I have an 04 fatboy that has a rattle that sounds like its coming from the primary area. It starts at 2600 RPM and continues on up from there. I've retorqued the compensator nut and replaced the primary tension shoe. Is it posssible that the counterbalancer can make noise if its tensioners aren't pumping up properly? What is involved in inspecting tthe counterbalancer chain and tensioners? Thanks

 

Basically you have to split the cases to get at them. Is the noise there even when you rev the engine in nuetral or only driving it on the road?
Ron

 

only when in gear. It seems worse the hotter the engine gets. The engine and trans work fine.I thought it was the sidestand but ruled tat out last weekend. I also wondered if the primary tension needed to be tighter than the manual suggests. The counterbalancer must not be much of a problem as I can't find any posts on it.

 

Did you follow the re-torqueing procedure outlined in the TSB for your compensator nut? Here is the TSB if you want the TSB in a .pdf file PM me your email address and I'll send it to you. Please reference M-1170 in your pm.



M-1170 1 of 2
SERVICE BULLETIN
M-1170 May 27, 2005
COMPENSATING SPROCKET TORQUE PROCEDURE
®
Purpose
This Bulletin documents a torque and turn-of-nut procedure
for tightening the engine compensating sprocket. This procedure
improves the clamp load on this assembly and replaces
the present tighten-to-torque procedure.
Motorcycles Affected
All 2003 through 2005 Touring, Softail, and Dyna model
motorcycles including CVO models with Twin-Cam engines.
Production vehicles began using this procedure May, 2005.
Dealer Action
Update all service literature and notify service technicians. To
assure this procedure is used, insert this Service Bulletin
number in the TORQUE VALUES tables in Section 6.1 SPECIFICATIONS
of the Service Manuals covering Touring, Softail
and Dyna models for model years 2003 through 2005.
Instructions
1. See Figure 1. Before installing the clutch, primary chain,
compensating sprocket and shaft extension assembly do
the following:
a. Clean threads on engine sprocket shaft (1) and
internal threads in sprocket nut (2) with LOCTITE
7649 CLEANER/PRIMER, Part No. 98968-99.
NOTE
If a new sprocket nut, with lock-patch, is being installed the
clean/prime of the internal threads is not needed. If the nut is
being reused, clean the internal threads as specified in step
a. above
b. Apply two drops of LOCTITE THREADLOCKER 262
(red) to the threads on the engine sprocket shaft.
c. Apply engine oil to the complete underside (3) of
sprocket nut (2). This is the area that will contact the
sprocket cover.
2. Follow the Service Manual procedure for installing the
clutch, primary chain, compensating sprocket and shaft
extension as an assembly.
3. Install sprocket shaft nut and hand tighten. Follow the
Service Manual procedure for installing the clutch hub
mainshaft nut.
4. See Figure 2. Tighten sprocket shaft nut to 75 ft-lbs
(101.7 Nm).
Figure 1. Compensating Sprocket Preassembly
Figure 2. Tightening To 75 ft-lbs (101.7 Nm)
1 2
1. Engine sprocket shaft threads
2. Sprocket shaft nut
3. Underside of nut
3
s0645x.
7857a.
IMPORTANT NOTE
In the interest of preserving customer safety and satisfaction, always check for outstanding recalls whenever any motorcycle is brought into your
dealership for either maintenance or service.
©2005 HARLEY-DAVIDSON® MOTOR COMPANY
ROUTING SERVICE
MANAGER
SALES
MANAGER
PARTS
MANAGER
LEAD
TECHNICIAN
TECHNICIAN
NO.1
TECHNICIAN
NO. 2
TECHNICIAN
NO. 3
TECHNICIAN
NO. 4
RETURN
THIS TO
INITIAL HERE
M-1170 2 of 2
5. See Figure 3. Scribe a line (3) on the sprocket shaft nut
(1). Continue the line on the sprocket cover (2) as shown.
6. Tighten the sprocket shaft nut an additional 45° to 50°
(50° MAXIMUM).
Figure 3. Turn-of-nut Final Tightening
1. Sprocket shaft nut
2. Sprocket cover
3. Scribe line on nut and cover
2
3
1
50°
45°
d0353b.

 

I agree. Your symptoms point to the comp, or loose rotor as it happens under load in the gears and not just sitting there reving. Both are caused by the same nut possibly bottomed an not compressing the components , which is a hell of a lot better than the alternative you mentioned. Follow the recommendation of KBFXDLI and it should fix it.
Ron