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[hornhonker]

Maybe we all need to switch to those S&S Easy start cams ?

[Keats]

A worn and loose compensator (loose meaning the compensator spring tension) can cause the motor to be out of time when starting.  A worn stock compensator could cause this issue.

You can learn something everyday.

I was totally unaware that the compensator had anything to do with engine timing.

Is there a position sensor?

OK, I just do not understand.

[sadunbar]

You can learn something everyday.

I was totally unaware that the compensator had anything to do with engine timing.

Is there a position sensor?

OK, I just do not understand.

Not a literal physical timing change, Keats, but the same difference.  Perhaps a poor choice of words. 

When cranking, the starter is turning over the motor via the drive chain.  If the compensator has weakened springs and bottoms when cranking, (most likely to happen when the motor is hot) when the plug fires, it can momentarily drive the motor in reverse - until the compensator bottoms on the other side of travel, causing the spitting out the throttle body.

Do a google search "harley kick back compensator" and you'll find pages of threads from many forums describing how a SE compensator corrected this issue.

[woode]

Hey Ed

Just to be sure the ACRs are actually working, Can you take a compression test with a screw in gauge?
Cranking presure should be in the 125-150 range with the ACRs working. Around 180+ if not. This test will tell us a lot.

Steve

Steve, I'll see if someone can do it for me and I'll report back.

[FNGw/08SERK]

I had a similar problem on my 09 SERG and the SE Comp was the fix. FWIW. Good Luck

[Keats]

Not a literal physical timing change, Keats, but the same difference.  Perhaps a poor choice of words. 

When cranking, the starter is turning over the motor via the drive chain.  If the compensator has weakened springs and bottoms when cranking, (most likely to happen when the motor is hot) when the plug fires, it can momentarily drive the motor in reverse - until the compensator bottoms on the other side of travel, causing the spitting out the throttle body.

Do a google search "harley kick back compensator" and you'll find pages of threads from many forums describing how a SE compensator corrected this issue.

Ok, I think I understand now,

starter drives primary chain which drives compensator, which drives crank. (would not be an issue if starter drove crank directly)
since compensator's job is to isolate crank from drive line shock,
the compensator and chain slack absorbs starter energy which slows engine rotation which can allow kick back.

Now I understand

[sadunbar]

Ok, I think I understand now,

starter drives primary chain which drives compensator, which drives crank. (would not be an issue if starter drove crank directly)
since compensator's job is to isolate crank from drive line shock,
the compensator and chain slack absorbs starter energy which slows engine rotation which can allow kick back.

Now I understand

 

[60FLH]

You might check the lines in the gas tank for pinholes, it can cause this.

[muddypaws]

I had some of the similar problems and the 2011 compensator fixed everything.

[woode]

Another question for all of you smart people...

Whether the problem is the compensator, starter, ACRs, whatever - what is the worst case outcome if I am unable to fix it right away?  Am I damaging the engine or any other component by continuing to use it as it is?  Is there a safety issue?

Thanks,

Ed

[sadunbar]

Another question for all of you smart people...

Whether the problem is the compensator, starter, ACRs, whatever - what is the worst case outcome if I am unable to fix it right away?  Am I damaging the engine or any other component by continuing to use it as it is?  Is there a safety issue?

Thanks,

Ed

There's no safety issue.  But it's not doing your starter or ring gear any good.  It would be best to get it resolved sooner rather than later...

[digga25]

I wonder if you might have a bad acr, in the video you can hear the acr's enable but if one is bad this may cause the backfire thru the tb.

[woode]

I wonder if you might have a bad acr, in the video you can hear the acr's enable but if one is bad this may cause the backfire thru the tb.

OK, I've been chatting back and forth about acr's as if I know what they are (I don't), and now you tell me that you can hear them.  I only know that they are enabled, because I clicked the check box in TTS.  Please educate me!  What am I listening for?

[muddypaws]

Before my compensator was replaced it screwed up the starter and ring gear and clutch bearing. Mine was covered by the dealer. I would not wait.

[BryantH]

I recently had my compensator replaced with a SE version and it make my 09 SERG run much better as well as start better. My dealer would not cover it as they said nothing was broken, so I had to pay out of pocket.

Glad I got it done though as I take extended trips when I ride and had several hard starting conditions along the way.