What Does A Loose Primary Chain Sound Like?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If the is too tight, you'll feel it (might feel jerky, especially when it's hot), but a loose chain usually you'll hear, particularly when cold, a slap that kind of just goes “

tick, tick, tick, tick”

.

How tight should a Harley primary chain be?

Tighten the screws to

84-108 in-lbs

(9.5-12.2 Nm).

Do Harley primary chains stretch?


Yes

, the chain can stretch.

How long does a Harley primary chain last?

Primary chain life is very long. Unless you have overtightened it I would expect

100K+ miles at least

. It is more likely that the primary shoe is worn.

How do you align a Harley primary chain?


Always adjust the free play at the tightest spot in the chain

. Replace the primary chain if it is worn to the point where it cannot be properly adjusted. Do not adjust the primary chain tighter than specified. Run- ning a chain that is too tight will result in excessive wear.

Why do Harleys clunk when shifting?

Harley Davidson motorcycles make a loud clunking noise when shifting into gear

because they have dog ring gearboxes instead of a synchromesh ring

. The clunking noise that a Harley makes when shifting into gear is normal, but the clunking can be exasperated in cold weather or by a too high idle speed.

Are Harley engines noisy?

The Harley V-twin

engine is characteristically noisy

. Many owners find themselves fretting over engine sounds that clatter, tick, and rattle, but experience no ride-ability issues or loss of performance.

How do you adjust the primary chain on a Harley Evo?


Always adjust the free play at the tightest spot in the chain

. Replace the primary chain if it is worn to the point where it cannot be properly adjusted. Do not adjust the primary chain tighter than specified. Run- ning a chain that is too tight will result in excessive wear.

How do I test my Harley primary chain?

Check the primary chain tension. Push on the upper strand to verify that

it has free up and down movement midway

between the engine compensating sprocket (front) and the clutch sprocket (rear).

What kind of fluid goes in a Harley primary?

You actually have a couple of choices for the primary drive. The optimum product would be

Mobil 1 RacingTM 4T 10W-40 motorcycle oil

, but it is also okay to use Mobil 1TM V-Twin 20W-50.

How do you align chain sprockets?

Check sprocket alignment by

placing a straightedge across the face of both sprockets

. The faces of the two sprockets should be square with the straightedge. If not, loosen the set screws in one or both sprockets and adjust as necessary to align the two sprockets.

Can you shift a Harley without using the clutch?

you

CAN shift without a clutch on almost any engine

. It doesn't have anything to do with the clutch being hydraulic or not, it is a matter of matching engine speed with the gears and timing your shifts.

Why do my gears clunk when shifting?

If you do start to hear these noises when shifting gears, they are certainly a cause for concern.

Low transmission fluid and worn-out gears

can be the culprit – and computerized sensors and solenoids can cause clunking if they send the wrong information to your car's gearbox.

Why does my transmission clunk when I put it in gear?

The sensors in the transmission are incorrectly regulating shifting information or your speed… … Often clunking noises can occur because

the sensors send incorrect shifting or speed information

, creating a problem due to incorrect regulation. This is a problem that you should get checked out.

Why are Harley engines so noisy?

Why are Harleys so loud? Many Harleys are loud

because the owners want them that way

. New Harleys from the factory don't exceed the 80db limit stipulated in the U.S. EPA Code. It is Harley owners who make several aftermarket modifications on their bikes to turn up the volume.

Why do Harleys vibrate so much?

The vibration of Harleys is mostly

because of the V-Twin motors that power them

. … The smaller AoD allows for a more compact engine but increases the engine's shaking forces. As a result, Harleys vibrate more than other motorcycle brands such as Ducati and Moto Guzzi, even though they use the same V-Twin engine.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.