So school me.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 501
Likes: 150
From: Jersey
Honestly not sure if it's " starter stall" but ever since I can remember first start of the day when I push the starter button the engine will begin to turn slightly then I get the " clicking " people are describing. This occurs even though I've replaced the starter with an upgraded starter and all the starter and battery cables when I did my Baker 6 speed trans, cleaned and rebuilt the solenoid as well. Also replaced the battery recently. When it does the click,if I let off the starter button and try it again the second time it usually turns over. This usually only happens the first start of the day. I'd like to try the added relay fix just to see if it helps but not sure if the instructions in the sticky for " dreaded click" will work for my 1988 FLHS. The sticky doesn't specifically mention my year and model, only 1989 FLHS. The engine has SE heads, and a SE 54 cam so compression is a bit higher than stock at 9.5 to 1. Crane Hi4 ignition set up according to instructions. Can you tell me it the second relay fix would apply to my bike? Thanks, Mike
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,029
Likes: 12,550
From: South Carolina
I'd like to try the added relay fix just to see if it helps but not sure if the instructions in the sticky for " dreaded click" will work for my 1988 FLHS. The sticky doesn't specifically mention my year and model, only 1989 FLHS. Can you tell me it the second relay fix would apply to my bike? Thanks, Mike
The relay (pin 30) is connected directly to the main breaker silver stud (Orange wire in illustration)
Disconnect the wire and clean the contact surfaces.
Clean the terminals and contact surfaces at the relay and solenoid.
Unplug the connector for the left hand switch harness, inspect and clean the pins and sockets, look for any pins pushed out of the connector.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 111
Likes: 45
From: australia
I have a 86 FXWG, I changed the stock starter to a Spyke 1.4kw upgraded the battery to a higher CCA (450 CCA) and upgraded the wiring to thicker gauge and it's a solid hit each time I push the button now. Mine was not really the same problem as the original poster's, my bike would occasionally be dead and all other times just slow cranking sound like a flat battery. But related to other poster's comments in respect to ground connections the installation instructions from Spyke said to add an additional standalone ground from the starter housing the frame. I didn't do this as I was happy with the result without it, but it might be something worth considering.
if its Compression Vs Cranking power you can always try the old trick,
if its Compression Vs Cranking power you can always try the old trick,
- put the bike in first
- roll it back onto compression with the clutch out
- put it back in neutral
- and hit the button
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 2,570
From: NC USA
Honestly not sure if it's " starter stall" but ever since I can remember first start of the day when I push the starter button the engine will begin to turn slightly then I get the " clicking " people are describing. This occurs even though I've replaced the starter with an upgraded starter and all the starter and battery cables when I did my Baker 6 speed trans, cleaned and rebuilt the solenoid as well. Also replaced the battery recently. When it does the click,if I let off the starter button and try it again the second time it usually turns over. This usually only happens the first start of the day. I'd like to try the added relay fix just to see if it helps but not sure if the instructions in the sticky for " dreaded click" will work for my 1988 FLHS. The sticky doesn't specifically mention my year and model, only 1989 FLHS. The engine has SE heads, and a SE 54 cam so compression is a bit higher than stock at 9.5 to 1. Crane Hi4 ignition set up according to instructions. Can you tell me it the second relay fix would apply to my bike? Thanks, Mike
On the '88 the power comes from the starter post to the main breaker, up to the COM breaker then to the main SW. From there, power goes from the main sw to the starter relay (#30) and back to the ACC breaker off of the relay terminal #87a.
When the stater button is pushed, the power from relay post #30 switches to terminal 87, disconnecting #87a and to the solenoid. (yes, it drops the acc circuit when starter activated, not the light circuit)
So you see, the power to activate the solenoid on the early or late starter has to go up and back and thru one (main) switch, 2 breakers and thru the relay contacts. If everything is perfect, never a problem but if there's loss anywhere along that journey or a combination of losses, you will have a problem with the starter activation.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 10,277
Likes: 7,756
From: West Central FL
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.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,062
Likes: 4,547
From: Haslet Texas
Bought one from Barnett and his problems went away.
FWIW when I sheered some teeth off my OEM ring gear I went to the 10/84 from Barnett years ago and haven't had a problem since.
I looked and saw that Barnett still offers the ring gear just not certain about the pinion gear.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,565
Likes: 3,317
From: Cental, MI
Is it something that changes if you jumper directly to the Solenoid small screw???
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 501
Likes: 150
From: Jersey
I'll give that a try next start up. It's most likely the cam I'm using and the higher compression. It's always done this since I built the engine, but it's worth it, the bike runs so damn good for only 80 inches and has such a strong mid range and top end I'll probably just live with it.
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