2010 FLHX Starter Issue
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1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
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2010 FLHX Starter Issue
My 2010 FLHX starts fine when it is cold but when the bike is warm/hot the starter seems like it isn't catching properly & makes a noise like the gears aren't meshing well. I know it sounds flaky but it happens only when the bike is warm/hot. I have heard people talk of a starter issue that was apparently fixed around 2014 but the people at Harley just want you to bring the bike in & change out the starter which i'm not doing unless it is necessary not just cause some Harley suck *** behind the counter tells you. Has anyone had issues with the starter solenoid or other issues they can share. Is there a bulletin on starter problems for touring bikes & if so how do I access them.
Thanks in advance for your help
TC
Thanks in advance for your help
TC
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Central Wisconsin
I had the same issues with my 09 FLHX but it wasn't the starter. It was the compensator sprocket. I had a tough time believing that could be the cause and doubted a lot of people who said it was, but they were right. I upgraded to the SE comp and now starts fine when hot. I wanted to go with the Baker or the Darkhorse comp but I couldn't wait any longer.
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From: bklyn,ny
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 420
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From: Kingsport, TN
Just had a starter drive go out. Starter made a "RRRRRRRRR" sound because the gear on the starter drive spun freely after it failed and did not engage the jackshaft pinion (nothing happens inside the primary, so no grinding noise).
The grinding noise that the OP describes is consistent with a "hot soak" issue. When you shut the engine off when hot for about 5-10 minutes to get gas or whatever, the heads/exhaust actually heat up before starting to cool down, the hot soak. When trying to start the bike during the hot soak, it causes uncontrolled combustion of the incoming fuel charge inside the combustion chamber/exhaust, jamming the starter. If that's what is going on with the OP's bike, it will start right up every time after letting the engine cool another 10-15 minutes.
Only thing that I have found to eliminate this is installing manual compression releases, but it can be reduced/overcome with a well-maintained 310+CCA/20maH reserve capacity battery and a good cleaning of all contacts throughout the starting/grounding system and sometimes adding a second battery ground cable directly from the battery negative terminal to one of the starter mounting bolts can help. Also, fitting a 66 tooth starter gear to the clutch hub and a 9 tooth jack shaft pinion gear provides an easier load on the starter. Spyke sells this setup.
The name of the game here is to get as much current as possible to the starter (battery), reduce resistance to ground (cleaning connections), and placing an easier load on the starter (gear reduction).
Last edited by dynawg1; Mar 23, 2015 at 11:42 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Poolville
Lifter bleed down and a hot engine will cause those symptoms. What is happening is that with the bleed down of the lifter your intake vales are closing a hell of a lot sooner increasing your dynamic compression making it that much harder to crank and that much easier to get kick back... You never did say if you made any mods to the motor....critical factor.....
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1st Gear
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Thanks Guys, Ive been told the compensator sprocket is the culprit. Lots of people seem to be having the exact same issue but seems Harley wont acknowledge the problem on a widespread basis & offer a fix.... Gee theres a surprise!
The guy at the parts counter at my local dealership told me to just go ahead & replace the starter its the "Harley Way, You know we do things right"... I wanted to puke.
The guy at the parts counter at my local dealership told me to just go ahead & replace the starter its the "Harley Way, You know we do things right"... I wanted to puke.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: South Carolina
Don`t replace the starter.
It is either the starter clutch or the compensator.
You`re complaining because you got poor mechanical advice from a parts counter guy?...Seriously?
It is either the starter clutch or the compensator.
You`re complaining because you got poor mechanical advice from a parts counter guy?...Seriously?
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Mar 27, 2015 at 04:26 PM.