compensator sprockets

Like it says above.
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railroad bob
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compensator sprockets

Post by railroad bob »

I recently learned about someone replacing a compensator sprocket with a regular sprocket.
I understand the purpose of compensator sprocket is to reduce shock to drive components,
by causing the application of the torque load from the crankshaft to the drive system, to be more gradual.

Supposedly, the reason for the switch is to give better (more immediate) throttle response/control.

Any thoughts or experience with this?

Comments or advice?
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Re: compensator sprockets

Post by hansgoudzwaard »

This seems to be a trouble area generating a lot of work for the dealers, and headaches for the owners.

I am considering installing a 2" belt drive. I am not replacing anything, just starting from scratch.

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railroad bob
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I just returned home from a 2 week trip in New Mexico, have a few good pix, can't wait to share my off-highway traveling. Got to put 1400 miles on the scoot.

Best, Bob Davidson
Location: Alaska

Re: compensator sprockets

Post by railroad bob »

good info in the thread.

I talked again with the people I mentioned.
They replaced an open belt drive system with an enclosed chain drive, and did not use a compensator sprocket.
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Re: compensator sprockets

Post by curt »

I don't know for sure but aren't belt drives more of a solid connection they use the belt to absorb the shock I thought . if a chain didn't have one I would think it might be a little harder on the chain adjuster but with the modern hydrolic adjuster as long as tranny shifts alright and you can get neutral you should be alright never tried it though so i couldn't say with 100 percent certanty
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Re: compensator sprockets

Post by Dusty-Dave »

Back when I was young and dumb I had to pull the compensators off my strokers they wouldn't stand more than about 90 horsepower. It's really upsetting to have the front about a foot in the air at 60 miles per and hear zippppppp crunch Zippppp and have the front slammed down like you chopped the throttle suddenly.
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railroad bob
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SELF INTRODUCTION: Hi Dan, thanks for your time and energy spent on this new board. I hope you will give me a waiver on the email account, I have used gmail so long I don't have a clue what my service provider account is.
I just returned home from a 2 week trip in New Mexico, have a few good pix, can't wait to share my off-highway traveling. Got to put 1400 miles on the scoot.

Best, Bob Davidson
Location: Alaska

Re: compensator sprockets

Post by railroad bob »

not sure why the drive system was changed.

makes sense that big HP/torque would be hard on a compensator, now that it is mentioned by Dave.

I'm wondering if there is any worthwhile benefit to replacing a compensator with a regular sprocket.
This guy replaced a belt pulley with a reg sprocket.
Haven't had time to ask the right question of him.
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Re: compensator sprockets

Post by gearhead1951 »

look at a car clutch disc and note how strong the coil springs are that make up their compensator !!
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