Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 My turn for the compensator..with a question

2012 will be pre Centra as these on;y came in on 2014 models.

As for a zirk - some had this some hadn't - a look under the crankcase will show a hole if it does. The zirk can be retrofitted, however I've decided to "upgrade" my 2013 no zerk for a Centra to hopefully put an end to any future compensator issues (we need a fingers crossed smiley )

Hi Michael, have a look under the car at the bell housing, if you have a 1" hole in it you will probably have the MK2 compensator with grease nipple. If not it will need modifying.

Fortunately on my car at least when I turn the engine off it always seems to stop in the same place i.e. with the grease nipple at the bottom in line with the hole.

Without lifting the car in any way I can slide my arm underneath, attache the grease gun flexi and give it 10 or12 pumps with high pressure grease.

This seems to work a treat, I have no compensator noise at all even when running as low as 2000rpm occasionally.

Fingers crossed you have the MK2

Dap, where do you think the last 10 to 12 pumps of grease went to? Is it running out the bottom of the housing through the hole?

The newer old Harley style comp is not a totally sealed unit is it?

Hi Dan, not sure, theres no perceptable residue of grease on the bell housing or my garage floor. But then again 10-12 pumps over 1500-2000miles is not a lot even if it does throw it out gardually.

Suppose if I ever need to pull the motor out I'll find out then.

I think the grease provides a minute cushion between the metal parts and it really does stop all the rattling, I have not driven a Centa equipped car but I cannot fault mine at all.

It will probably throw its teddy out of the pram now and go bag big style now after that glorious review.

I had the grease nipple fitted at 2900 miles to principally cure tickover rattle. Serviced at 3700 miles & I've now done 5400 & never greased it myself on principal if its going to fail I want it to happen under warranty. After that if not I'll grease regularly.

Dap thanks.

On my Harley it's an '09 CVO with the 110" motor, the largest production motor Harley does right now. I think it's 1852cc?

On my bike the comp is the weakest around and most all have upgraded to three newer versions all still the captured ramp type like the older M3W's. The latest Harley comp has Torrington thrush bearings and it also has an oil direction plate inside the primary to direct flinging oil in the primary to flow into the comp. Even these are failing...

My point is that I have about 14k miles on my bike and I'm not easy on it and usually ride two up, we're not the lightest couple either. My comp shows very little sign of wear at this point.



So in this case some wear out and some don't...

There is no rhyme or reason to those that last and those that fail.

I took it all apart to change out my trans drive sprocket from a 32t down to a 30t. This gives me about a 6.6% increase in torque throughout all my gears. I checked my rear aluminum sprocket and it's still looking good. It's a bit shiny, but not all chipped up or anywhere near needing replaced. It's typical on a Harley to 50k to 60k miles on the rear aluminum sprocket. The later touring models '07 and newer use a 1" (25mm) wide 14mm pitch belt, the same pitch as on the M3W.

My bike is very quiet in the primary area and keeping my fingers crossed, should last for quite some time more.

I think you're right, the packed grease is a means to keep the ramps lubed under the extreme pressure these comps are under.