When I did my maintenance the other day, I noticed that the Primary Chain Tensioner was worn pretty good, so I thought I might change it out. I have the manual and it looks pretty straight forward. Have any of you done this before, and if so, any tips on doing it?


'06 EGC

 

one bolt (or 2) EASY!

but - buy the new AUTO ADJUST one its much better and less worry on adjustment

 

There is a good article in American Iron a few months ago about installing the new tensioner.
How many mile are on your bike? I am asking as I have 21K on my SE RG (its new to me). Ihave not completed the first maintenance yet as the 20K and previous maintenance was completed by the dealer for the previous owner. I was thinking of installing the new tensioner. Looking through the records there has not been any repairs done on the bike except for the stator and regulator.

 

where exactly is this? and how can you tell if its bad?

 

It is located behind the primary cover approximately in the middle between the front crank gear and the clutch basket. It will have a plastic shoe that the chain rides on. lol. Use a hydraulic aftermarket...I have read nothing but good things about them on the choppers build forums. The HD units have supposedly had a few overtightening problems....I don't know about that for a fact as I have 6K on my 07 SG and I have had no problems.

 

It's quite simple and easy. Just a little patience.
But go to Zanottis and get the auto adjust.
Basically slips right in. cut the tie wrap and remove the
small link tab. roll the engine over once or twice check the
tension and put it together.

 

GET THE AUTO-ADJUSTING TYPE!!!!!!

It's $99 from H-D Part Number 40063-05A.

Changing it isn't hard to do, drain the primary, remove the cover, change the tensioner, put new gasket on cover, replace cover, fill with fluid of choice. Drink a beer and marvel in your own glory.

 

Wow, I can't believe that the primary shoe on an 06 is already worn that much. My 04 shoe hadn't shown much wear prior to trading it in and that had almost 30k miles on it.

 

When I did the 10k service on my 06 Ultra I noticed the same thing. My chain was ultra loose so I adjusted it. I just checked it again at the 15k service and it was right on. No adjustment needed. I suspect that part or all of my wear was due to the fact that the 1k service and the 5k service was done by my dealer and I don't think they did what they were paid for. As a matter of fact when I drained the primary oil out it looked like it had been in 10k miles instead of the 5k that it was supposed to be. I do know they changed the engine oil though because it had 1/2 qt. too much in it. Needless to say the dealer don't touch my bike anymore.

 

Not hard to do at all.
Be sure you follow the bolt tightening sequence (in your service manual) when you reinstall the primary cover. Always use new gaskets- cheap leak insurance.