Topic: Compensator "again" (Read 6122 times)

2harleys · « **on:** October 23, 2016, 10:03:56 PM »

Can anyone give me some help on this problem? 4 compensators in 1 year installed by two different dealers. The last one was looked at by the Harley rep. My 7 year warranty expired today and compensator making noise again after a 200 mile ride. Heading to dealer tomorrow. Last compensator that the HD rep said to put in lasted less than 800 miles. CLUES PLEASE?.

Unbalanced · « **Reply #1 on:** October 23, 2016, 11:01:26 PM »

Are you sure its your compensator. pull the outter primary off run the bike in neutral and have them put a screw driver under the auto tensioner and have them add a tiny bit of pressure making the chain tighter and see if the noise goes away.

grc · « **Reply #2 on:** October 24, 2016, 08:52:42 AM »

Quote from: 2harleys on October 23, 2016, 10:03:56 PM

Can anyone give me some help on this problem? 4 compensators in 1 year installed by two different dealers. The last one was looked at by the Harley rep. My 7 year warranty expired today and compensator making noise again after a 200 mile ride. Heading to dealer tomorrow. Last compensator that the HD rep said to put in lasted less than 800 miles. CLUES PLEASE?.

I think the folks who need a clue are the ones who worked on the bike and the H-D rep. Obviously there is a different problem that is being misdiagnosed as a compensator failure. In this age of part changers instead of real technicians/mechanics, good luck finding someone who has the talent and will take the time to find the real problem.

What noise is it making, under what riding conditions? What other parts have been replaced other than the compensators? Has the chain tensioner ever been replaced? When the compensators were replaced did they just replace the sliding cam and gear, or did they replace everything including the spring pack?

Jerry

2harleys · « **Reply #3 on:** October 24, 2016, 04:34:47 PM »

After a ride (especially in the Az heat), when idling at a stop it has a knocking noise from primary. Also after that ride, if I shut it down for a few minutes (like refueling), when restarting it has a serious knock in primary and when I "blip" the throttle it has an extreme one or two time knock in primary. Above an idle there is no noise and bike runs superb. It also has a couple of knocks when shutting down. Have had problem for 1 1/2 years now. Every time they change compensator noise goes away for about 1000 miles. It is at Chandler Az HD right now again. I do not know exactly what has been done, since all has been covered under extended warranty. Last receipt was billed at $653.34. 40100061 compensator at $430.95 and gaskets, oil and 1.13 hrs labor. The time before that was $3168.13 which included a new stator # 29987-06D and everything in the cam chest (broken cam tensioner). Time before that was compensator # 42200064A at $299.95 and rotor assembly # 30041-08A. That total ticket was $841.24. I can't find previous work order for another compensator done, but all have been within the last 6K miles and AFTER the complete upper end of motor was rebuilt to cure the noisy upper end--- they bored .010 over, pistons, rings, valve job etc-----warranty refused to replace jugs but bored to get "true". Whew-- how are the Indians holding up?

How is the new Milwaukee 8??? Don't want to trade but cannot afford this every 1000 miles out of my pocket.

Texas 103 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 25, 2016, 07:21:40 AM »

Quote from: 2harleys on October 23, 2016, 10:03:56 PM

Can anyone give me some help on this problem? 4 compensators in 1 year installed by two different dealers. The last one was looked at by the Harley rep. My 7 year warranty expired today and compensator making noise again after a 200 mile ride. Heading to dealer tomorrow. Last compensator that the HD rep said to put in lasted less than 800 miles. CLUES PLEASE?.

I'd sure start with getting some oil to the compensator. It.s widely known the compensator doesn't get much if any oil without a littel help. Hd solution's isn't much help. I'm a fan of Steve @ GMR's compensaver. www.compensaver.comPretty informative info there, Did't replace four compensators just 2, but the rattle afte the new ones were installed didn't work for me. Compensaver quieted it right down. Don;t have a dog in this fight, just a good product that does what it's supposed to do!! Pulled mine off my '11 getting ready to slip on my '16.

OakleyFreak · « **Reply #5 on:** October 25, 2016, 02:38:46 PM »

Did any of the dealers check Crank run out?

2harleys · « **Reply #6 on:** October 25, 2016, 03:44:50 PM »

Quote from: OakleyFreak on October 25, 2016, 02:38:46 PM

Did any of the dealers check Crank run out?

