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[Chief2505]

I have read a lot about compensators and their failure rates. My 13 FLHTCUSE8 had the compensator replaced twice while under warranty. I do not have a rattle at idle in neutral or in gear. I do not have the kick back on start up with a hot engine.

What I do have though are two different driveline issues. I have what I refer to as too much backlash. When I let off the throttle then roll back on there is a bang! Reminds me of too much backlash in the rear end of a car. That is one.

Two is this past week under a partial throttle situation I could swear my rear tire was spinning on the wheel. Now I am pretty certain that the recent MAP that Schrader loaded for me did not give me enough power to do that! The slippage did not feel like nor sound like a clutch slipping.

Outside of the fulsac set up this bike is stock. Is there something in the isolator at the rear wheel that could be slipping?

I intend to take the bike in this winter and have the cam chain tensioners replaced as well as the lifters. Should I replace the cams while I am in there? Bike has 43,000 miles on it.

Thanks

[HUBBARD]

That ain't good, Chief!  I'd be lookin' in the Primary, the belt, and the clutch too.  And definitely check, or replace the tensioners.  But I ain't no wrench, and don't claim to be.  Strange noises will make me shut one down, in a New York minute!  Whenever I heard a "bang", it was never good!  Lol!  Hope that ain't the case with yours!  Later--HUBBARD

[Chief2505]

Hubbard, this excessive play in the drive train has been there since day 1 so I am not inclined to believe it is something that is going to explode. But, like you, I am not a wrench, especially on a bike but I spent years in auto garages and always could tell when a rear end was not set up correctly. Of course though this bike does not have a rear end but something somewhere in this driveline is not set up correctly, never was!

[fastfreddy]

i got that sloppy clunk noise thing in both mine, i just down shift to bring the RPMs up a lill, it helps smooth things up. i was running the hayden tensioner for a while in the 13, that just made it worse. as for your other issue think im going to have to take it for spin to see whats up with that  sorry not much help 

[Boatman]

The rubber cush drive could be broken in the rear hub behind the belt pulley.  Let us know what you find out.  That being broken would feel like a bad rearend with excessive play.

[SHRADER]

The rubber cush drive could be broken in the rear hub behind the belt pulley.  Let us know what you find out.  That being broken would feel like a bad rearend with excessive play.

Ain't but four or five things that come to mind and most all have been mentioned...

1. Comp-but no noise or kickback so probably not.
2. Clutch-could be slipping but that sensation would not feel like wheel spin at all.
3. Cush drive-could be
4. Belt-stripped teeth or loose belt could let belt slip on pulley.
5. Stripped front belt pulley

[Chief2505]

I stopped by my local indy tonight and picked his brain a bit. He said they have replace 3 isolators in the past 3 months. He said it is turning into a common repair and it never used to be. He also said that there is a better isolator now available in the aftermarket. He was going to send me the information on that tomorrow.

I also asked him about replacing cams, lifters and tensioners. He said using all S&S parts would be around $1,500. Does that price sound about right?

[Dan_Lockwood]

If the cush drive inserts were totally gone, you still have the lugs in the sprocket and the webs in the wheel, so it would not slip, but actually lock up under load.  If it did slip once, you'd be slipping all the time and it would sound like a machine gun in your rear wheel, in my opinion.

[DCFIREMANN]

There could be a lot going on but I would look into your primary chain tensioner or clutch!!!! A loose primary chain or a slipping clutch could give you exactly what you are feeling. Keep us posted.

Be Safe

THE DAWG

[DCFIREMANN]

If the cush drive inserts were totally gone, you still have the lugs in the sprocket and the webs in the wheel, so it would not slip, but actually lock up under load.  If it did slip once, you'd be slipping all the time and it would sound like a machine gun in your rear wheel, in my opinion.

2013 SE Ultra has no lugs in the sprocket. The sprocket has the isolator mated to it and mated into the custom wheel then the axel bolt holds the complete assembly in place. If the isolator fails you will know it.

Be Safe

THE DAWG

[rigidthumper]

Easy test for the rear pulley isolator- how far does the pulley rotate with the rear tire stationary? If it's less than 1/8", that's near new movement. 1/8-1/4" movement, some normal wear- replace next tire change. Greater than 1/4"- less than 1/2", replace at your convenience.  > 1/2"- replace soon.

[Chief2505]

All good information guys, thanks! I will be doing some checking as soon as I get time and it drops below 90!

[DCFIREMANN]

All good information guys, thanks! I will be doing some checking as soon as I get time and it drops below 90!

Keep cool Chief!!!!! Keep us posted.

Be Safe

THE DAWG

[Chief2505]

Finally got some time Saturday morning to put the bike up on the jack and do some checking on things. and this is what I learned!
1. This thing is filthy after riding in all the rain and really needs some TLC!
2. With the bike in gear I can move the rear wheel 7/8"
3. Trying to move the sprocket while holding the rear wheel gave me less than 1/8" of movement.
4. Could not find any broken or missing teeth on the belt.
5. Wear on the rear pulley seemed to be consistent all the way around and side to side.
6. Belt adjustment was inline according to manual and marks on the guard.
7. That rear wheel is a real B*TCH to clean!

We rode yesterday and I felt the rear wheel slip once coming out of a curve under throttle. Still not sure what is causing this.
I did want to test the clutch so I did a WOT take off and there was no slippage until I hit 2nd gear and then I think my clutch did slip. Maybe that proper tune gave me enough more get up and go to cause this! Never noticed it before.