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[grc]

Maybe I missed it, but if how2 is still checking this thread how about telling us why you are looking to replace the tensioner?  Is this because you have an actual problem with the one you have now, or is this just because you've been reading the reports from folks who had problems and are now gun shy?  Just from the responses so far to your question, you can see pretty obviously that you can't just go by what a few people say.  Some say the Hayden is basically crap, others say it's the best thing since sex (well, not really).  The same goes for the stock unit, some think they are great and others think that one is junk.

So let us know what bike you're talking about (model and year), and why you think you need a different tensioner.

Jerry

[Hotrod50]

Would it be a good idea to go ahead and replace the chain tensioner as a precaution if you are changing the clutch and compensator?  My 2009 SERG has 57,000 miles, and the compensator is noisy as hell, so I'm thinking of replacing it and do the clutch discs while I'm in there.

[Cvostu]

I would do it while you are doing everything else.

[MrSurly]

I like the stock tensioner and yes, I've reused the OEM gaskets. $40 bux each certainly does figure into that.


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[grc]

Would it be a good idea to go ahead and replace the chain tensioner as a precaution if you are changing the clutch and compensator?  My 2009 SERG has 57,000 miles, and the compensator is noisy as hell, so I'm thinking of replacing it and do the clutch discs while I'm in there.

On a 2009 model I would install a new primary chain tensioner while I was replacing everything else, even if the original still looked OK.  My reasoning has to do with the many issues Harley had with those tensioners over the first few years in production, and how little we hear about them these days on the later models.  Whether they ever admit it or not, changes have obviously been made over the years to improve the parts.  I think the tensioner still sells for about 95 bucks, so compared to the rest of what you're doing it's a relatively inexpensive addition.

JMHO - Jerry

[DCFIREMANN]

I just did my motor and replaced the stock compensator out for the Baker. I also replaced the SE adjuster out for the Baker. In 138 miles I have lost 2 inner primary bearings. The chain was set at 7/8ths the first time and 1/2 inch the second. I am trying a unit for Southern Oregon Hot Bikes. Their web site is www.sohotbikes.com.  A friend of mine owns an Indy Shop and has put quite a few of them in and never has he had any problems. They are a true hydraulic tensioner. They are waiting on parts and won't be able to ship till Wednesday. I hope this takes care of my problem.

Be Safe

THE DAWG

[moscooter]

 

I've used the Soho tensioner also and have had no problems with it.

[MrSurly]

I just did my motor and replaced the stock compensator out for the Baker. I also replaced the SE adjuster out for the Baker. In 138 miles I have lost 2 inner primary bearings. The chain was set at 7/8ths the first time and 1/2 inch the second.
THE DAWG

Is there a typo there? You lost two inner bearings in under 150 miles? :scratch:
While running the Baker components?
Didn't the stock parts do a whole lot better?

[DCFIREMANN]

Is there a typo there? You lost two inner bearings in under 150 miles? :scratch:
While running the Baker components?
Didn't the stock parts do a whole lot better?

Compensator no tensioner yes. I will be switching out the tensioner this week as well as replacing the bearing and seal. I have a TON of money in this build and I need to get everything dialed in. As far as the motor build goes it is quite as a church mouse hence you can hear everything else. And since there have been discussions about the trap door on the stock 6 speed, Baker is releasing a new OD 6 speed replacement in the next couple of days. I may even upgrade the trannie while I have it apart again!!!!!

Be Safe

THE DAWG

[DCFIREMANN]

UPDATE: I did not lose the second inner bearing as I had thought. I did remove the inner and check EVERYTHING while doing the reassembly. I did change to the Southern Oregon Hot Bikes hydraulic tensioner and check the clearances between the webs on the outer primary and the Baked compensator. While I had clearance between the two I put some clay on the compensator to check the actual cold clearances. To much my surprise I ended up taking the entire web off. I have only put 20 miles on it since installation but so far so good!!!!

Be Safe

THE DAWG

[MrSurly]

UPDATE: I did not lose the second inner bearing as I had thought. I did remove the inner and check EVERYTHING while doing the reassembly. I did change to the Southern Oregon Hot Bikes hydraulic tensioner and check the clearances between the webs on the outer primary and the Baked compensator. While I had clearance between the two I put some clay on the compensator to check the actual cold clearances. To much my surprise I ended up taking the entire web off. I have only put 20 miles on it since installation but so far so good!!!!

Be Safe

THE DAWG

I assume you mean the outer primary *COVER*, and you removed a bunch of material from the web area on the inside of the cover(?).
Does this mean that the Baker comp was actually *hitting* the cover before?
How much clearance did you decide was needed?
Where are the pics???

[DCFIREMANN]

I assume you mean the outer primary *COVER*, and you removed a bunch of material from the web area on the inside of the cover(?).
Does this mean that the Baker comp was actually *hitting* the cover before?
How much clearance did you decide was needed?
Where are the pics???

Yes the Baker compensator was hitting the webs on the outer primary. While I had removed some material from the outer primary apparently I didn't remove enough. When everything warmed up it started making noise. The problem was you couldn't tell where the noise was coming from. I also have a loud trannie. When I checked the clearance with clay and measured the clearance, it was too close for comfort. I ended up taking the entire web off. I am now a happy camper. Next will be the new Baker Grudge Box as soon as it is released.

Be Safe

THE DAWG

[Hotrod50]

Found out today that HD does not sell the tensioner shoe by itself.  You must but the whole tensioner assembly for about $109.

[DCFIREMANN]

Found out today that HD does not sell the tensioner shoe by itself.  You must but the whole tensioner assembly for about $109.

I would buy the Southern Oregon Hot Bikes hydraulic tensioner if I was going to replace the stock unit. I would have also replaced the stock compensator with the Baker unit.

Be Safe

THE DAWG