DOC HARLEY: PRIMARY CHAIN ADJUSTER UPDATES
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- Опубликовано: 15 янв 2020
- Doc Harley from the Service Clinic at Low Country Harley-Davidson to help you with the health of your motorcycle! This week he talks about inner primary adjusting mechanisms and how they've evolved.
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Doc Harley is a motorcycle technician at Low Country Harley-Davidson with over thirty years working on motorcycles. Over the years at the dealership he has worked on Harley-Davidson, Buell, and Triumph motorcycles with a few other brands here and there from trade-ins. There are thousands of how-to videos out on RUclips and other websites across the world. Doc’s goal is to help solve problems that people run into when using their service manual, share insights only found as a certified Harley® technician, and some of the tips he’s picked up over the years.
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So Doc mentions the Achilles heel being the fact that the design doesn't do well when "your motor makes more horsepower than the factory design". YET, this same design has been used in several interations of motors each with different horsepower. So either it can or it can't handle the horsepower whether it's a Stage 2 103 or a 107, or a 114.
Thanks for sharing your black and white view….Doc
I threw my stock 2010 Street Glide auto tensioner in the garbage where it belongs. My chain was way too tight and the primary was wining big time (bike only has 3,700 miles. I installed a hydraulic SO Hot Bikes HB125-07 Primary Chain Tensioner for Big Twins and wow what a difference. No more wining and the bike shifts and drives amazing now.
Excellent tip about the flashlight and screwdriver because everyone gets a little throttle happy once in a while.
That dont work if you have the hydraulic clutch, no room to get the screwdriver in through the derby cover.
How would I slide the screwdriver kinda confused
Glad to see harley has an automatic adjuster for pre 2006 bikes.
Thanks doc ... history, mechanics, part numbers, you hit on all of it. Much appreciated
Thanks for the video! Your time and effort is appreciated.
Owned Evo, Twin Cam, both old and new. Tried different chain adjusters. Despite the downside of the Harley one, it's as good as anything. Just maintain it if you ride it.
Buy a factory manual and get the right tools...and watch Doc and others with the help here.
Thanks for the info on this auto primary chain adjuster. I've used the screwdriver trick many times. Although I agree snapping the throttle will tighten the primary chain with this adjuster, I also found out that pulling a long mountain grade will also cause a tight chain. One of the best things I ever did to my 2007 FLHTCU was to install a Braker Drivetrain compensator and the manual Attitude primary chain adjuster. It eliminates the false over-tightening once and for all, along with smoothing out the dreaded primary chain snatch at startup.
yep...did the baker install on '12 ultra as well during the bump up to a 110 w/cam and inner bearing work...to include a SE compensator....the new comp is way too noisy...clack clack clack, now going to install a man o war comp...anyway, baker manual chain tensionser is thumbs up!
That is one of the things I really like about my sportster 1200. The chain is a manual adjustment only. I have over 24k on my bike and I have only had to adjust my primary chain once.
Thanks Doc! I had a 2004 Fatboy as my first Harley and I learnt a lot on that bike as far as maintaining a Harley and I would regularly check my primary chain tension, when doing oil changes ect. But I sold that bike a few months back and I bought myself a much lower kms Fatboy this time a 2009 model. When I did my first oil change and service on the new bike I noticed there was no inspection plate on the primary side like my 04. Now I know why! Thanks again Doc, and keep the videos coming. I have learnt so much and gained so much more confidence from watching your videos. Jason. Queensland Australia 🇦🇺
This is the only part on my 06 Dyna that I consistently worry about. Going to the Southern Oregon Hot Bikes unit next time I crack open the primary. They are local to me and I've heard great things.
Thank you so much for this video. This helped me understand my primary so much better. And put my mind at ease about worrying if it needed adjustment or not.
On my 2008 FXDC the automatic adjuster was over tightening my primary chain so much that the splines on my clutch hub broke off. I switch it out to a manual adjuster and have not had that problem since.
Thanks Doc... you always break it down... so even us carpenters can understand.
2019 Road King….. main shaft bearings on the trans toasted and trans had to be completely rebuilt due to that stock adjuster. Pulled the stock adjuster and installed a new baker attitude adjuster….problem solved.
