Question as to what might be going on with my starter or clutch basket assm. When starting my 2010 Ultra, I have been getting this grinding sound. The engine will turn over as it hit the button but as it turns over, I can hear a skip/grinding going and then engine begins turning over again. To me I picture the starter gear or the ring gear it turns as having some teeth stripped or stripping off.

The ring gear that the starter turns, is it on the clutch basket or what part? This has been a infrequent occurrence but has been becoming more frequent.

Anyone else ever have this happen and what did you find. I'm sort of glad it's becoming more frequent as it will be easier for me to let the dealer hear it also. Just hoping it doesn't give out totally right now as I'm on a 4 or 5 day trip. Thanks for any tech info you can give me.

 

The engine could be trying to turn over while the starter is still engaged which is just basically over revving the starter motor. Makes kind of a zinging noise best description I can think of.
My 09 Heritage will do that occasionally if the engine doesn't light off on the first compression stroke.

 

Try tightening your battery cables, & if that doesn't work, bring your battery into an auto parts store for a free battery check. Weak battery or loose cables is the #1 reason for starter kickback issues.

 

I would like to take a second and say thank you to Dickey. You are a helpful individual my man. I appreciate your responses on this forum. Very knowledgeable dude. Thank you

 

it's the compensator, yep they cause all the stupid starter related noises in Harleys ask anyone they will tell you the same

 

Starter clutch may be on the way out. Another week or two, and that's all it will do. Pull the starter, and replace that part of it.

 

It's the compensator sprocket, that's the noise they make when they go out. It snaps back when you try to start it. It's a very common problem.

 

What I suspect too...........

OP keep us posted please I'm curious now.

 

Mine is doing the same thing. I know its the battery as its getting weak and needs replaced.

And, when it happened to be before a few years ago, I was also needing a new battery then, it was very weak. I replaced the compensator right before getting a new battery and it still did the same thing. I inspected the starter teeth and the flywheel and it all looked great. Nothing missing. Installed new battery and it quit.

 

Another thing might be the bolt that holds tension on the starter gear could have backed out a bit if the washer tab got loose. Not likely, but I've seen it happen.