has a B version part number 40063-05B and Baker has one too, both (I think) designed to prevent them from ratcheting tighter which I believe is the source of the howling.
Here is what Baker says, in part, about theirs:
The HD one is $110 and the Baker one is twice that and for reasons unknown to me requires taking off the chain and comp. Has anyone tried these new and improved auto-tensioners in an effort to stop the howling / whining?
wurk_truk, Have you installed yours yet?
I have part number 39929-06A
Harley has a B version part number 40063-05B and Baker has one too, both (I think) designed to prevent them from ratcheting tighter which I believe is the source of the howling.
Here is what Baker says, in part, about theirs:
The Attitude Chain Adjuster solves the issues associated with the stock auto chain tensioner on 2006-Later Dyna & 2007-Later Softail / Touring models. The first moment the chain has enough slack into it to ratchet the shoe up another notch, and thus tightening the chain, it will. One notch tighter might not be an issue, but you don’t have any control of when this mechanism stops tightening the chain. The end result in many cases is the primary chain is so tight that it will start wearing out left side motor case bearings, inner primary bearings, clutch hub bearings and transmission output gear bearings. Our manual chain tensioner allows you to adjust the chain to the proper 5/8-7/8″ (cold) freeplay, and never have to worry about the chain getting too tight. We offer this chain adjuster for fitment with stock outer primary covers, as well as a package deal with the Bully Primary Cover.
wurk_truk, Have you installed yours yet?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,823
Likes: 2,129
From: Hope Mills NC, bye CA!!
I had a stator replaced and when I got it back I actually took the bike back to them the next day the howling was so bad. Normal they said. I ended up having the transmission replaced because the mainshaft bearing went out. I cant guarantee that an over-tightened chain took it out but I know its possible. All work done at Harley under extended warranty so no complaints there.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,534
Likes: 10
Thanks
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,600
Likes: 7
From: Minnesota
The two halves are not held together with anything except the temporary cable tie as shown in the pict so I just marked it with a Sharpie cut the tie and pulled to two halves apart and set it 2 teeth to the loose side.
I think the ‘B’ version was designed with less and duller teeth so they are more inclined to slip by spring pressure, heat and vibration.
‘A’ version
‘B’ version
What looks like an adjuster screw is actually a spring over a rod so there is no adjustment there - just spring pressure, as I recall.
Last edited by Potato_Potato; Apr 15, 2012 at 01:18 AM.
