UPDATED 4/26/ 2018 -HARLEY DAVIDSON 2007 - 2014 COMPENSATOR SPROCKET PROBLEMS

[chief38]

UPDATE:

So today was the day I tore apart the Primary Chain Case to replace the defective Compensator Sprocket. Here are the differences between the older Screamin' Eagle version from 2013 and the new one I installed today.

1) The new one has oil holes in the sprocket to help guide oil into parts like the can and spline shaft where as the old one did not.

2) The new one has a smaller Bolt face that allows oil to enter the holes around it in the front of the Sprocket where as the older one was a solid Hex Not and no lubrication holes were there.

3) It seems that the Circular Springs are a bit heavier than the older version and the Cam is also a bit heavier. Also the new version gets torqued to 175 foot pounds as opposed to 150 on the older version which might keep the Spring plates stiffer.

4) Last but certainly not least, the new kit comes with a very strong plastic insert funnel that gets glued inside of the Primary Cover that is supposed to guide oil into the Sprocket. Apparently, lubrication (or lack of it) is the major cause of the Compensator Sprocket failure along with the weak springs. I sincerely HOPE this version (version #5) has permanently solved Harley's poor design since this is the third Sprocket my Bike has had so far.

So Harley Fans - tomorrow I fill the Primary with new oil (the adhesives have to cure over night) and we'll start riding again. Hopefully this time I will not be disappointed!







I know there are a bunch of Guys here in this Forum that own H-D Ultra and similar model Touring Bikes. I have an Ultra that is a 2008 with 26,000 miles. At 19K (5 years ago) there was an intermittent & horrendous noise coming from the Primary Chain Case when the Bike was started. First I thought it was the Starter but after doing a bit of research, I found out it was the Compensator Sprocket. Apparently the original Compensator was not strong enough to withstand the high torque and routinely failed. Apparently the fix was to install a new Screamin' Eagle heavy duty Compensator and as it usually goes with Harley even though this was happening all over the Country and was a systemic issue, there was no recall (typical H-D style)!

Of course when this occurred my Bike was 5 years old and out of warranty. The Dealer wanted $1,100.00 for the part & labor but I did the job myself in one afternoon saving myself $800 bucks (lots of labor). For a few years the new heavy duty Screamin' Eagle part worked fine and so I sort of forgot about it. When I started my Bike up for the first time this Spring, guess what happened AGAIN? YUP - the Compensator is shot once again!! After doing a little searching and watching some videos, apparently the
heavy duty replacement part I put in was NOT so heavy duty and failed miserably. Not just for me but for almost all that installed it!

There is a video on Youtube by a Harley Dealer explaining the progression of Compensator Sprockets they have developed since 2007 (five I believe) and now they swear they came out with a good one - yea, right! The new part, + the Gasket + the special adhesive kit you have to buy (should be included but if course Harley figured out yet another way to milk the customer) ran me about $500! and that is with doing all the labor myself! If Dealer installed, add another $1,200.00 (current price)!!!
What really pisses me off is EVERY DEALER, EVERY MECHANIC and EVERY Representative at H-D Corporate knows about this systemic problem and has done NOTHING to help out the loyal H-D Owners. There has been and will be NO recall (so they told me) and they have just left it to the owners to pay (and pay DEARY) for their poorly designed part.

Other than this problem, my 2008 Ultra runs perfect but had I not been able to perform the repairs myself this stupid Compensator issue would have cost me about $3,000!! As it is, the parts alone for the two repairs cost me over 1,000!

New parts on their way and HOPEFULLY I will get them in and be back on the road by Sunday. BTW this affects Touring Bikes built between 2007 - 2014. Hopefully the fellas here that do ride have earlier or later years.....

BTW - the BEST replacement part to install is a replacement part made by Baker Transmissions. They built a so called permanent fix part that works so well and is in such high demand they are back ordered for months! Since I will be going on a trip soon, I can not wait until August for the Baker part and if I want to ride I am forced to once again buy a Harley part - HOPEFULLY they actually got it correct this time!! NOT a Happy Camper today!


