sorry
So school me.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 10,277
Likes: 7,756
From: West Central FL
I had been having a sort of "low grunt"...then kick in and start on my '85 FXRS. New battery didn't resolve it. On a hunch...I disconnected the wires at the common ground on the frame. Cleaned and wire brushed the spot on the frame, and each ring terminal. Starts right up now....no "grunts".
Quality of your ground connections is critical on these 12 volt systems.
Quality of your ground connections is critical on these 12 volt systems.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 7,964
Likes: 6,860
From: NC
On my 1989 ElectraGlide, I ran a wire to the feed side of the starter relay. (Not the solenoid.) The stock wiring has the wire feeding the 12vdc throught the marginal wiring hatness. This will ensure enough juice gets fed to the solenoid immediately.
Last edited by Goose_NC; Jul 3, 2023 at 10:34 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,029
Likes: 12,551
From: South Carolina
I think so, but my ignition is timed to the service manual spec, it still grunts on that first push of the button.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,565
Likes: 3,318
From: Cental, MI
Absolutely... Too Much advance and it can stop the starter completely...if ya gots compression.
Can also cause Kick Back and Ruin stuff!!!
Can also cause Kick Back and Ruin stuff!!!
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 501
Likes: 150
From: Jersey
Please let us know if you get it figured out. Mine ( 88 FLHS ) has been doing the same thing for years. Also upgraded to new starter, new battery, new battery cables, cleaned grounds etc. Still does it. I also have higher than stock compression with the SE heads. Timed according to the directions that came with the Crane Hi4 ignition, but I think I'm going to try retarding the ignition a degree ot 2.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,029
Likes: 12,551
From: South Carolina
Keep in mind that `88 and earlier are a completely different starter/solenoid configuration, however, it does have the same starter pinion/ring gear ratio of 9/66.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,565
Likes: 3,318
From: Cental, MI
I ask because different Cams actually cause different Cranking Compression...as does advanced timing..
