Compensator question
Banned
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 67
When I last replaced my compensator assembly a year ago I could clearly see scuff marks on the metal. It wasn't what I would call severe. It clunked at shutdown occasionally. I decided to replace it. After it was all said and done I could not see any improvement in anything. It still clunks on occasion. I see absolutely to reason to fall into the trap of replacing the compensator just because it makes a clunk occasionally and some tech monkey alarms you. Remember these guys make their living by replacing parts. Now, if it makes a constant noise (all the time) that would be a different story, but I have never heard or seen that. Just my experience. Yours may or not vary.
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 112,202
Likes: 1,316
From: On a hill among the hills, PA
You are right.. that is a manual tensioner, look s like a Baker..
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 112,202
Likes: 1,316
From: On a hill among the hills, PA
I have one from Baker just like it, taking the auto tensioner out this winter and tossin it. Seems like it was getting to tight for my liking and that's not good for bearings...
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,814
Likes: 11
From: USA
I have read that the latest version SE compensator includes a "cup" that is glued in place on the primary cover and this cup is designed to direct oil to the compensator.
Then I read where HD would no longer sell the adhesive as they wanted the cup to be dealer installed.
It was on the internet, must be true.
Can anyone either confirm or deny ?
Then I read where HD would no longer sell the adhesive as they wanted the cup to be dealer installed.
It was on the internet, must be true.
Can anyone either confirm or deny ?
I have read that the latest version SE compensator includes a "cup" that is glued in place on the primary cover and this cup is designed to direct oil to the compensator.
Then I read where HD would no longer sell the adhesive as they wanted the cup to be dealer installed.
It was on the internet, must be true.
Can anyone either confirm or deny ?
Then I read where HD would no longer sell the adhesive as they wanted the cup to be dealer installed.
It was on the internet, must be true.
Can anyone either confirm or deny ?
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,814
Likes: 11
From: USA
That is what I heard, thanks for checking and posting.
I'm sure a guy could come up with an equivalent epoxy if he wanted to DIY.
I'm sure a guy could come up with an equivalent epoxy if he wanted to DIY.
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 727
Likes: 1
From: Silverdale, WA
I just got off the phone with Anthony, the online parts guy from Kutter H-D. He explained that the latest comp. kit includes two pieces of molded plastic which are intended to be attached to the inner primary cover using adhesive to redirect oil onto the compensator hub. They no longer sell the adhesive because Harley wants this done at the dealership to ensure that it is done correctly. He also told me that the 2014 engines have changed the inner primary cover casting and these internal oil baffles are cast right into the inside of the cover. This would suggest that Harley agrees that premature wear and failure of the compensator have something to do with inadequate lubrication in this critical area.
This answer begs the question, will the new cover work with the older style compensator, direct oil onto it to protect it too?
I just called my local dealer service department (Pig Trail). The service manager had never heard of the oil deflector kit and was clueless even after I gave him the part number. They have 2 in stock but he didn't know if they could install it.
Edit:
My bike clunks on shut down since I installed the Hayden spring tensioner in the primary. It doesn't really bother me as the benefits far outweigh the new noise.
Edit:
My bike clunks on shut down since I installed the Hayden spring tensioner in the primary. It doesn't really bother me as the benefits far outweigh the new noise.
Last edited by Ultra103; Dec 9, 2013 at 12:30 PM.