SE comp gone bad!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 127
Probably the easiest way to recognize a worn compensator is when you shut the bike off. If you have worn metal in there you will hear a "Knock" sound when you kill the bike. Starting in model year 2011 all of the touring bikes had the new compensator installed at the factory. Previously these were known in the parts catalogue as Screaming Eagle Compensators. Now, the catalogue only contains one part number and this is the SE Compensator. You can no longer order the old OEM compensator. The part number has been updated with an "A" on the end. So, does it hurt anything to run a worn compensator? The answer would most likely be "No". It will just be a little bit noisier as the parts come to rest when you shut it off. The one thing I have noticed after replacing my compensator was that you are much less likely to experience the dreaded "Kickback" sound when starting a hot, twin cam 96 on 2008-2010 model years. Anybody who has pulled into a gas station on a really hot day has no doubt heard the terrible knashing of metal when they hit the starter after a 5 minute shut down. The improved compensator will usually eliminate this experience. The newer compensator is definitely made of heavier metal components, including a new rotor. In truth, the factory tried to get by on the cheap on this part. After a couple of years of having customers complain about this noise, they eventually started putting the heavier version in as standard on all the bikes. It seems to take 2 or 3 years for anything positive to happen at the MOCO. Evidently everything has to be vetted through a lot of committees before it sees the light of day. Look how long it has taken them to incorporate water cooling into the touring lineup.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 3
From: Southeastern Michigan
I think this whole failed SE Comp idea is ridiculous. It's such a simple design, that's way overbuilt. The only real failure would be a sacked concave washer, disintegrated thrust washer, or loose/broken bolt. The rest is metal on metal contact that is typically overcome by any amount of power input, and the oils (any oil) film qualities. See Soft02's pics for where some of the wear would occur. To suggest its caused by a certain oil is ridiculous. Especially without LOADS of testing evaluations. And "IF" there were proven data Harley should make that warning readily available from the start. Since its not Harley is on the hook for the failure.
I'd say most likely the dealer installed something wrong, or the bolt loosened up, and he's just covering his own a--, or its something else entirely.
There's a really good thread detailing machined grooves into the flat arms for better lubrication of those mating parts. That has real merit. The rest is just overblown bunk in IMO.
20k on mine (DIY install) and still going strong.
I'd say most likely the dealer installed something wrong, or the bolt loosened up, and he's just covering his own a--, or its something else entirely.
There's a really good thread detailing machined grooves into the flat arms for better lubrication of those mating parts. That has real merit. The rest is just overblown bunk in IMO.
20k on mine (DIY install) and still going strong.
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Plant City Fl.
Replaced the stock compensator on my 08 Ultra Classic with a SE compensator due to starter issues, first start up it had a rattle when raising RPM's from idle whether in neutral or in gear clutch in or out. Tried using formula plus and no difference from the oil my mechanic put in, he said ride it and try not to let the noise bother me "Hey it's a Harley they all make noises"
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
Replaced the stock compensator on my 08 Ultra Classic with a SE compensator due to starter issues, first start up it had a rattle when raising RPM's from idle whether in neutral or in gear clutch in or out. Tried using formula plus and no difference from the oil my mechanic put in, he said ride it and try not to let the noise bother me "Hey it's a Harley they all make noises"
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,031
From: Carlsbad, CA
Dealer put an SE Comp in about 6K miles ago. I'm running Formula+. After about 3K, when it heats up it rattles if I blip the throttle , or if I start out and don't give it a bunch of gas.
But, as someone else said...I don't understand what could fail make no that noise. Unless the dealer didn't install the bolt properly and it's working loose,
Anyhow...I have a new Baker compensator sitting on my workbench , and was waiting for a rainy day to put it in. It's supposed to rain tomorrow, but the wife informed me we're going Christmas shopping. Hopefully we'll get another rainy day soon.
But, as someone else said...I don't understand what could fail make no that noise. Unless the dealer didn't install the bolt properly and it's working loose,
Anyhow...I have a new Baker compensator sitting on my workbench , and was waiting for a rainy day to put it in. It's supposed to rain tomorrow, but the wife informed me we're going Christmas shopping. Hopefully we'll get another rainy day soon.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 511
Likes: 14
2010's had known bad comps. When mine went out I put in one of the early Baker Drivetrain units. Way batter unit in my opinion. Then about 6,000 miles I started getting the knock again on start up. Called Baker and they said on some early units they got some bad springs. For me to take it off and send it back. They promptly replaced it with a whole brand new unit! Looks like they have also added some oil scuppers to help oil flow to the revision design. Back to normal now and I have to give a hand out to Baker for great customer service. Only 2,000 miles on the new unit but so far so good. Now the Wife has a 2010 Triglide. We bought it used with only 2,000 miles on it. Has it apart awhile back for a primary gasket leak. It has been changed over to a Screaming Eagle unit. And the lobes are pretty scarred up. It will be getting a Baker unit shortly. However it is quiet as can be. My stock unit showed no wear at all but rattled like a bucket of bolts,
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 140
From: NY
Replaced the stock compensator on my 08 Ultra Classic with a SE compensator due to starter issues, first start up it had a rattle when raising RPM's from idle whether in neutral or in gear clutch in or out. Tried using formula plus and no difference from the oil my mechanic put in, he said ride it and try not to let the noise bother me "Hey it's a Harley they all make noises"
No offence intended but something has to be wrong with your new SE comp & of the install to do that.
