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Primary chain adjustment

  • Kato
    Kato
    4 years ago
    I have a 2003 Fatboy 
    i wanted to check the primary chain adjustment and a i have the Service Manual 
    I removed the inspection port / 4 screws to remove the inspection  cover .
    I can see the primary chain etc and the HD Manual says to haev 15-20 mm of freeplay when the engine's cold 
    i can move  the chain up and down etc but theres no way i can "check" that there is the specified movement of 15-20 mm (Like you cannot measure it very accurately at all) 

    Anyone got any ideas at all on how one can check the movement in this chain at all 

    thanks in advance 
  • brucefxdl
    brucefxdl
    4 years ago
    you try cutting a strip of cardboard 20mm wide and mark 15-20mm ,then insert it in the inspection hole and move the chain with screw driver.
  • Far Canal
    Far Canal
    4 years ago
    I use a Stihl chainsaw/brushcutter spark plug wrench. It it the perfect shape to fit inside the inspection hole. You can use a permanent texta to mark the amount of free play you should be getting. Use the top lip of the inspection hole as a reference to the texta marks. No doubt there would be many different items you could use to do the check, just like Bruce's way.


    DSCF7993.JPG
  • brucefxdl
    brucefxdl
    4 years ago
    Quoting Far Canal on 12 Apr 2020 07:44 AMedited: 12 Apr 2020 07:45 AM

    I use a Stihl chainsaw/brushcutter spark plug wrench. It it the perfect shape to fit inside the inspection hole. You can use a permanent texta to mark the amount of free play you should be getting. Use the top lip of the inspection hole as a reference to the texta marks. No doubt there would be many different items you could use to do the check, just like Bruce's way.


    DSCF7993.JPG
    thats the go,wont go soggy with oil on it and be rigid.
  • Kato
    Kato
    4 years ago
    Thanks for the prompt replies 
    I saw a guy on You Tube using a steel ruler pushing up on the chain and using the side of the Primary engine case as a "fixed point" to measure against - looked pretty easy ( as does your suggestions here i might add. 
    Ive done 80 000 Kms on the motor so does anyone here find that they have to adjust their primary chain very often at all ??- like do you find yours wears much ??

    regards 

  • Far Canal
    Far Canal
    4 years ago
    I'm not sure about the 03 models, but my 08 softail (maybe 70,000ks) has one of the automatic primary chain tensioners and it has never needed an adjustment. I have heard of the tensioners cranking up too tight though and causing damage if you have a a real hot rod engine and ride it like a bat out of hell. Either way I reckon you are on the right track trying to see where yours is at.
  • beaglebasher
    beaglebasher
    4 years ago
    I have an 02 fatboy and had the primary case off the other week to fix an oil leak. 
    I had a bit of a look around and there was minimal wear on the plastic tensioner. 
    The play in the chain was getting towards the  upper tolerance but still within  limits so I  just left it.
    Manual tensioning system with  50K on the bike. 
  • Kato
    Kato
    4 years ago
    Quoting beaglebasher on 12 Apr 2020 11:43 AM

    I have an 02 fatboy and had the primary case off the other week to fix an oil leak. 

    I had a bit of a look around and there was minimal wear on the plastic tensioner. 
    The play in the chain was getting towards the  upper tolerance but still within  limits so I  just left it.
    Manual tensioning system with  50K on the bike. 

    Many thanks F Canal and B Basher ……………….nice names LOL


  • steelo
    steelo
    4 years ago
    Late last year 2003 1450 deuce at 110k had the primary chain and everything checked at fearless.  Tensioner and chain AAC so not touched. Cam chain tensioners on other hand rooted and replaced. 

    IMG_4086 (Small).JPG
  • Kato
    Kato
    4 years ago
    Quoting steelo on 12 Apr 2020 12:19 PM

    Late last year 2003 1450 deuce at 110k had the primary chain and everything checked at fearless.  Tensioner and chain AAC so not touched. Cam chain tensioners on other hand rooted and replaced. 

    IMG_4086 (Small).JPG

    if my memory serves me correctly i recall you buying that bike second hand from somewhere ????? NT ?????

    I too have had those concerns re the cam chain tensioners so

    - i look at em regularly (every service )

    - the one at the rear of the cam chest / plate is hard to see though

    - having gear driven cams seems the way to go but i was quoted $2500-00 4 years ago to upgrade

    - the wear on mine thus far is VERY minimal i must say though (Maybe that's good luck though)

    - you got yours JUST IN TIME it appears

    Thanks for the helpful reminder though

    What was the cost to replace yours and did you simply swap back to the original ones ( I think i will when time comes i must say

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