Had two of the new SE compensators 42200064A and I just couldn't deal with that irritating rattle it was making. I know this is probably not a new issue, just wanted to pass on a little info that may help someone.
Compensator rattled when you would crack it right off of idle, lug it just a little when taking off, and when you shut it off. Have been through two of these since last May, I began to get a little irritated . Didn't spend this kind of money to have some rattling POS.
Decided to let ESP buy me another compensator and see if we could get this thing quieted down. when Lee pulled it down again the compensator in there didn't look bad. Then he thought , maybe there's something going on in the gearset. nothing, it looked perfect..hmm maybe a bad rod? made a few phone calls , then Lee did a set up on a '15 and said , I got on a brand new '15 here, it rattles and it sounds just like yours...Called Harry, and a buddy of his had the same issue and solved it with an extra spring. Figured why not, took it back home, installed an "extra "spring in it and it was better but not what it should be.
After reading and doing a lot of research I decided to run out and see Steve @ GMR and pick up a Compen Saver.
http://www.compensaver.com/ Problem solved!!. Quiet like it should be. Thank you Steve..You were right on when I told you what was going on.
Seems the problem is the wonderful 3 piece Axial roller thrust bearing idea that Harley came up with that goes on the outside of the compensator between the bolt and the sprocket. In the CompenSaver that " 3 piece axial bearing" is replaced by a composite thrust washer..problem solved. Be my guess that the " axial bearing" let's the sprocket move around on the cam beating up the sprocket because of no oil and hence the noise and the cuttings on the drain plug every time . Maybe someone that really knows what's up here could comment further.
This compensator only had about 100 miles on it when I installed the kit Saturday and already had it's share of filings. Very easy install, fired it up..so sweet..no friggin rattle..rode it up to Harley , Lee listened to it, smiled and said..Damn...very nice! Anyway hope I didn't jabber on to long and this information may help someone. Don't have a dog in this fight, just think it's a great product , that solved the problem! Greg