[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkGQrTt_cRY[/ame]

 

[75Vette]

Have you considered changing over to a belt primary and doing away with the compensator?

 

[muddocktor]

And HD wonders why their sales are down?

 

[ridewv]

I certainly understand your frustration chief. Prior to the 96+ci with its compensator problem there was the 88ci with the tensioner shoe issue and I had both, a 2004 FXDXi and 2009 FLHT. The FXDXi I upgraded to the hydraulic tensioner with new shoes, the FLHT I traded at 26,000 miles on a 2015 RK before the compensator wore out.

At least on both the tensioner and compensator problems Harley came to bat with an upgrade *retrofittable* to the older bikes which is commendable IMO. What's unfortunate is how many years it took and I suppose the price they charge for the upgrade kits. Also in the case of your compensator they really should give a big break on the latest kit to ones like you who bought the first "upgrade fix" that didn't really solve the problem.

But it's not only Harley ALL the manufacturers have issues like this. Way more BMW's that should have, from 2000 all the way up to the 2014 Wetheads, experienced final drive failures and BMW never did come up with a fix, much less one that was upgradable.
I have a 2016 Honda Africa Twin which as it turns out has forks made by Showa that the aluminum outer tubes were not anodized therefore wear out quickly. Showa's position is they made them to what Honda spec'd so it's not their fault. Honda's position is if they wear out within the 12 month warranty they'll replace them, after 12 months it's your problem. Interestingly for 2018 Honda did a mild upgrade to the bike one of which is they anodized the soft aluminum tubes. No retro-fit available.

 

[chief38]

Have you considered changing over to a belt primary and doing away with the compensator?

I don't think that is a possibility here. I have never seen any parts, kits, or options to do this on a H-D Turing Bike. Because of the torque the Compensator is a necessity from what I understand.

The BEST solution is to install a Baker Compensator Sprocket (the Baker supposedly REALLY works) however they are back-ordered for about 3 - 4 months! I would miss out on this seasons riding and miss our annual M/C trip. At 64 I do not want to miss a season! I went with the "new upgraded" H-D Compensator and they say it's a permanent fix - WE'LL SEE I certainly have my doubts! I should have the Kit, Gasket and special adhesive needed by Friday so hopefully I will be back on the road by Sunday. It will take me most of Friday to get it installed.

 

[chief38]

I started writing a letter to the H-D CEO and about half done with it. Even though I am carefully writing it, I sincerely he will ever read it. If nothing else it will make ME feel better!

 

[75Vette]

I don't think that is a possibility here. I have never seen any parts, kits, or options to do this on a H-D Turing Bike. Because of the torque the Compensator is a necessity from what I understand.

The BEST solution is to install a Baker Compensator Sprocket (the Baker supposedly REALLY works) however they are back-ordered for about 3 - 4 months! I would miss out on this seasons riding and miss our annual M/C trip. At 64 I do not want to miss a season! I went with the "new upgraded" H-D Compensator and they say it's a permanent fix - WE'LL SEE I certainly have my doubts! I should have the Kit, Gasket and special adhesive needed by Friday so hopefully I will be back on the road by Sunday. It will take me most of Friday to get it installed.

The belt drive was just a thought. I ran a Primo in my custom bike with a 113" S&S motor. That one was a beast. Talk to a mom & pop shop instead of the dealership. HD isn't about to suggest putting aftermarket parts on their bikes.

 

[bagga]

it would be a small cost saving but i've reused HD primary gaskets many times. i've probably had the primary cover off of my 85 flhtc at least 20 times. i think i have bought 2 gaskets since the original one was tossed.

 

[chief38]

it would be a small cost saving but i've reused HD primary gaskets many times. i've probably had the primary cover off of my 85 flhtc at least 20 times. i think i have bought 2 gaskets since the original one was tossed.

This Gasket can not be reused. It was put on with Permatex after the original kept weeping. After trying two brand new Gaskets (at $40 a shot) I decided to go the Permatex route and that worked like a charm! So the existing Gasket needs to be scraped off and I intend to use Permatex again when installing the new one. The Primary Case is not something I normally open and in fact the last time I opened it was 5 years ago when I installed the last Compensator Sprocket. If this version actually lasts, I doubt I'll be opening up the case any time soon.

