09 bagger primary chain

I have an 09 FLSTC. If the primary chain becomes loose (after a recent 2200 mile run I think mine has) is it time to replace the auto adjuster, or can an adjustment be made? I have the big book, and there is not even a mention of primary chain adjustment in the index. I have a little over 10k on the bike and it's noisy from the primary chain area. Also when I changed the lubricant there were metal filings on the magnetic plug. Thanks

There won't be a specific mention in the index for adjustment. Go to the proper chapter that covers primary which should be under drivetrain. Yu should be able to adjust the chain. With only 10k on your bike it is difficult to believe that the auto tension-er is shot already. As far as the metal on the plug, kind of normal. what are you using for primary fluid?????

Is there still warranty on your bike?? I don't think there are inspection covers on the primaries anymore,because they are "supposed" to self adjust...if you have metal filings on the magnet and your chain is loose that self adjusting POS is going to need further inspection,which means the cover has to come off...drain the fluid into a container check it out and if you still have warranty,button it up,put the fluid you drained back in,don't clean the magnet and take it in...

No wonder why I think that shavings are normal....Every time I have opened a primary the plug always has shavings on it....:roflmao: Not mine though, I took care of that issue a long time ago.

Mine typically has just a little "paste" on the magnet...if it was brand new I wouldn't think much of a little bit of metal filings,but the gears and chain should be worn in after 10,000 miles I think....loose chain AND metal filings would concern me some though...
I think it was pretty stupid to eliminate the inspection cover, but, I also thought(still do) it was dumb to take off the kickers too:rant:...cost cutting:angry:

Thank you all for the quick response. Warranty work is not an option, so I'll have to take the cover off and take a look. Can I post pictures on this thing? Is it possible the chain is over compensated - too tight and hitting the cover? I still did not see a section on primary chain adjustment separate from the information on the chain tensioner. Noteworthy is a section that states that the tensioner is not repairable but can be disassembled - if its broke its an R and R. Also, I use HD lubricants. If it is a loose compensating sprocket will tightening the bolt in figure 5-11 of the big book fix the problem? Thanks again.

Did the noise show up AFTER you changed the oil? Do you have the right amount of oil in primary? Or did it show up after your 2200 mile run??? Chain won't hit the cover if it's too tight. There is no manual adjustment on the auto adjuster so hence, there won't be a section on adjusting it. If you have noises coming from the primary cover, and the oil level is good, yank the cover and look around.

:worthless:

Mine makes a bit of clunking sound when I take off without slipping the clutch a little. I had a small amount of metal on the magnet last oil change @ 75K miles, so I bought a primary gasket for the next time oil change is required @ 85K (it's got 80K on it now). I'll open it up then, but I don't think it's anything serious. Don't know what the clunk sound is.....maybe normal compensator wear.

Ok - got the cover off and everything looks OK - play in chain between 1/2 and 3/4 inch. And, I can now see how it works - doesn't appear to to be a problem with the tensioner. To get to the compensator nut i have to remove the clutch hub - right? And, i was told today of a possibility that the noise is being telegraphed from the other side of the bike and that would really be bad. It didn't sound like it to me but if this compensator nut isn't the problem........ Thanks

Do you have the Service Manual?? If not, get one, it will be the best investment you make.

Whoever told you that the noise could actually be coming from the other side is right on. I had a baffle vibrate loose once and I thought that the noise was coming from the tranny, then the rocker boxes....:gah::gah: Finally I found it.

Trying to get pic loaded up - it's late I'll try again tomorrow

Many thanks - I'll try it today if i can get my hands on the locking tool

Chucktx cut me a piect of wood to wedge in there. If you take the bolt out
You need to take a brush and brush the bolt real good and take some brake cleaner and spray up in the threads on the sprocket shaft to git it clean.
When you git ready to put it back together, check yer manual, think its 167 or 176 ft lbs you need to torque it to.
Make sure you have red locktite and put it on the bolt and torque the bolt to the mfg settings in the manual.
Do NOt use a Impact on this bolt. You can break the magnets on the stator.
You need to torque it.

And if you didn't clean it good, it might not hold right.
Had a mechanic to stress all this to me. I tried to listen.
You shouldn't have enought miles on the bike that the compensator sprocket wore out, but if you do I'd put a SE compensator sprocket in place of the one you have. It holds up better.
They had to replace the one on my 08 EG. They used a SE comp sprocket.

O.K. Lucifer here's yer picture.
Have a moody Dog.