Can you guys tell me what years and models came with bad compensators? My dad has an 08 Electraglide Classic and has issues with the starter. Sometimes when he starts it when the motor is hot it sounds like the starter grinds the teeth and sounds horrible. I'm wondering if it's related to the compensator.

 

Went bad on my 08 flhx

 

Any Harley with the 6 speed tranny. The Touring bikes from 07.

 

Your dad needs to replace the starter clutch for one and then take a look at the comp and see if it's shot too.

2010 Limited with some stuff!!

 

Sounds like the starter clutch is going out. Check the comp while the primary cover is off.

 

The starter clutch is the bendix? How do you determine the comp is bad?

 

From your description it sounds exactly like a compensator, I have an 08 RK and at 25,000 miles on a hot start it sounded like the entire primary was being chewed up. I've seen many compensator's misdiagnosed for starter problems and they don't understand why they aren't fixing the problem. If you have a stock compensator that has over 20-25,000 miles don't even give it another thought, change it ! Lots of info on this forum on the subject.

 

If you are not hearing any weird noises from the primary while it's running then it's probably not the comp. The comp may also be going bad but that's not what's causing the grinding on the start-up. And yes, bendix/starter clutch is the same thing. A factory manual will tell you how to examine the comp for wear. If you have the money I would just go ahead and install a SE comp while you have the primary apart anyway.

 

Just to clear things up...the primary cover does not have to come off to replace the starter clutch. As far as the comp goes, it going bad is more than likely the cause of the starter clutch going bad as well. The starter clutch isn't hard to fix. IMO All ***** makes a very good replacement. Had to replace the one on my 08 for the very same reasons your posting. I also noticed a lot of "slop" in the drive train when the comp started to go.

2010 Limited with some stuff!!

 

+1 on every point made.