Compensator question - 2009 UC
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 53
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Compensator question - 2009 UC
I think I may have a compensator failing. My bike cranks fine cold but clunks badly on a hot re-start - sometimes sounds like it's not gonna start at all. I'm talking trying to re-start 2-3 minutes after shutting if off. The longer it sits the less "clunk", when cold no "clunk" at all.
Anyone know if this is a symptom of a bad compensator?
Thanks in advance for any help on this. I've got some touring coming up and don't want to be spending my time on the roadside.
R0ckie
Anyone know if this is a symptom of a bad compensator?
Thanks in advance for any help on this. I've got some touring coming up and don't want to be spending my time on the roadside.
R0ckie
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
Hot starts require a battery, cabling and starter/solenoid to all be working well to turn the clutch basket, then primary chain, then the compensator thus turning the motor over.
If it is not turning over, look at the electrical.
heat builds resistance in circuits, poor connections generate heat, which build more resistance and more heat...( so it's like snake swallowing it's tail)
mike
If it is not turning over, look at the electrical.
heat builds resistance in circuits, poor connections generate heat, which build more resistance and more heat...( so it's like snake swallowing it's tail)
mike
Novice
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: TEXAS
On a 103 or greater....Do you have Auto Compression relaease. If not Then your starter has a challenge. and will seem like bad battery. Clunk, rip, gag , gasp, etc.....
Fix is to add ACR and I would probably go add the heavy duty Starter along with the Sreamin Eagle Comnpensator.
Fix is to add ACR and I would probably go add the heavy duty Starter along with the Sreamin Eagle Comnpensator.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
From: connecticut
It sounds like my bike before i replaced the compensator. I also had to replace the starter clutch too. I let the comp go for too long and it took out the starter clutch. If you do the compensator make sure you spend the extra money on the SE comp. Also search around cuz theres a fantastic thread with pics that will help you do the job yourself.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
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From: TOAK western branch
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: RIO GRANDE, TEXAS
Had my se comp installed about a year ago and i have gotten two maybe three bangs (clunks) and thats it. Very happy with it.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,995
Likes: 2
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
Hot starts cause higher compression pressure. I would bet you are hearing your starter clutch slipping rather than your compensator. I installed the heavy duty 1.4 kw starter and the bang is gone. I was going to do the compensator also but the starter failed and after installing the new starter I see no need.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 4
From: Victoria, Australia
The starting 'bang' I used to hear on my 09 UC went away with the SE compensator install. With that and a pair of S&S EZ start cams it cranks and starts beautifully. I reckon my starter clutch will last a loooong time...