Starting Problems
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2nd Gear
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 6
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From: California
Starting Problems
I have a 2009 Fatbob, whenever I try to start it up after riding for a little while it makes a loud clunking noise and doesn't start up right away. Is there any input on what I may need to do? This is my first Harley so I am still a little lost as to whats going on. Thank you for your help.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
Grounds on battery and starter cables may need cleaning, solenoid might need and overhaul or commutator in starter needs cleaning. Bike may be running lean, battery may be unwell......take your pick really ;-)
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 328
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From: AZ
My guess is the compensator. Many, myself included have needed to replace it with the more robust Screaming Eagle compensator. This became standard in 2010 I believe. Search HD Forum there's a lot of information on this problem.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 678
Likes: 15
From: OHIO
I agree with this
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2nd Gear
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: California
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Honah Lee
It's not the compensator. That is totally mechanical (basically provides about maximum of 40 degrees of rotation buffered by a heavy cup washer spring..Bellville) If it were broke, it would do it all the time. I bet like Spanner said, it's you battery cables. Remove the battery, get a good over night charge on it with a maintenance charger and have Autozone check it for cold cranking amps. That way you will get a good connection going back in. If it's the least bit low on the test, get you a new battery. Mine has been doing same thing and tested good but the other day, it actually kicked back, and when it does that, it make a terrible bang throwing starter gear out. Got me a new battery (mine was 5 years old) Sounds like it is running now while it cranks. I was way over due..trying to save a buck.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; May 2, 2013 at 08:17 PM.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 4,416
Likes: 88
From: San Quirino, Italy
It's not the compensator. That is totally mechanical (basically provides about maximum of 40 degrees of rotation buffered by a heavy cup washer spring..Bellville) If it were broke, it would do it all the time. I bet like Spanner said, it's you battery cables. Remove the battery, get a good over night charge on it with a maintenance charger and have Autozone check it for cold cranking amps. That way you will get a good connection going back in. If it's the least bit low on the test, get you a new battery. Mine has been doing same thing and tested good but the other day, it actually kicked back, and when it does that, it make a terrible bang throwing starter gear out. Got me a new battery (mine was 5 years old) Sounds like it is running now while it cranks. I was way over due..trying to save a buck.