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[Royalroadie]

I did the 10k primary oil change and sent the oil off for testing.  It came back marked CRITICAL .  The oil its self held up but the report show 800 for iron, 90 for aluminum, and 110 for silicon.  I know the primary will wear as it ages.  If I saw those numbers for the engine I would be very concerned. The engine oil and tranny looked great from the lab. I am just not sure of what to expect from a primary since this is my first Harley.  I haD 4or 5 metal scards 4mm long 1mm wide and as thin as cheap chrome plating stuck to the magnet, along with the expected gray slurry.  I have attached a pic from the net and I would say it is two to three times as bad as what I found.  For peace of mind I just need to know if this is normal?  See image

[North Star]

That is more than likely your compensator slowly wearing away. Common problem with them, although supposedly the newest version is improved 

Maybe part of it is the new bike breaking in parts though.

[Rooster]

The gray sludge is all I have had so far with both compensators. Hopefully you are ok.

[grc]

If that was the first time you changed the primary fluid, I wouldn't worry too much about a relatively large clump of debris on the magnet.  If it looks that bad on the second change, then I'd say something is wearing more quickly than normal.

Don't forget when looking at the magnetic drain plugs for the primary and trans that those do not have any other form of filtration to remove particles, like the engine does.  I always expect to find more on the primary plug, less on the trans plug, and the least on the engine plug.  Since changing the primary design in 2007, the compensators do create a lot more debris.  Add to that the clutch material that wears off and it can look nasty.  Many have gone back to changing the primary every 5000 miles with the engine oil because of this.

Jerry

[Royalroadie]

If that was the first time you changed the primary fluid, I wouldn't worry too much about a relatively large clump of debris on the magnet.  If it looks that bad on the second change, then I'd say something is wearing more quickly than normal.

Don't forget when looking at the magnetic drain plugs for the primary and trans that those do not have any other form of filtration to remove particles, like the engine does.  I always expect to find more on the primary plug, less on the trans plug, and the least on the engine plug.  Since changing the primary design in 2007, the compensators do create a lot more debris.  Add to that the clutch material that wears off and it can look nasty.  Many have gone back to changing the primary every 5000 miles with the engine oil because of this.




Jerry

Jerry
Thanks for your input.  I knew I'd see the gray sludge from the clutch, I was surprised by the metal shavings.  It is my quess that the shavings are from my comp.  I have had several instances on very hot days with a hot motor that it will do the dreaded compensator , THWACKK.    I have a theory,which could be all wrong ,that when it sits with a hot engine  for a short period if it stops during a compression stroke the ACR might stick,after being hot that sometimes the compression of the air in the cylinder may go up to the point the they won't open. It will THWACKK and backfire or fart through the intake and then it will start without any more issue.  Does that sound plausible?

This was a 10k change, I had it changed at 5k.

John

[sadunbar]

Jerry
Thanks for your input.  I knew I'd see the gray sludge from the clutch, I was surprised by the metal shavings. It is my quess that the shavings are from my comp. I have had several instances on very hot days with a hot motor that it will do the dreaded compensator , THWACKK.    I have a theory,which could be all wrong ,that when it sits with a hot engine  for a short period if it stops during a compression stroke the ACR might stick,after being hot that sometimes the compression of the air in the cylinder may go up to the point the they won't open. It will THWACKK and backfire or fart through the intake and then it will start without any more issue.  Does that sound plausible?

This was a 10k change, I had it changed at 5k.

John

That would be a very good guess...   



It's not likely the ACR is sticking...  The TWACK could very well be due to your worn compensator...

[ltank]

If your starter sometimes hangs and makes grinding noises could be a cause besides the little wear of new chain and sprockets when both are added together.

[bakon]

Completely normal looking.

[North Star]

Normal or Harley normal?

[MLCRISIS]

Harley normal, chit on the magnet seems to be the norm.

[grc]

Normal or Harley normal?

     Sad, but true.  Lots of stuff people wouldn't tolerate on other vehicles is considered "normal" on a Harley.  On a positive note, all those "normal" things have helped create and grow a huge Harley aftermarket to provide better stuff, creating many American jobs.  See, I'm not always negative.

Jerry

[Texas 103]

I did the 10k primary oil change and sent the oil off for testing.  It came back marked CRITICAL .  The oil its self held up but the report show 800 for iron, 90 for aluminum, and 110 for silicon.  I know the primary will wear as it ages.  If I saw those numbers for the engine I would be very concerned. The engine oil and tranny looked great from the lab. I am just not sure of what to expect from a primary since this is my first Harley.  I haD 4or 5 metal scards 4mm long 1mm wide and as thin as cheap chrome plating stuck to the magnet, along with the expected gray slurry.  I have attached a pic from the net and I would say it is two to three times as bad as what I found.  For peace of mind I just need to know if this is normal?  See image

Totally normal for a compensator going bye,bye..

[Royalroadie]

Totally normal for a compensator going bye,bye..

It did!    Nuff said.