I think you hit it right on the head, I do not believe they are "checking" anything. Just replacing parts, over, and over again. Still waiting to see what they have to say this time.

2harleys · « **Reply #7 on:** October 25, 2016, 04:42:35 PM »

OK, I just got off of the phone with the dealer working on my bike. Their conclusion after removing cover and speaking with higher up's at HD, were, that since this is the fourth compensator installed by two different dealers ----- the bolt that holds the assembly together has lock tight installed on threads, that somewhere during those installations, that lock tight was pushed to the end of the bolt. Thus not getting a proper tightening when torqued down. They think one, two, or three of the tech's did not clean out threads as per instructions and that build up was not keeping the assembly tight even tho it was torqued to proper ft lbs. They checked their records and told me that a new chain tensioner was installed 3000 miles ago and that crank run out was checked and found to be ok. Now for the big surprise! Harley has decided to do a "good faith" replacement since my warranty and ESP are expired. They are shipping out a complete compensator pack from the 2017 model year that has been revamped (again). HD is paying 100% for repairs, with a one year warranty on this part. I was told there is a slight modification that have to make to retrofit to my 2010. Hopefully it isn't on "back order". Hopefully I can then make it past 1 oil change without going back for another one.

Rooster · « **Reply #8 on:** October 25, 2016, 04:54:46 PM »

It sounds as if they are going to take care of you. Curious what the upgrade needed for the "newest" 2017 edition is. And if it were me I would also like to know just what that pinion runout measurement was since they said they checked it. Remember some time in 07 the MOCO decided twelve thousand or less was ok when my 07 manual said three thousand or less. Nothing like changing the rules after the game starts. You should have the right to know what that measurement was if they in fact did check.

FLTRCVO · « **Reply #9 on:** October 25, 2016, 05:34:40 PM »

2Harleys how many miles on the bike?

2harleys · « **Reply #10 on:** October 25, 2016, 05:55:52 PM »

38000 miles on bike.

FLTRCVO · « **Reply #11 on:** October 25, 2016, 07:57:58 PM »

Quote from: 2harleys on October 24, 2016, 04:34:47 PM

After a ride (especially in the Az heat), when idling at a stop it has a knocking noise from primary. Also after that ride, if I shut it down for a few minutes (like refueling), when restarting it has a serious knock in primary and when I "blip" the throttle it has an extreme one or two time knock in primary. Above an idle there is no noise and bike runs superb. It also has a couple of knocks when shutting down. Have had problem for 1 1/2 years now. Every time they change compensator noise goes away for about 1000 miles. It is at Chandler Az HD right now again. I do not know exactly what has been done, since all has been covered under extended warranty. Last receipt was billed at $653.34. 40100061 compensator at $430.95 and gaskets, oil and 1.13 hrs labor. The time before that was $3168.13 which included a new stator # 29987-06D and everything in the cam chest (broken cam tensioner). Time before that was compensator # 42200064A at $299.95 and rotor assembly # 30041-08A. That total ticket was $841.24. I can't find previous work order for another compensator done, but all have been within the last 6K miles and AFTER the complete upper end of motor was rebuilt to cure the noisy upper end--- they bored .010 over, pistons, rings, valve job etc-----warranty refused to replace jugs but bored to get "true". Whew-- how are the Indians holding up? How is the new Milwaukee 8??? Don't want to trade but cannot afford this every 1000 miles out of my pocket.

You know you can purchase a Harley Extended Warranty up to 3 years for your motorcycle as long as it doesn't have have 75,000 miles on it after the original ESP expires, and I believe there is an other option called Cornerstone United that offers the same of similar.

2harleys · « **Reply #12 on:** October 26, 2016, 12:04:04 AM »

Yeah I checked in to extending ESP but the price to do that is very pricey. I will see how this new repair works, and then decide what will be in my garage if it fails again.

OakleyFreak · « **Reply #13 on:** October 26, 2016, 04:21:04 PM »

Good luck
Ill keep an eye on the thread for updates

LC110 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 06, 2016, 09:23:07 AM »

Quote

They are shipping out a complete compensator pack from the 2017 model year that has been revamped (again). HD is paying 100% for repairs, with a one year warranty on this part. I was told there is a slight modification that have to make to retrofit to my 2010.