 

[chief38]

I pre-read the instructions on the new Compensator installation today and am I glad I did! The new one calls for a T70 Torx (1/2" drive) and that is one size I don't own. I had to scramble around Town and I finally found one. The largest one in my set is a T50. I bought a Gearwrench T70 1/2" drive for $6.95 at Advance Auto but when I returned home just for giggles I looked up the Snap-0n version and it was $52 bucks.

This T70 is HUGE but considering the fact that the bolt has to be fastened to 175 ft lbs. it needs to be.

 

[eb07]

Is this for all harley models?

 

[chief38]

eb07

AFAIK the only models affected are the Touring Bikes and Dyna's made from 2007 - 2014. SUPPOSEDLY, the "fix" (the new compensator I just bought) has been installed since 2014.

If you have one of these models and year and do encounter a problem, if not pressed to get it done fast like me, I'd go with the Baker Compensator which from all I read actually works correctly the first time. Unfortunately for me, there is a 3 month back order.

 

[eb07]

eb07

AFAIK the only models affected are the Touring Bikes and Dyna's made from 2007 - 2014. SUPPOSEDLY, the "fix" (the new compensator I just bought) has been installed since 2014.

If you have one of these models and year and do encounter a problem, if not pressed to get it done fast like me, I'd go with the Baker Compensator which from all I read actually works correctly the first time. Unfortunately for me, there is a 3 month back order.

I have an 08 dyna.... time to research. Thank you sir

 

[chief38]

I have an 08 dyna.... time to research. Thank you sir

Watch the video in my OP.

 

[Rastoff]

And HD wonders why their sales are down?

That's not why sales are down. Harleys have always had maintenance issues.

I have a 2006 Ultra with 39K on it. The cam tensioner is due. I'll either need to pay $1K for the dealer to do it or spend $500 in parts and fix it myself. I can do that, but it's a lot of work and if I don't get the push rods adjusted properly I can damage the heads.

Anyone want a Harley?

 

[chief38]

That's not why sales are down. Harleys have always had maintenance issues.

I have a 2006 Ultra with 39K on it. The cam tensioner is due. I'll either need to pay $1K for the dealer to do it or spend $500 in parts and fix it myself. I can do that, but it's a lot of work and if I don't get the push rods adjusted properly I can damage the heads.

Anyone want a Harley?

Rastoff:

I agree somewhat. H-D sales are down primarily because they BOOM buying that occurred in the early 2,000's is over! The Baby Boomers got their Harley and riding out of their systems and are now selling them. There are a plethora of used Harley's for the taking and Indian Motorcycle Co. has really introduced a new look to Biking. Not only are the Indians good lookers but they perform very well, are high quality, well built bike and stand out in the crowd. Since Indian was bought by Polaris a few years ago, they make their own motors now and they are GREAT! The Indian 6 speed tranny's are also very smooth and reliable. H-D finally has a viable competitor built in America!

Couple that with what Harley has done to retail prices, removed gobs of what use to be standard chrome and made undesirable colors (personal opinion of course) you have a recipe for disaster. The younger generation does NOT have the same lust for a Harley as the Boomer's did and the few that do imply can't afford to shell out the BIG bucks.

I have a 2008 two tone Ultra Classic that I paid about $30K including tax for. I probably added another 5K in accessories & electronics and have dropped at least another 5K in repairs and maintenance. Add in another $500.00 per year (10 years) for the insurance and one can see I've got well over $45,000 in her at this point!

Last but not least........ as all of us Rider's already know, they're not exactly the safest mode of transportation with all the crazy drivers on the road! Many are simply scared off!

Hence - yes H-D is in trouble. If it were not for their over seas sales, they would be in serious Do Do. Over Seas sales are keeping their engines running.

You would THINK being in the shape they are they would DO THE RIGHT THING for their loyal following to brag about - but in true Harley fashion, once again we get stuck with their mistakes.

