Tap, Tap, Tap Bad Starter???
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 899
Likes: 9
From: Franklin, TN
Tap, Tap, Tap Bad Starter???
Hey guys,
Went to fire up the bike this evening but when I hit the but I just get a metal raping noise. The engine doesn't turn over, it isn't that dead battery noise we have all heard.
It is a metal tapping noise. Is my starter toast?
Didn't have time to get into it but thought I'd bounce it off everyone in the mean time.
Went to fire up the bike this evening but when I hit the but I just get a metal raping noise. The engine doesn't turn over, it isn't that dead battery noise we have all heard.
It is a metal tapping noise. Is my starter toast?
Didn't have time to get into it but thought I'd bounce it off everyone in the mean time.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
From: Arnold, MO
Not sure what year yours is but the later model starter are alot like a Chrysler minivan starter. The disk and the contacts in the solenoid will get pitted from arcing. The solenoid will actuate but no current will flow and the starter would turn over. Makes a deeper more solid sound than a starter relay or low battery.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 12
From: Bluffton, South Carolina
Check all your connections, this means looking at the cables to ensure they are not corroded inside where the wires are fastened. If the noise is a grinding type, then pull your primary and look at the teeth on the starter and flywheel. Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 899
Likes: 9
From: Franklin, TN
Not sure what year yours is but the later model starter are alot like a Chrysler minivan starter. The disk and the contacts in the solenoid will get pitted from arcing. The solenoid will actuate but no current will flow and the starter would turn over. Makes a deeper more solid sound than a starter relay or low battery.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 12
From: Bluffton, South Carolina
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: The Tropics
My starter makes this grinding noise ONLY when it's hot. Never experience the grinding when starting in the morning or after the bike is left for ove 2 hours. It'll grind when I switch it off then have to start again immediately. Have to hit the starter about 3 times before it turns over. It's a 96 with 150K on it if it matters.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
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
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 899
Likes: 9
From: Franklin, TN
Great news it was just a bad battery! Went to AutoZone and had them test the battery and it came back toast. From the shape it was in and how hard it was to get it out I wouldn't be surprised if it was the original battery from 1996. Had the harley logo on it and everything.
What a difference with the new battery she fires up on the first hit. I used to have to crank it a bit and the starter really whined. Now she just kicks right over.
Man am I happy!!
What a difference with the new battery she fires up on the first hit. I used to have to crank it a bit and the starter really whined. Now she just kicks right over.
Man am I happy!!