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[jachd17]

I recently purchased a 2008 FLHTCUSE3  (my first SE) with 10,000 miles from the original owner. While looking through H.D. records (not supplied by original owner) I learned that 0905 product campaign/ 110 CVO heads was done in Feb. of 2009 when the bike had 37 miles on it. Bike was sold as new leftover in late 2010. After reading other posts regarding this year CVO should I be concerned about other motor issues such as cylinders out of round and bad lifters? Bike runs great so far, but then my 25,000 mile 2004 FLHTCI runs great. Can I reasonably expect the SE3 to be as dependable as my E.G. classic has been?

[chaos901]

I have a FLHTCUSE3 that I also bought used a couple of years ago and it had about 15,000 miles at that time, now has a little more than 50,000. 

The short answer to your question is no.  I have not had much problem, only had to recently replace the crank and a couple of compensators over the time, but others state that I have been lucky. 

Still love the bike though but not as dependable as my others. IMO

[jachd17]

Thanks for the reply. The bike is vey clean and has already had a power commander and rinehart true duals installed. As the riding seasons ends I would like to tend to anything that needs to be or should be addressed during the winter, when down time is not an issue. I like to try to be ahead of issues before there is an issue.  Also, I am unfamiliar with the "couple of compensators" you mentioned. Could you shed some light on those as well as the cause of the crank failure?

                                                                                                                    Thank you.

[artanner1]

The compensator is in the primary, on the engine output shaft, connected with a chain to the clutch basket. I also own a 2008 CV ultra, had to replace the motor with 45,000 because the lifter failed and cracked the block. Replaced with a S&S124LC motor cost $6,000, total cost was $8,500 with me doing the work.
There are a couple of options depending on how much you are willing to spend.
Pull the 110 now and get anywhere from $2,500-$3,000.
Rebuild the heads, replace cam, cam bearing, upgrade oil pump.
It goes on and on, like I said depends how far your willing to go...
JMHO

[timo482]

the old power commanders brought there own list of problems... they disable the o2 sensors and run the fuel system blind.. can be ok, but can cause troubles... there also were some issues with the plugs would go bad [the big plug that plugs into the ecm]

the rest of the issues still happen only to a few unlucky folks, the deal is that the compensators were failing at the rate of one per one thousand.. thats a LOT.. but some will be fine for a long time.  the rest of the issues are similar - failure rates in the one in a  thousand rate is bad, some parts like the heads were failing at one in fifty. they got replaced... 

- overheating WILL bring out the gremlins,

[jachd17]

Thanks for the above responses. I did a lot of reading in different areas of this site and learned quite a bit. (compensators for instance) The  bike will be going to a local dealer in the near future for two minor issues but I think I will have them give it a good look over while its in the shop. I do trust this particular dealer for straight forward advice, not the "it sounds normal" when it isn't or "this needs to replaced" when it doesn't, like I have seen so much written about in other threads. With a little luck this will treat me as well as my E.G. Classic, bought new in 2003, only problem so far was a faulty cylinder head temp sensor. $ 30 bucks and five minutes of my time and wrenching effort, good to go.

[DCC]

Good luck with your new ride.  I think you'll love it.  I have one just like it and absolutely love the bike.  I keep looking at the new ones, but just can't part with mine.  I've had it since new and have not had any problems. but I have been somewhat proactive on trying to stay ahead of problems.  I replaced the comp at around 33000, but the original was in great shape.  I've also replaced the lifters and inner cam bearings...they too where A-OK.  So I've probably updated some things that really didn't need it, but I sleep good at night and would have no problem heading across country tomorrow.  Best bike I've ever owned and I still love the color.  AND, everything including the radio works, unlike some of these new ones.

[jachd17]

DCC. Curious as to the mileage you have on your SE3 at this time. I'm leaning towards replacing lifter and cam bearings now so I to, can sleep a little easier. Judging from the little saddle time I have on it so far I think mileage may be getting racked up quickly when the weather is once again "cycle friendly". But it's going to be a long winter waiting.

[DCC]

Jachd17...I currently have just shy of 46K on the bike.  The most recent updates were the lifters and inner cam bearings. They now 5K on them, but my originals looked fine. It's one of those PM things...just sayin.

[jachd17]

46K...good to hear. I totally understand P.M. Better than than the alternative.

[Gnarl78]

I purchased the extended warranty when I bought my FLHTCUSE3 two years ago. It's already paid off for me. The dealer replaced the compensator, rear brake module, and an inner bearing so far as well as the gas tank (it had a crack on the mounting tab). No other problems to date and the bike runs good. I bought it with 20k on it and it now has 30k.

[jachd17]

Sadly an extended warranty is not an option when purchasing from a private party unless the previous owner had already done so and it is transferred to the new buyer. Not the case here.