SE Compensator replacement - Suggestions?
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
From: Austin Tx
SE Compensator replacement - Suggestions?
Hi All,
I've got an stock 07 Street Glide (stage 1) and think I have run into the dreaded compensator issue that (appears) to be common on this bike. Just yesterday I got an awful clunk noise from the engine when I tried to start it with a warm engine. While I've not tested the battery, I have my doubts that's the problem since it's only about a year old and if the bike is parked for more than 3 days, I plug it into a trickle charger. (note that I will check it before proceeding since it's the cheaper thing to fix if it is the problem)
What I was hoping is someone can point me to a set of steps other than the shop manual for replacing the compensator. I will of course review the manual prior to doing the work, but I've often found write-ups that others have done to be extremely helpful! So far any searches I've done on the site have not turned up anything I thought was useful. (Its possible I just don't yet know enough about this job to know I'm looking at the right stuff)
In addition, I was hoping people that have done this work themselves can let me know of other things I should be replacing while in there. For example, Should I just go ahead and replace the chain tensioner?
Thanks in advance for any help!
I've got an stock 07 Street Glide (stage 1) and think I have run into the dreaded compensator issue that (appears) to be common on this bike. Just yesterday I got an awful clunk noise from the engine when I tried to start it with a warm engine. While I've not tested the battery, I have my doubts that's the problem since it's only about a year old and if the bike is parked for more than 3 days, I plug it into a trickle charger. (note that I will check it before proceeding since it's the cheaper thing to fix if it is the problem)
What I was hoping is someone can point me to a set of steps other than the shop manual for replacing the compensator. I will of course review the manual prior to doing the work, but I've often found write-ups that others have done to be extremely helpful! So far any searches I've done on the site have not turned up anything I thought was useful. (Its possible I just don't yet know enough about this job to know I'm looking at the right stuff)
In addition, I was hoping people that have done this work themselves can let me know of other things I should be replacing while in there. For example, Should I just go ahead and replace the chain tensioner?
Thanks in advance for any help!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
Wait for the Darkhorse compensator slated to be released in July. The chain tensioner should be replaced if it is over tightening your chain. Check your service manual for specs. Mine has 119k and is fine. There are several DIY comp threads. I'll try to find one later.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,392
Likes: 184
From: Big ol Titties
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
From: Austin Tx
Thank you guys!
Now that I look at that link, I remember reading that "way back when". At the time it didn't register why I would ever need to do this work... Funny how that's come back to bite me in the a##!
Now that I look at that link, I remember reading that "way back when". At the time it didn't register why I would ever need to do this work... Funny how that's come back to bite me in the a##!
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 444
Likes: 6
From: Baa Haaba, Maine
I doubt it's the compensator if it's doing it only when it's warm, I would bet it's the starter clutch or a weak battery or a combination of both. If the battery checks out ok check the starter clutch.
Had the same issue on my 08, my indy says it's the starter clutch. He explains it's because Harley changed the starters a few years back, and the starter clutch is different as well. If your battery is going/getting weak, it won't spin the starter fast enough when the bike is warm, and the centrifugal clutch starts to slip eventually, and wears out.
I had to replace the battery and the starter clutch, problem solved. I'd look there before you spend all that time/money on the sompensator.
Had the same issue on my 08, my indy says it's the starter clutch. He explains it's because Harley changed the starters a few years back, and the starter clutch is different as well. If your battery is going/getting weak, it won't spin the starter fast enough when the bike is warm, and the centrifugal clutch starts to slip eventually, and wears out.
I had to replace the battery and the starter clutch, problem solved. I'd look there before you spend all that time/money on the sompensator.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
I doubt it's the compensator if it's doing it only when it's warm, I would bet it's the starter clutch or a weak battery or a combination of both. If the battery checks out ok check the starter clutch.
Had the same issue on my 08, my indy says it's the starter clutch. He explains it's because Harley changed the starters a few years back, and the starter clutch is different as well. If your battery is going/getting weak, it won't spin the starter fast enough when the bike is warm, and the centrifugal clutch starts to slip eventually, and wears out.
I had to replace the battery and the starter clutch, problem solved. I'd look there before you spend all that time/money on the sompensator.
Had the same issue on my 08, my indy says it's the starter clutch. He explains it's because Harley changed the starters a few years back, and the starter clutch is different as well. If your battery is going/getting weak, it won't spin the starter fast enough when the bike is warm, and the centrifugal clutch starts to slip eventually, and wears out.
I had to replace the battery and the starter clutch, problem solved. I'd look there before you spend all that time/money on the sompensator.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,476
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From: Las Vegas, NV
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Big ol Titties
Mine did the kick back on warm starts, after gassing up for example. Changed the compensator and problem went away. Although I did a 107, cams, lifters, pushrods, head work, and a few other things at the same time so who knows.
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3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: IN
My brother was having issues on his 2007 after we did the 10.5:1 pistons and 259E cams. He had an extended warranty and the dealer replaced the compensator and starter... still bad noise. After carefully listening to it, I found that it was the starter kicking out of the ring gear. Also, in 2010/2011 it looks like Harley made a revision to the starters on the 103's. We bought a starter from a 2012 bike (Same PN# as the 07) and the problem is totally gone. The starter was not off the shelf, but rather a factory starter from a wrecked 12.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,900
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From: way down upon the Suwannee River
I doubt it's the compensator if it's doing it only when it's warm, I would bet it's the starter clutch or a weak battery or a combination of both. If the battery checks out ok check the starter clutch.
Had the same issue on my 08, my indy says it's the starter clutch. He explains it's because Harley changed the starters a few years back, and the starter clutch is different as well. If your battery is going/getting weak, it won't spin the starter fast enough when the bike is warm, and the centrifugal clutch starts to slip eventually, and wears out.
I had to replace the battery and the starter clutch, problem solved. I'd look there before you spend all that time/money on the sompensator.
Had the same issue on my 08, my indy says it's the starter clutch. He explains it's because Harley changed the starters a few years back, and the starter clutch is different as well. If your battery is going/getting weak, it won't spin the starter fast enough when the bike is warm, and the centrifugal clutch starts to slip eventually, and wears out.
I had to replace the battery and the starter clutch, problem solved. I'd look there before you spend all that time/money on the sompensator.