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Hey guys, I just bought the automatic chain adjuster from the local dealer and installed it. I have a 2005 Roadking classic.
It took no time at all and it was really easy. Anyone else do this?
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So far so good. It takes all the slack out of the chain though. I can hear a slight whine at idle from the primary which is new. A buddy of mine has a 2008 Roadking police bike and his has the same whine so I'm assuming that's normal.
Regarding the automatic chain adjuster, I've two questions:
1) Does the adjuster eventually result in the chain being too tight? I've read here that can happen, not sure if there was ever a 'fix' for that problem. Seems to me that a too-tight chain would cause excessive bearing wear.
2) What does the adjuster do for the shift 'clunk,' for example, from neutral into first, or between the other gears?
Thanks.
So far so good. It takes all the slack out of the chain though. I can hear a slight whine at idle from the primary which is new. A buddy of mine has a 2008 Roadking police bike and his has the same whine so I'm assuming that's normal.
The noise is normal, but you should have some slack in the chain. The few times I've checked it, mine keeps about the same as a properly adjusted manual tensioner.
__________________ 2007 Street Ultra
Stage 1½: Fuel Moto Power Package, SE255 cams.
Regarding the automatic chain adjuster, I've two questions:
1) Does the adjuster eventually result in the chain being too tight? I've read here that can happen, not sure if there was ever a 'fix' for that problem. Seems to me that a too-tight chain would cause excessive bearing wear.
2) What does the adjuster do for the shift 'clunk,' for example, from neutral into first, or between the other gears?
Thanks.
1. If installed correctly I don't think a too tight chain is an issue.
2. I haven't noticed any difference in the 'clunk'.
Regarding the automatic chain adjuster, I've two questions:
1) Does the adjuster eventually result in the chain being too tight? I've read here that can happen, not sure if there was ever a 'fix' for that problem. Seems to me that a too-tight chain would cause excessive bearing wear.
2) What does the adjuster do for the shift 'clunk,' for example, from neutral into first, or between the other gears?
Thanks.
I put one on my 05 a couple of years ago. It was initially setup correctly, after a while I started to hear a whine so I checked it and it was so frickin tight I couldn't believe it. I then reset it and before long the same thing happened. Rather than screw around with it I swapped back to stock. Maybe I had a bad one. I've since rode another 20K without it needing adjustment. I guess I really don't see the need.
There is no slack when it adjusts itself. The chain may appear tight but there is an aditional 1/2" of spring in the shoe to allow for tightening from heat. If you try and adjust it the same as a solid shoe it will take this slack up to it's designed tension right away. That's ok.
If you give the ratchet a helping hand and force it 1 more click than it would naturally want to do, then you can run into losing the remaining shoe spring when hot and cause an overtight condition. Just cut the tie wrap and walk away from it. It will set itself and work fine. Two exceptions that could promote over ratcheting are beating the bike before a good warmup, or brutal torque from a non stock engine can between the extra pull on the chain, which has some elastisity and shaft deflection might allow the ratchet to end up going tighter than it should.
Ron
__________________ 07 Softail Custom
V&H BSS
Screaming Eagle Heavy Breather
Screaming Eagle Big Twin Compensator
Tmax
Harley Blade 41681-07 wheel
The puppy lasted until fall. Now in teardown mode for new build
There is no slack when it adjusts itself. The chain may appear tight but there is an aditional 1/2" of spring in the shoe to allow for tightening from heat. If you try and adjust it the same as a solid shoe it will take this slack up to it's designed tension right away. That's ok.
If you give the ratchet a helping hand and force it 1 more click than it would naturally want to do, then you can run into losing the remaining shoe spring when hot and cause an overtight condition. Just cut the tie wrap and walk away from it. It will set itself and work fine.
Ron
Yep, that how it should work but it didn't for me after 2 attempts. I can think of better things to spend $90 on.
I had a "whine" in the primary when my bike was still under warranty. I took it in to the dealer, the tech came outside and listened, said, "its normal, each time the adjuster ratchets up one click, the noise will be a little louder until the chain adjusted to the new tension" He said that it usually ratchets up after getting on it pretty hard. Of course, I've never done that! LOL
__________________ 107 ci
Hillside Stage II Heads
Woods 44 mag cams
TTS
Rinehart 2-1
Automatic primary chain adjuster
07 Softail Custom