This is the best explanation I have seen !!! 10 PLUS !!!!
Thanks for the video. I appreciate you for taking the time to make these videos for us. I'm working on my 2012 Heritage and this is definitely helpful.
My stock 96 broke the tranny main shaft with this auto chain tightener in my first 20K. When I had to have the transmission repaired a second time I took it out and put in a manual adjuster. This is not a hot rod, just a commuter.
I love hearing that a young man bought that Road King. 👍
Always great content, informative, and to the point.
Great information! I used aftermarket hydraulic chain tensioners on both of my Evo primary chains and was totally happy with the results. Did my research, then purchased them from Southern Oregon Hot Bikes part #HB-125.
Have an 06 softail has the manual chain tension easy to check 🤙🇺🇸
Old school Rules....Doc
One of the best Harley service channels out there.
Brilliant. Thanks for the instruction Doc.
Didnt really cross my mind but i love learning all i can from one of the best HD techs out there.
Thanks Doc, you just made myself adjustment day, Great Again.
Excellent video and thorough explanation on everything, including why the automatic tensioners can get too tight. Thank you!
Well explained procedure...
Thanks Doc!!
Great video...many thanks for all the helpful info! 👍
Simply fascinating info Doc....Many Thanks!
Been thinking I should check my primary chain on my '04 Fat Boy and this shows up. Talk about timing !
Thanks, I love your videos.
Do you ever come to the UK, I want you to service my road king. Top Man
Thank you very much Sir for the video. The teaching manner you have is very rare. Thank you very much.
Thanks, this is great information for the few of us with stock bikes. So much chatter about how the automatic adjuster causes problems and this video adds much needed context to the conversation.
Thanks for tuning in Chuck👍…..Doc
Perfect explanation. Thanks
Love all these videos, so many useful things to see.
Glad you like them…..Doc
Great Information! Thanks DOC
I see @4:18 you got Mechanics finger complete with oily bandage LOVE IT !
Interesting vid, doc. Stock adjuster on my 98 Ultra works fine and easy to check.
Like Chad, below, I love learning and seeing these parts. Now I can have an intelligent conversation with a tech if I need to. Thank you!
Great video-not sure why my 06 FLHRCI has the earlier manual adjuster fitted, a friday afternoon bike perhaps. Judging by some other problems I've had,probably!
Thank you Doc!
Great video Doc, I have that same screwdriver, hundred different uses
Awesome job on the video. Many thanks Doc.
Thanks for watching Mike...Doc
Excellent lesson ..thank you
Thank you for spending your time watching and comenting...Doc
Thanks Doc!
Gold, now I can at least check my primary slack or lack of...thanks.
Bingo !! Thank you. !!
thank you for the info, my 2011 street glide has 55k and I am planning another trip to Sturgis from Portland, Oregon I am guessing 3000 miles total or so and I will be taking my bike to the local dealer to do a service on it.
doc thank you so much for sharing your expertise, appreciate so much your technical advise am an avid follower i have a street 500
Fabulous - thank you!
You are so welcome!..Doc
Hi Doc. Does the same hold true for the 2019 FLHC-107...I have herd a lot of night mares about the chain adjusters on the cam side and the primary side...
Yes talking about the automatic primary chain adjusters. Be careful how you ride actually you know as well as I do they get entirely too tight. They’re hard on the transmission the bearings everything on that side with them things get so Tight. Better to be a little loose than that tight. It was nice on the older boys we had a little cover to take off a couple minutes and you’re on your way. Now compensators bearings very hard on them. They should have a hydraulic set up for something. But they keep taking shit off . Even better would be is to make it a gear drive. You know like there’s other people. Yeah no chain to worry about. I know that slapping around none of that over tightening just a couple Carrier sprockets. That would be a nice set up strong to if it’s done right. My opinion enjoy your show
I wish you were an engineer up at Harley-Davidson...Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Hey doc I enjoy your videos wasn’t trying to be a smart ass I hope you didn’t take me that way but I had to take mine off the new Harley self adjusting. Messed everything all up. Seems to me it wouldn’t be all that big of a deal to make that a gear drive. I guess they call that a wear Item. Love my Harley I’m sure you seen a lot of what I’m talking about. I hope they got those lifters straightened out. Damn outsourcing
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson God bless you and God bless America.
nice to see a shovel being worked on.....40 yrs to upgrade , why change a good idea👍
My thoughts exactly….Doc
Thank you🙏 from the Netherlands 🇳🇱
Doc a guy called Hayden came out with one in 1980s uses double coils works fabulous I have 88 lowrider with one for 75 grand and good as day one
Great video. The internet seems to magnify problems. From some channels you’d think the stock auto tensioner trashes everyone’s transmission bearings in 20,000 miles.
