Engine "laboring" on initial start
Engine "laboring" on initial start
Hey guys quick question; when doing an initial start on my 2009 RKC the fuel pump engages, engine light goes out, and then I hit the start button. The starter engages and goes to spin the primary drive at which time its very hard for the engine to turn over for the starter. I'll get the initial attempt to start, one revolution then a pause, another revolution and a pause, then another and it will start.
I load tested the battery this morning and full charge is 12.9, ignition on is 12.6, and when starting drops to 10.3. It seems like the motor is struggling to complete the initial one or two revolutions upon starting. Once started she runs fine. The bike also does this even when warmed up.
Any thoughts or input as always is greatly appreciated and thank you in advance.
Ride safe and FJB!
I load tested the battery this morning and full charge is 12.9, ignition on is 12.6, and when starting drops to 10.3. It seems like the motor is struggling to complete the initial one or two revolutions upon starting. Once started she runs fine. The bike also does this even when warmed up.
Any thoughts or input as always is greatly appreciated and thank you in advance.
Ride safe and FJB!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 2,205
What he is describing to me sounds like an issue with the electrical connection. I would make sure all cables are clean, tight, and sized properly. Other than that, that an electrical motor labors when it is first getting started is normal. If it's doing so more than usual and the battery stays above 10v under load, the only remaining issue is the wiring and connections.
Also all connections to the battery are tight and clean of any corrosion.
Ride safevand FJB!
Voltage is directly proportional to current and inversely proportional to resistance. You may know this as "Ohm's Law."
What he is describing to me sounds like an issue with the electrical connection. I would make sure all cables are clean, tight, and sized properly. Other than that, that an electrical motor labors when it is first getting started is normal. If it's doing so more than usual and the battery stays above 10v under load, the only remaining issue is the wiring and connections.
What he is describing to me sounds like an issue with the electrical connection. I would make sure all cables are clean, tight, and sized properly. Other than that, that an electrical motor labors when it is first getting started is normal. If it's doing so more than usual and the battery stays above 10v under load, the only remaining issue is the wiring and connections.
Ride safe and FJB!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10,672
Likes: 7,271
From: OH
Check the condition of the internal contacts in the starter solenoid
There`s an H-D kit to renew them
p/n 31604-06
There`s an H-D kit to renew them
p/n 31604-06
Last edited by eighteight; Dec 19, 2022 at 01:35 PM.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,027
From: Carlsbad, CA
Make sure the compression releases are working. If this checks out, read the voltage at the battery, and at the starter when trying to start the motor.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Ride safe and FJB!