 

[chief38]

PS: There are only TWO reasons I have so far not purchased an Indian. First off is that their seats are NOT adjustable and they do NOT have a so called Tall Boy seat that will fit on their Touring Bike. The OEM seat is just too forward for me.

The second and more important reason is that their Dealer Network is STILL very lacking! I know of only one Dealer within 150 miles of my home and he carries mostly Japanese Rice Rocket styles. The Indians are more of an after thought to them. They stock few accessories, few parts, and their staff knows little about Indians. As of now I know of NO Dealers that are "stand alone" Indian Dealers.

If I were to ride strictly around town that would not be as important, however I go on many road trips all over and on a Harley you are never more than 50 miles from a full service authorized Dealer that stocks parts, accessories and works EXCLUSIVELY on Harley's. When you ride cross country that is VERY VERY IMPORTANT to me! Indian still has a ways to go to match the Dealer Network thing!

 

[eb07]

Millennial don't ride bikes.... most cannot even afford them.... hence the switch to cheaper bikes like the Streets and the expansion of the sportster line and the overseas push.

That being said, I rode metric bikes my whole life. Both dirt and street. Got my first harley a couple years ago an 08 streetbob and have been happy with it. I tinker so I don't go to dealers for service. I like it. More comfortable. Looks good too. I dont like the heat issues in summer, the constant vibration and having to check things and tighten constantly and the cost of parts.... but oh well. It will be my bike for a very long time. I am a solo rider and I do not like to ride in groups.... I am also blessed to have access to friends who work out at the Yucca Harley Testing facility who I can brain pick in a pinch.

I appreciate the link I will keep an eye on it and look into the baker. I'm in no hurry as there is no issue now.



Ride safe!

 

[chief38]

Millennial don't ride bikes.... most cannot even afford them.... hence the switch to cheaper bikes like the Streets and the expansion of the sportster line and the overseas push.

That being said, I rode metric bikes my whole life. Both dirt and street. Got my first harley a couple years ago an 08 streetbob and have been happy with it. I tinker so I don't go to dealers for service. I like it. More comfortable. Looks good too. I dont like the heat issues in summer, the constant vibration and having to check things and tighten constantly and the cost of parts.... but oh well. It will be my bike for a very long time. I am a solo rider and I do not like to ride in groups.... I am also blessed to have access to friends who work out at the Yucca Harley Testing facility who I can brain pick in a pinch.

I appreciate the link I will keep an eye on it and look into the baker. I'm in no hurry as there is no issue now.



Ride safe!

eb07

A few things to do to alleviate the heat issue......

1) Amsoil 20W50 Oil will drop the engine temps about 10ºF with better lubrication and less friction. Proven to me on my installed Oil Temp. Gauge.

2) Install a Vance and Hynes Fuel Management system along with a free flowing air box and pipes without as many baffles. Does NOT have to be obnoxiously loud either! You can richen the fuel mixture which in turn will cool the Bike.

3) There is a Company that makes EXCELLENT Heat Shields (much better than harley's version) and is owned by a Vet. He is very accommodating and is products are FANTASTIC! Click on page 1 below (link). I've had them installed for 8 years and highly reco. them!

New Page 1

Chief38

 

[eb07]

eb07

A few things to do to alleviate the heat issue......

1) Amsoil 20W50 Oil will drop the engine temps about 10ºF with better lubrication and less friction. Proven to me on my installed Oil Temp. Gauge.

2) Install a Vance and Hynes Fuel Management system along with a free flowing air box and pipes without as many baffles. Does NOT have to be obnoxiously loud either! You can richen the fuel mixture which in turn will cool the Bike.

3) There is a Company that makes EXCELLENT Heat Shields (much better than harley's version) and is owned by a Vet. He is very accommodating and is products are FANTASTIC! Click on page 1 below (link). I've had them installed for 8 years and highly reco. them!

New Page 1

Chief38

Already have the pipes and air cleaner.....

Dobeck TFI
Big Sucker
Thunderhead 2 into 1 with aftermarket heat shields

Remember it gets 110-118 here in summer