No, "the internet" does NOT magnify the problem, on the contrary.
The internet simply brings that problem to light.
I've been thinking the same thing, sounds like you need to rebuild your bike every week or it will explode. I find doing routine maintenance and not riding like an idiot will avoid a lot of the problems people complain about.
Super video.
Great explanation, is it the same on a Street bob 114? I noticed yours is a chain, and mine is a belt.
Another wonderful and very informative video. Thanks to both Doc Harkey and to Low Country Harley. Keep them coming. Oh, can you make a video about the oil transfer. I have seen the Harley solution and the aftermarket fix. I want to see which fix I will do on my bike.
Hi Jose, hope this video helps- ruclips.net/video/QolhZGpFULQb/видео.html
Great video Doc has it going on....:)
you say they changed in 06, was it late 06? I have an 06 ultra, it still has the inspection cover and the manual gives you instructions on adjusting. Haven't taken it apart to check, but its in the plans. Need to pull primary to change drive belt(53k miles on her), shifter shaft seal, and shifter arm. May have to look into the retro fit upgrade.
Doc, what's your opinion about the hydraulic tensioners?
I couldn't find water pump on my 03' fxdx, but I did replace the primary chain adjuster with 06' Auto-adjuster an now every once in a while it slammed gears on startup. I've asked an told it's new auto adjuster slamming, Go back to manual adjustment! What do you think about this auto adjuster an starting slamming?
How wood one you just yourself like the old style would work in my 13 Limited
I'm having starter banging clunking noise from auto adjuster too tight! I'm going back to manual, investigating what brand best?
Another Great Video... Thx...
Thank you for watching....Doc
Hey doc.. I’m Farely new rider got my 2008 ultra back 1 1/2 years ago and have a question.. when I go to start my bike people have said it grinds as I start it and I should have it looked at.. had a mechanic come out at Harley and listened to it.. he heard what my friends were talking about and said he had an ultra that did this and never figured out the problem.. it starts fine but he did say it may be the chain tensioner may be loose reason why I’m listening to this video and want to know your opinion on it.. when I first got my bike the guy I bought it from had a stripped ring gear.. I replaced it and then that one stripped I caught it quickly and put on a new one back on again and rebuild starter thinking it was the starter and has been fine but what would make the starting part grind as it starts.. not sure if you have a way for me to send you a sample video.. but I’m at a loss.. thanks!
You have not supplied much info about your bike. Mileage, modifications,services, age of battery and more. A part that is overlooked until it makes noise is the motor compensator. When this wears it lags behind the starter dragging the motor along. The difference between these two not working together makes a grinding noise. Without having your bike it is one of the things to check….Doc
Great video
Like the screwdriver trick👍🏻
Although I run a Baker.
Wow, a Baker
great video
The Doc is always on call and on point. Ha!
Thanks….Doc
another great video. didn't realize my 2004 FXDWG had an adjustable primary tensioner. going to check it this weekend. thanks again.
Only recently discovered you Doc am really enjoying your tech videos. I don't own a Harley but if I did I'd certainly want you working on it. I'd really like to hear your thoughts on Rekluse clutches, if you haven't already covered it?
Fine for stock riding but if you're into performance upgrades I don't recommend it.
Can you provide any insight into the newest version? The 39929-06C. I notice the ramp that was metal on the A and B version is now polymer like the shoe on version C. Is this strictly a cost cutting measure per usual from Harley or do you think the teeth being plastic will shear if the belt becomes overly tight by the ratcheting? Thank you
Yes! Thank you Doc. Never heard any recommend checking the slack through the derby cover. Going to do that soon. Is the old building still a deli? Always liked that place.