I installed a new SE comp on my 09 flhtcu 2 yrs ago and its just fine with 16k miles on it thus far.
Stock original comp was shot @ 9,700 miles when i bought bike from original owner that said from day 1 had HD syn3 20-50 syn in all 3 holes and prim case oil was changed @ 1k miles and then @ 5k miles when they had to replace a leaking outer prim case gasket.
So the stock original compensator went bad in only 9,700 miles using HD's syn3 syn 20-50 motor oil in prim case from day 1/brand new.
I know couple other guys that installed new SE comps on their 2009-2010 vitage hD's with no issues thus far too.
BTW,i never run syn in the prim case of my HD,i only use spectro's 85w std dino thats specifically designed & formulated for HD primary cases.
Also use spectro's HD specific 75w-140 syn 6spd trans oil & 20w-50 semi blend & or full syn motor oil too.
As already stated many 2009 & 201 HD'ss in fact had bad comps,thats for sure with HD not doing the right think with a recall.
My 09's comp was totally shot @ 9,700 miles making the dreaded " loud bang " when it fired up while also making a jingling noise & shuttering when talking off from a stop too.
scott
Last edited by wscott; Dec 15, 2016 at 09:40 PM.
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Plant City Fl.
I've been thinking the same thing...
===============
No offence intended but something has to be wrong with your new SE comp & of the install to do that.
I installed a new SE comp on my 09 flhtcu 2 yrs ago and its just fine with 16k miles on it thus far.
Stock original comp was shot @ 9,700 miles when i bought bike from original owner that said from day 1 had HD syn3 20-50 syn in all 3 holes and prim case oil was changed @ 1k miles and then @ 5k miles when they had to replace a leaking outer prim case gasket.
So the stock original compensator went bad in only 9,700 miles using HD's syn3 syn 20-50 motor oil in prim case from day 1/brand new.
I know couple other guys that installed new SE comps on their 2009-2010 vitage hD's with no issues thus far too.
BTW,i never run syn in the prim case of my HD,i only use spectro's 85w std dino thats specifically designed & formulated for HD primary cases.
Also use spectro's HD specific 75w-140 syn 6spd trans oil & 20w-50 semi blend & or full syn motor oil too.
As already stated many 2009 & 201 HD'ss in fact had bad comps,thats for sure with HD not doing the right think with a recall.
My 09's comp was totally shot @ 9,700 miles making the dreaded " loud bang " when it fired up while also making a jingling noise & shuttering when talking off from a stop too.
scott
No offence intended but something has to be wrong with your new SE comp & of the install to do that.
I installed a new SE comp on my 09 flhtcu 2 yrs ago and its just fine with 16k miles on it thus far.
Stock original comp was shot @ 9,700 miles when i bought bike from original owner that said from day 1 had HD syn3 20-50 syn in all 3 holes and prim case oil was changed @ 1k miles and then @ 5k miles when they had to replace a leaking outer prim case gasket.
So the stock original compensator went bad in only 9,700 miles using HD's syn3 syn 20-50 motor oil in prim case from day 1/brand new.
I know couple other guys that installed new SE comps on their 2009-2010 vitage hD's with no issues thus far too.
BTW,i never run syn in the prim case of my HD,i only use spectro's 85w std dino thats specifically designed & formulated for HD primary cases.
Also use spectro's HD specific 75w-140 syn 6spd trans oil & 20w-50 semi blend & or full syn motor oil too.
As already stated many 2009 & 201 HD'ss in fact had bad comps,thats for sure with HD not doing the right think with a recall.
My 09's comp was totally shot @ 9,700 miles making the dreaded " loud bang " when it fired up while also making a jingling noise & shuttering when talking off from a stop too.
scott
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 52
From: South Jersey
I have a 2010 I bought used with 500 miles on it and it banged on start up. The previous owner said it did it from day one but Harley told him it was normal. I immediatly installed a SE comp. I now have 15k on the bike and so far all is good.
