Hitachi Starter Replacement
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 64
From: SoCal
I have a 10:1 S&S Evo in a '79 FXS. At every start the Hitachi starter worked very hard to spin it past the first compression stroke but it cranked okay after that. I switched to an All ***** super-wizz-bang starter and I am having the same result (it does spin it faster than the stocker). I tried all the tricks All ***** suggested to no avail. I am not complaining...it seems to be the nature of the beast. If I ever pull the heads, I will have compression releases installed to see if that does the trick.
Good luck with the Ultima starter.
Good luck with the Ultima starter.
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4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
I've installed the Ultima 1.4kw starter. It does grunt a bit on the first stroke, but spins pretty good from there. I agree with megawatt - that first stroke is just tough. I wonder if a cam with longer open valve duration would help - I run an Andrews 27 cam.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
From: Arnold, MO
A little longer duration will help with the cranking pressure. I had 80 in my Fatboy and there was a noticeable difference between an EV-27 and a V-Thunder 5010 I was running. The exact same starting system is turning over my 113 Ultima with or without the compression reliefs.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 12
From: Bluffton, South Carolina
Yep, put a little more duration in that puppy and it will reduce the dynamic compression ratio. That should help solve the problem. Also what are you using for cables?? The heavy duty cables can help with the initial voltage drop. Running a ground cable from the frame to the engine will help too. Does your ignition allow you to kill the spark for the first few revolutions?? Hope this helps.
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4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Using aftermarket 4 gauge cables. I have checked voltage drop on both + and ground cables and it is minimal. I'll validate with my new starter and consider frame-engine cable - thanks. I use a creane Hi-4 ignition which I believe kills the spark on the first stroke.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 12
From: Bluffton, South Carolina
Make sure that the ignition is set for electric start, if not change it. If it is try it the other way if you still have problems. If changing it to kick start doesn't change anything then run it in electric start.
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