Yes, the old building is still a deli. Lots of great memories in that place. Thanks ~ Doc
Thanks
There is a newer version of this tensioner now, 39929-06C. Could you check this one out and tell us the difference? Appreciate the great videos, you're the BEST!
So this is why I can't find information on adjusting the primary chain on my '14 fxdf 103" Thanks!
Great Video, and happy I found your Channel 👍...I don’t know if you will see this? I have a 2006 Road King (ex Police Bike) Mine has a Manual Adjuster... Thoughts? Also when shopping for parts, and I scroll through the Model Selection... It always has an option for the Road King Police... What’s the difference between the normal Road King and the Police Model ? 🤔🛵
When did the b version of the tensioner come out?
Doc. Thanks again for the educational opportunity to learn from a few ago till today. Keep up the great work. Any chance of a video on converting an 04 XLR from normal turn signals to an LED turn signal?
Check out Custom Dynamics. Call the techs over there for your model bike. They have wafer thin LEDS that fit in your turn signal housing. You might need a load equalizer for your model. I have a 09 FLHX and changed mine and the rear brake light to a rope style that pulses. Boy do people back off your tail when slowing down. Shiney side up
The B was the third automatic tensioner if I understand correctly? The A was the second, and is the one installed in my 2009. From what I hear, the B tensioner should solve most problems. Still not sure I feel reassured since Doc here mentioned the aggressive throttle getting a to tight chain. Oh, and the chain TIGHTENS when the bike gets warm. Which means I have a hard time starting my 2009 again after filling gas... (Also seems plausible this tensioner of mine might be why it sounds like the compensator is on it's last legs. Haven't opened it up to check yet, will when I get a new tensioner. )
Got a 2019 breakout every know and again after ride and stop and re start revs high around 16 17 some times come back to normal but not always not until be stop for a while not sure what’s going on
Hi i recently had to change the Teflon tensioning foot for the third time. while checking i discovered that at 5/8's cold on the tight spot it is approximately 9/16 difference from tight to loose. i have 1 1/8 on the loose spot.
It is time to disassemble and examine all parts. 1 1/8” is too loose. You did not mention year, model or mileage. The worst scenario is your flywheels have scissored. Put a dial indicator on the sprocket shaft. Then check clutch and primary bearings and Transmission main shaft…..Doc
I have heard lots of complaints about the auto tensioner problem and many recommend aftermarket brands. I as of yet haven't had a problem. I am not looking forward to researching which one to use. I guess the mileage when it goes down will be a factor. I change the big 3 every 3000 miles. I also hear about issues with the compensator too
:^( ~ this is going to get expensive fast!
Just a suggestion, quit reading and more riding....Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson
Oh, GREAT recommendation!
Bury your head in the sand?
GOOD ONE!
Nothing to see here........
I Love your channel Doc, I have picked up so many Tips and Tricks, Your the Man! I would like to hear what you think about Hydraulic Tensioners? I’ve had the Stage V Tire Shredder Kit installed and I Love playing with all that extra power! I will check with long screwdriver!
Hydraulic Tensioners are a great idea but the units need oil pressure to work properly.
Low Country Harley-Davidson I thought it just sat in oil, like an oil bath, what would you recommend? Thanks
My 08 road king primary chain was so tight, it tore up my starter. Had the starter rebuilt, and took out the junk oem tensioner and put in a hayden. Now my bike runs quieter, and goes in gear without a loud clunk, and its easier to find nuetral. Was a cinch to do.
I have the same motorcycle and also switched to a Haden M6 but I have a feeeling the chain is too tight. Had the pirmary cover off and the shoe is wearing out quick. Bought a new shoe and when I replace it I'm gonna remove the smaller inner spring and see/hear if that helps.
@@SuperdogRW713
Why do you "feel" the chain is too tight? If the chain was adjusted properly with your Hayden, the ONLY issue you may have is becoming loose after MANY miles. Manual adjusting tensioners will NOT make your chain tighter with use, only the auto tensioner will do that.
@@williamolson3704 My mechanic was in there a couple of weeks ago and he said the chain is fine, so I'll stop worrying about it. There are no adjustments with the Hayden except with the shims and no shims needed. Won't do an automatic being solid primary cover.
Thanks.
