For general info regarding the above Compensator.
December last year i had issues with my stock compensator on my 09 FXST and made the decision to purchase and install the newer Compensator, the SE 40274-08A. This compensator although appearing better design wise, was still experiencing issues and anybody who has followed the Compensator threads on the American HTT site will know what I mean, in essence vital contact/running surfaces were not recieving lub oil, and it is documented that some Compensators were Chernobylining before 1.200 miles.
After viewing and researching this subject for a while I implemented a few modifications that I thought would be benificial, I did not implement the same engineering feats that others had like catchment trays and refined machining of components, only because I beleive in small steps at a time when in new territory.
I initially pulled down the remoded Compensator after 940 kms for its first visual inspection with good results and have just completed the last pull down and visual inspection after some 8,000 klms, a worthy test period with plenty of diverse riding, ie commuting through slow Perth traffic and some very good in country runs. to say that I am happy with the results is an understatement.
The photo's should show that I drilled the Sprocket Retainer with angled flutes, the angle is to catch oil mist or vapour droplets to lubricte the Sprocket retainer to actual sprocket bore surfaces, must be working.
The other mod I polished out the contact surfaces of the Compensating Sprocket spokes and the Sliding Cam ramps, this is the main working area of the Compensator and is subject to harsh forces. I also added about 200 mls more to the primary oil level and used a mineral 15W40 oil. This one area of the Harley that the oil must be right as on one hand we have the need for a gear oil and also a delicate oil for the clutch. Hard to get it right.
I would also mention that the majority of the Compensator issues appear to be with the heavier Tourers, but there appears to be plenty of the lighter sled experiencing Compensator issues, I first noticed a real "clunk" on start up and then step into first gear, de-accelerting when rolling along.
Anyway if anybody can gleen some thing from this thread all well and good.
Paul
Just fitted the new SE compensator to my 2007 Dyna. I have had noisey start up from new and intermitent hot start problems. Stealer told me it was the nature of the beast. As I don't ride the bike much I put up with the problem. However it was slowly getting worse. Bike only has 15000km on it. Finally bit the bullet and went to Stealer to buy the SE compensator kit. When I get there the stealer tells me that the kit is now sold in two parts, the compensator assembly and the rotor for the stator, and by the way the the parts now cost $150 more than the original kit. This kit is now standard on 2014 models! After a few choice words with the stealer he gave me a 20% discount on the price. Pretty rich considering Harley have been aware of the problem and should have been fixed on a recall. Went home and installed the kit. I would strongly recommend following the supplied instructions and removing inner primary to replace the rotor. Yes I know that people say you can grind out inner case, but when I looked at mine I would have had to remove a fair amount of the inner case to gain clearance for rotor removal. I'm no trained mechanic but I had the inner primary off in less than an hour. Hardest bit is undoing the starter bolts. After changing everything over and putting it all back together I was pleasantly suprised when I started it up. No more noise. Started first time and very quiet. A huge difference from before. Just have to wait for some fine weather to go for a ride and see how it goes on a hot start. Fingers crossed all signs look good.
