Primary Chain Tensioner worn ... what to do?
#12
I expected to go in there and replace at least the shoe by now, but there's certainly no need at this time.
Best single accessory on the entire bike IMO.
#13
We have not used any chain adjuster other than the stock Harley auto tensioner in testing. We have seen tons of compensator failures, clutch bearing failures, primary bearing failures, busted main shafts and even crank shaft failures all with the same common denominator, the primary chain was too tight.How long it takes for these failures to happen depends on a couple of factors, riding style, size of rider and size of the motor. The bigger the motor, the harder the rider the quicker the failures. If you are using an aftermarket automatic style tensioner that you are happy with carry on. We have just seen to many failures with the stock H-D auto tensioner to recommend them.When you decelerate there is slack in the chain this is when the auto tensioner "Ratchets up" upon acceleration the slack is now gone from the chain but the H-D auto tensioner does not release. With this continued cycle it does not take long before your chain is banjo string tight and that's never good.
#14
#15
I was thinking of picking up one of those self adjusting tensioners. That item is about 110 bucks, plus the outer primary gasket at 35 bucks. So at 150 bucks, is it worth it. Does anyone think by going to the self adjuster that it is worth it? Don't want to waste my time.
#16
#17
I do peek in there every 10,000 or so, particularly since I've got an inspection hole in which to peek in. But as I said earlier, there's no way IMO that I'd still have a shoe that looks that new without the M-6 at 107,000 miles.
And to Mark ( Baker,) I believe the blown compensators, and the all too famous "Clink Clank Grind," along with shot bearings is endemic to the 96/193 motor. There's a hell of lot more wrong with those motors than a simple tensioner. ( Again JMO.)
Finally, what fool would offer a tensioner that ratchets "up" but not "down" too? That's how the new HD unit works? (!)
Last edited by Stiggy; 05-04-2012 at 04:39 PM.
#18
#19
Glad you two have had good results but I don't trust'em and would rather spend my money on things that really do add value.
#20
I found an Indie in town that keeps the Hayden M6 in stock although they were waiting for a half dozen restocks to arrive so I did not pick one up. The differences in opinion I got out of this thread have left me more confused than before. Should I just go stock? Use Bakers fine tooth stock style version? Use the HD auto adjuster? Or go with the M6?