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One thing I've learned after 20+ years of riding is "If it doesn't sound right, it probably isn't"
I don't know, I've taken my Harleys in for a lot of noises that turned out to be just typical of Harleys. It’s not like I don’t know motors, I am a licensed aircraft mechanic. Harleys are the noisiest chunkiest motorcycles I ride. In fact, I spent $90 last month to have my primary inspected only to find nothing was wrong, again. I had just spent a $1000 dollars for a repair bill on my Ultra because the compensator took out the starter clutch and bushing.
You can understand that I’m a little sensitive with loud clunks. So when my SG started sounding like it was trying to tear itself apart last month as I put it in gear, I knew it was the replacement compensator I installed last year. But my mechanic said all is well in the whole primary area. I was frustrated because I still had the clunk and something was going to give in the transmission if I didn’t figure it out. Well from the advice fo someone here on the forum, I started exercising my clutch after starting the engine to get the clutch plates separated, sure enough the clunk went away.
Sometimes nothings wrong, it's just a Harley, but I'm finding it cheaper to have it checked than to wait until it comes completely apart.
Mine sounds like that most of the time when I shut it down.
So you pulled it apart and what, replaced it?
Yes I pulled it apart last night and the compensator nut was loose. My new complete kit plus a 45 amp rotor will be in tomorrow for the install. I picked up some Locktite 262 and wire brushed the threads on the crank. If I were you I would pull it apart and inspect the compensator. I can see where the nut had backed out and was rubbing on the inside of the primary case. Oil was real dark so it was not doing any good for my clutch plates. I was 250 miles from home when I started to hear this so I tried to take it easy on my way back.
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