compensating sprocket removal

[Bob Biernbaum]

Need some advice on removing compensating sprocket on my 61 FLH. Engine was recently rebuilt however mechanic turned off primary oiler. Heard some knocking in the case after a few hundred miles. Primary chain was the color of rust(totally dry), extremely loose, and has a lot of lateral play. Needs to be replaced but the sprocket won't budge using all methods used previously. Any suggestions?

[cdndewey]

Do you have a jam bar to lock the drive sprocket with the clutch sprocket? If not, build yourself one and if you can get a 3/4" drive socket and a power bar you can do some serious reefing. If it still won't budge try a snipe on it. It should pop free with enough leverage.

[Bob Biernbaum]

Thanks, I do have a jam bar however the compensating nut is built for a spanner style wrench not a socket. I had one that I built several years ago to fit a 1/2 drive air impact and has worked but no this time. Not sure what a snipe is, do you mean cheater? Where I'm from a snipe is something you hunt at night with a paper sack and a flashlight.

[Panacea]

I sprung for one from Jim's when I replaced my chain on the 64. Afterwards I wished I had just made one myself. Just drill a couple holed thru a piece of plate, insert a couple hardened pins thru the holes and tack weld on the back side then weld an old 1/2" drive socket between the dowels so you can use a breaker bar. Or just buy one!...Mike

[Bob Biernbaum]

The one I built and tried to use was made of 5/16 plate hardend pins and a 1/2 drive socket. Used a breaker bar with a cheater, bent the bar. Used an air impact, shattered the socket welded to the plate. Have one coming from Jim's. Hope it works. Thanks
Bob

[Bob Biernbaum]

Well I couldn't wait for the Jims spanner so I built another one based on their design. This time I used a 3/4 drive intead of the 1/2. Air wrench didn't work. Thinking the mechanic had used red loctite I used a heat gun on nut for about ten minutes then used a six foot cheater on my breaker bar. Success! Note to self "don't use red loctite on compensating nut"

Bob

[Panacea]

Bob, I would also suggest useing the jam bar when you tighten it back up, just to prevent any stress where the sprocket shaft is fastened to the flywheel. caution is cheap!...Mike

[DanM]

My problem isn't removing the compensating nut, but getting it off the splined engine shaft. I have not used any heat or major force at all- what is typical here?

[Panacea]

It probably went without grease, try some penetrating oil...