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I've been fighting that **** for a couple of years.
My `89 Softail has always had the slow start issue when it hits that first compression stroke, once past that it cranks normally.
It did it with the wimpy OEM starter (the `89 was less than 1kw), and it still does it with a higher 1.2kw starter.
I have always attributed it to the high pinion gear to ring gear ratio of these old systems, the 9/66 ratio was used through the 1993 model year.
My Evo has a cold cranking pressure of 185 PSI, which I think is a bit high for this (9/66) starter ratio, so I decided to replace the ring and pinion gear with a new 10/84 setup from Evolution Industries (job is still in progress).
Once the job is done I`ll let you know if my theory was correct .
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Feb 23, 2024 at 10:28 AM.
My `89 Softail has always had the slow start issue when it hits that first compression stroke, once past that it cranks normally.
It did it with the wimpy OEM starter (the `89 was less than 1kw), and it still does it with a higher 1.2kw starter.
I have always attributed it to the high pinion gear to ring gear ratio of these old systems, the 9/66 ratio was used through the 1993 model year.
My Evo has a cold cranking pressure of 185 PSI, which I think is a bit high for this (9/66) starter ratio, so I decided to replace the ring and pinion gear with a new 10/84 setup from Evolution Industries (job is still in progress).
Once the job is done I`ll let you know if my theory was correct .
@Dan89FLSTC Your starter gear ratio is going from 7.33:1 to 8.4:1 so yes it should be a 15% increase in torque provided to spin the motor . You are also correct about the initial compression stroke stall, 185 CCP is approximately 20% higher than stock and with a .8kw starter you will not see any relief in initial cranking. However a 1.4 kw starter will make a huge difference.. You should notice a difference with the 1.2 kw starter.. @LQQK_OUT Do you know what your CCP is? What exactly is your motor build..? Starting to think you do not have an issue in the starter system.. Keep in mind as well that if ignition timing is too far advanced it will have the same effect..
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; Feb 23, 2024 at 11:42 AM.
I have a Dyna so I don't know about the oil tank but did have my starter out to rebuild the solenoid recently. I needed to replace the thrust washer and locking tab for the jackshaft bolt too but they were easy to find at a local independent shop. I also opted to install a starter button on the solenoid, it could get me home someday if something upstream (like the handlebar button or the starter relay) fails.
(No help in your case but FWIW the job was MUCH easier on my Dyna with the battery and battery box removed, that was definitely worth the trouble)
And the funny part, if the plunger ring or its contact pads are trashed, manual plunger push button is still is not going to help the problem of getting power to the starter motor itself to spin it.
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