@@SuperdogRW713
Symptoms of a loose primary chain would be;
(1) slack in your driveline, like the worn gears in a differential. A loose drive belt/chain in your secondary may be the culprit also.
(2) worse case scenario, your chain is so loose that it is hitting the inside of your primary case.
A loose primary chain is attributed mostly (IMO) to chain wear and possible wear of relative components.
I believe it's recommended to check for loose primary chain about every 10,000 miles. But in most cases, probably not an issues.
@@williamolson3704 Lots of slop in the drivetrain and my guy is gonna replace the H-D compensator for something better like a "Man 'O War"
This is so topical for me right now. I was just wondering about these the other day!! I was looking at the online catalog for SE options and this was there. So, for my stock but stage one 04 Softail...Hope you can answer:
1. Is there much threat of the ratchet up issue on mine with the auto-tensioner? I’m middle of the road or less on aggressive throttle. Again, Stage-One, TC88B which is otherwise bone stock.
2. In two years, with only 11,000 miles still on the bike, I need PC Chain tightening every service. Is this typical?
Thanks so much for your videos, I really enjoy and learn from them every time.
Check your primary chain for a complete month, if it's always too tight consider the manual adjuster.
I am very surprised Dr Harley works on old Harleys 👍😎
My dealership won’t tell me so do you know if this part number will fit my 2002 Harley software Standard?
Doc.. you the Man.😷
I think instead of buying a manual adjuster to replace these, a lighter spring in that wedge might help.. these things make the slack “banjo tight,” as Kevin would say
HI doc can you do a video on the auxiliary switches on a 2014 street glide special Left side and right side The Harley instructions are very vague Maybe you can shut some light on this
Thanks for the info, how much were is to much? the book says any were is to much... 2013 103 Electra Glide... thanks!
Hi Doc, great video as always..I have a 2022 114 Street Bob and have a whining noise from primary. I have been 'giving it some gas' since new and have 4,600 miles on it. I cant get or even see the chain through the derby so I am going to take Primary cover off and reset adjuster. If it is too tight do I need to set chain tension manually before I ride or will the adjuster ratchet up straight away? I dont want it slapping about until it has become correct...hope your well and thanks for all your great videos.
Manually adjust it to the proper deflection….Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson thanks Doc..
The primary on my 2013 Fatboy Lo seems to be loud inside of there. I think I need to check it.
If is goes away with clutch pulled in it is likely your inner primary bearing (& maybe the race as well)
I want Doc working on my bike!
soooo My dyna street bob is an 09. I have the factory service manual. It doesnt show any service interval on the primary chain adjuster. [or I didnt see it since I was looking for something else] I bought her used with only 12K miles on the clock. I actually ride it [daily] Im already at 20K miles. Its basically stock and its transportation I dont race it or ride it like I stole it. When or rather if I should be concerned about that primary chain adjuster? I change all fluids monthly because its cheap insurance and see no metal or nylon in the fluid when drained. Bike is stock EXCEPT for a gear drive and cams, pipes and a remap. Like I said its transportation and ridden as such.
Great video, I have been looking at a manual tensioner like the SE manual and others.
I see lots of compliments about the SE manual primary chain tensioner AND others. To the point of people removing them shortly after install.
Why are the manual tensioners more noisy and what if anything can help quiet them down?
I know it's also a subjective thing but there are too many online posts about manuals being very loud.
Looking forward to your thoughts Doc.
Keep up the great videos!
When owners are use to the whine(sound) of the auto-tensioner and switch to the manual, most fail to find the "tight" link when adjusting the slack. So what started as a comfortable measurment for expansion in the primary is now way to much.
even with my auto-tensioner I have started using the New HD gear oil for primarys and this has improved the sound...Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson when you say "way too much, are you indicating that they wrongly adjust a loose spot and therefore the primary chain is over tight in some areas and thus wines and makes excessive noise?
did the baker manual chain tensioner install on '12 ultra as well during the bump up to a 110 big bore kit, ported heads, HF injectors, 259 cams, S&S cam plate, TC3 oil pump and inner bearing work...to include a SE compensator and clutch pack....the new comp is way too noisy...clack clack clack, now going to install a man o war comp...anyway, baker manual chain tensionser is thumbs up!
Thanks for sharing your experience...Doc