Had a dealer tell me that when you install an se comp. you need to retard the timing so that you don't break the primary chain. Does anyone know this to be true? By the way this on a 2008 sg stage 1 only done.

 

I don't think changing the timing is possible, without a Power Commander or Race Tuner. With those units you can maybe change it with a computer, but I cannot figure out how changing the timing has anything to do with the primary chain. I am inclined to believe that what was told to you was false.

I have an SE compensator on my bike and I don't see any problem with it and the timing chain.

 

I did my own on an 09 Ultra, followed the instructions and they said nothing about retarding the timing, nor does the maintenance manual. That is what the compensator does, is take up the shock so you don't stress something else.

 

From O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Pete: That don't make no sense!

 

sounds like dealer bullshit. retarding the timing in a lot of areas of the map will reduce the hp and torque of the bike. the idea of the beefeier compensator is to handle the shock loading better, along with guys who build the engine ,to handle more power. Look for another dealer, sounds like they want to suck more money out of your pocket doing a timing change which is not required. bikes go on the dynos and timing is usually pushed to the max for best hp and no engine knocking.
did he say you would have to buy the 400 buck screaming eagle tuner to do this too.
if you are looking at getting a se tuner be careful there are 2 versions, one you can use on your computer and even a dyno guy can use it for you, it will marry to bike so it isnt transferable, the other is a interface only dealer can use, why anyone would by that version is beyond me.

 

harley will take the inner case off which isnt required if you grind a bit of the casing off along the outer left edge. you dont even have to touch the gasket face where the bump climbs too. I bet half the dealers do this to save time and still ding you for the inner case removal. the clutch basket can stay on. the harley method requires basket and inner to come off.