99 Softail High Compression When Hot
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From: Clearwater Florida
99 Softail High Compression When Hot
I have a 99 Softail that I purchased in 2017 with just over 10k miles on it. In 2019 the oil pump shaft seized and shredded the cam gear. Since having all of that repaired I have been tearing up starters when I try to start the bike when it's hot from long rides and has only been sitting for a very short time such as when getting gas. Initially it was found that the timing was full advanced from not being tightened during the repair of the oil pump mess and we thought that that was the reason but it is still happening. Presently it has just over 20k miles on it.
I not only can't afford to keep changing the starters but I my wife is very tired of us getting stranded just because we stopped for gas while we are out on a day trip. So far I have been able to get it push started to get back home but that just ruins the day. Who has some ideas on what could be causing this?
Thanks,
Mark
I not only can't afford to keep changing the starters but I my wife is very tired of us getting stranded just because we stopped for gas while we are out on a day trip. So far I have been able to get it push started to get back home but that just ruins the day. Who has some ideas on what could be causing this?
Thanks,
Mark
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Is it an Evo Or a Twin cam. I'm assuming Evo because you said it has a oil pump shaft.. And what model Softail.. Do you know if there has been any engine modifications? What's your compression? Let's start there..
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This is an Evo. It's a Softail Custom FXSTC. The motor is stock.
I haven't taken any compression readings. the scenario is when I am riding it for hours and then leave it sit for about an hour I do not have any issue with the starter cranking over the motor. If I have been riding it for an hour then shut off the motor then try to start it with in 15 minutes the starter makes a loud snapping noise and the gear is broken inside of the starter.
I am thinking that it is a compression issue but I am asking for any ideas on what it can be. It might have something to do with a piston binding when it is hot, I don't know. Any input or questions are welcomed.
I haven't taken any compression readings. the scenario is when I am riding it for hours and then leave it sit for about an hour I do not have any issue with the starter cranking over the motor. If I have been riding it for an hour then shut off the motor then try to start it with in 15 minutes the starter makes a loud snapping noise and the gear is broken inside of the starter.
I am thinking that it is a compression issue but I am asking for any ideas on what it can be. It might have something to do with a piston binding when it is hot, I don't know. Any input or questions are welcomed.
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If the OP is thinking the issue is compression (not convinced) seems to me the first thing to check is compression under the conditions wihen the issue occurs. Take a ride, get the motor hot, come home, park and check compression.
I don't know enough about Evos to know if there is a connection between the oil pump shaft, cam gear issue and the repair. Need some Evo guys to weigh in on that.
I don't know enough about Evos to know if there is a connection between the oil pump shaft, cam gear issue and the repair. Need some Evo guys to weigh in on that.
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If the OP is thinking the issue is compression (not convinced) seems to me the first thing to check is compression under the conditions wihen the issue occurs. Take a ride, get the motor hot, come home, park and check compression.
I don't know enough about Evos to know if there is a connection between the oil pump shaft, cam gear issue and the repair. Need some Evo guys to weigh in on that.
I don't know enough about Evos to know if there is a connection between the oil pump shaft, cam gear issue and the repair. Need some Evo guys to weigh in on that.
I think the OP still has a timing issue and he's getting kick back on the starter.. Time for a Dynatek 2000i..
Take a good look at your cam position sensor in the cam nose cone.. Is it original and is it spitting brown goo..? If so like I said time for a Dynatek...
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; Aug 23, 2021 at 05:49 PM.
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Thanks for your feedback and suggestions.
They didn't. And I find it hard to believe that a cam gear would disintegrate.. The previous owner put 10k on the bike in the first couple of years he owned it then got sick and couldn't ride it but he wouldn't sell it. After he passed his daughter listed the bike with someone that knew I was looking for another Evo FXSTC and thought that it would be a good fit. Well with no oil splashing around in there for 15 years some corrosion developed on the shaft for the pump causing it to seize, pieces of the teeth on the cam gear snapped off and ended up bouncing around and caused other teeth to break off, they all ended up in the bottom of that compartment once I turned the bike off when I heard something pop.
I think the OP still has a timing issue and he's getting kick back on the starter.. Time for a Dynatek 2000i.. The mechanic working on my bike has suggested that I have the ignition module changed, I am willing to do that I was just trying to not change too many things at once. Since you are saying that you believe this is still timing related then I will have that changed.
Take a good look at your cam position sensor in the cam nose cone.. Is it original and is it spitting brown goo..? If so like I said time for a Dynatek.. It is original but as you can see in the attached picture it is very clean..
They didn't. And I find it hard to believe that a cam gear would disintegrate.. The previous owner put 10k on the bike in the first couple of years he owned it then got sick and couldn't ride it but he wouldn't sell it. After he passed his daughter listed the bike with someone that knew I was looking for another Evo FXSTC and thought that it would be a good fit. Well with no oil splashing around in there for 15 years some corrosion developed on the shaft for the pump causing it to seize, pieces of the teeth on the cam gear snapped off and ended up bouncing around and caused other teeth to break off, they all ended up in the bottom of that compartment once I turned the bike off when I heard something pop.
I think the OP still has a timing issue and he's getting kick back on the starter.. Time for a Dynatek 2000i.. The mechanic working on my bike has suggested that I have the ignition module changed, I am willing to do that I was just trying to not change too many things at once. Since you are saying that you believe this is still timing related then I will have that changed.
Take a good look at your cam position sensor in the cam nose cone.. Is it original and is it spitting brown goo..? If so like I said time for a Dynatek.. It is original but as you can see in the attached picture it is very clean..
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From: Poolville
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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Likes: 7,391
From: Poolville
Ok, did you do a compression test? if not do so and post up the numbers... What jets are in the carburetor? Also where is the idle mixture screw set at? Another thing you can try is electrically disconnect the VOES switch and see how it restarts hot..
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; Aug 24, 2021 at 06:57 AM.