Have they Installed the new modified compensator yet? Any idea what had to be modified?

Unbalanced · « **Reply #15 on:** November 06, 2016, 09:50:36 PM »

as far as the retrofit is it to cut down the rotor cap vs. selling you the complete kit (rotor and compensator) vs. just the compensator?

Rooster · « **Reply #16 on:** November 08, 2016, 03:04:39 PM »

Quote from: LC110 on November 06, 2016, 09:23:07 AM

Have they Installed the new modified compensator yet? Any idea what had to be modified?

curious what the mod is other than maybe the little trays for the oil? It would be nice if they finally figured out how to cure the comp assembly woes and if the cure retrofits back to 2007 models.

RayG · « **Reply #17 on:** November 08, 2016, 05:38:02 PM »

What kind of primary fluid are you using? How much fluid are you using? After going through 6 compensators, most of my failures started when I went to using 1 quart of ATF to be more clutch friendly. I had a Indy ask me to try the Baker in my S&S 124", that was compensator #7. The Baker is not intended for the high HP of the S&S so it is starting to show the typical signs of failing @ 800 miles. I will go back to the OEM and install the GMR compensaver that is sitting on my work bench and use the recommended amount of fluid in the primary. Since I have had two OEM clutch hubs fail sending lots of metal in the primary I tend to change it more often and have been having good luck with the Belray Primary fluid. When I used the ATF & had a bad clutch hub it had more metal shavings that would fit through the drain plug hole so I now use the Dimple magnets on all my drain plugs & oil filter. It is 1004 time stronger that the OEM magnet on the drain plug. I don't think they are needed on the Tranny or the Crankcase but the primary always has lots of crap on it. The compensator needs to be installed properly with clean threads for the main bolt, find a way of getting as much fluid sent to it and make sure it is aligned properly. I have no idea why some go many miles and others need to be changed way to often. My personal heavy wear items on my 08 SERK are rear tires avg. 4K to 6K miles and compensators. Nuisance items are heavy vibration from cupped tires and keeping the drive belt tight. Will solve that this winter. Other than that I have not had any major issues getting to 90,000 miles. Lots of parts replaced but have never been left stranded or towed.

Good Luck finding a resolution

RayG

lowflight · « **Reply #18 on:** November 09, 2016, 12:27:34 AM »

2Harleys it is good that Harley is standing behind this, but after that many they sure should.

Curious if you went to Arrowhead in the West Valley?

RayG · « **Reply #19 on:** November 09, 2016, 07:02:23 PM »

I'm real curious if there was an unusual amount of metal in the primary. In my case when the dealer replaced the first one they found lots of metal but they didn't think of checking the clutch hub until I was back with another failed compensator with very little mileage. My clutch hub had a number of splines that were stripped off causing a lot of damage to all the moving parts. If a strong magnet was epoxied in the primary it would have helped. If the hub has stripped splines or has other sign of wear it will release enough metal to get into the compensator, this is where the magnet would help. Have to agree with the suggestion of using the Compensaver, getting more fluid will help and verifying that it is metal free as well as checking for clean threads should reveal something useful. I'm figuring that since Harley is doing the repairs they are using Syn 3 or the Formula + for the fluids. Lubrication & keeping it metal free will help the poorly designed product live a bit longer.

OakleyFreak · « **Reply #20 on:** March 29, 2017, 04:38:03 PM »

any updates OP?

2harleys · « **Reply #21 on:** April 03, 2017, 11:04:22 PM »

Update

The Harley reps were called in for last repair. According to them, somewhere along the line of previously installed compensators, the internal threads on compensator bolt had a build up of locktite which got pushed to the bottom of the hole. That caused the bolt to bottom out when torqued but leaving compensator loose, which caused it to fail. They cleaned threads with a "bottom" tap and installed new compensator "again". SO FAR SO GOOD. Fingers crossed. It has lasted longer than previous.

OakleyFreak · « **Reply #22 on:** April 04, 2017, 11:54:32 AM »

Sweet
Glad to hear it

Pan1 · « **Reply #23 on:** May 22, 2017, 10:43:41 PM »

Try raising the idle rpm 50-100 and see if the noise goes away.

Author Topic: Compensator "again" (Read 6122 times)