Ed, if I was you and already going to spend $30 bucks, I would install a new style auto adjuster unit, $100. Or, I would think about get this kit Harley-Davidson Primary Drive Kit, 40035-00 $75 and you can replace everything. It just seams for the cost and trouble of pulling the cover I would go ahead a install everything, new. With 73K miles, it may be worth considering.
Travis

 

Answer to why its different for the Tensioner.

Design, use and purpose of unit is a lot different

 

Whoa......the kit normally sells for #330.00 and they are selling it for $75.00 and it's brand new ?? Wonder how they can do that??

As far as the automatic tensioner is concerned, I really thought about putting one in, but......I probably have only had to adjust mine maybe 4 times in 70k+ miles.

As far as being able to see the wear on the pad without removing the primary cover. I do have an 01 Wide Glide, and yes I can see the profile of the pad as you suggested, however, I can't tell how deep the chain has worn thru the pad.

Guess this will all be solved in a few days when I have a chance to pull the cover and take a look see in there.

Thanks,
Ed

 

75k miles on my original pad. Only "had" to adjust the chain once in all those miles and that was at 30-some thousand.

 

i have about 90k on mine. i never touch it. it's still in great shape.

 

Ed, I have friends who ride hard and for this reason have taken the automatic tensioner off their bikes. They (more than one) tell me when they hit it hard then let off the chain has a little slack. The tensioner, being automatic, adjusts for this slack. Eventually (over a few thousand miles) their chain is extremely tight.

We reverted back to a standard tensioner and pad on my bud's RK a couple of weeks ago. Then again he is on his 3rd drive belt too.

I'm sticking with the "old" style manual tensioner....

 

I had 50k and mine was falling apart. I put the automatic primary chain tensioner. It working better than the older type. I have put 20k on the automatic primary chain tensioner with no problems.

 

Auto adjusting pad:

http://www.baggersmag.com/tech/0701_...ner/index.html

 

I would assume overstock or old stock. I see the kits on ebay all the time for between $75 and $100. I agree about adjusting the primary is so seldom that there is no reason to convert it. I just suggested it because lots of people can't leave well enough alone. I would consider the kit.

 

Thanks for all the info guys......appreciate your insights. Today I stopped at Harley and picked up a new pad and gasket. Came home and decided to review the sevice manual as this would be my first time doing this. Low and behold there is a retainer clip, which the manual says should not be reused. A new one should be purchased. Now you would think that Harley would include that retainer rind with the pad, and increase the cost appropriately....but.....no...................so it's back to the shop to pick up, what is probably a buck clip........ggeeeezzzzzzzz

Respects,
Ed