Grinding noise from primary?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,726
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Grinding noise from primary?
I was on my way to work yesterday morning, when all the sudden there shined a shiny demon. Seriously, a noise came from what I believe to be from behind the primary cover, and sounded the same as dragging a side stand on the road. The noise was intermittent, and had a short duration the first time while coasting to a stop. After taking off and shifting into 3rd, the noise came back, and at this time it was of longer duration (1 minute maybe). I decided to turn around and put the bike up, so I eased her home without hearing the noise again. I removed the primary cover and didnt find any markings on the cover, the chain seems to be in adjustment. The only thing I found was the bushing for the jackshaft to ride in off of the starter bendix is badly worn, so Im thinking that possibly the bendix didnt fully disengage the flywheel, and the slight contact of teeth produced the noise. The only thing that puzzles me is if it didnt fully disengage why would it be intemittent? I would think I would have heard it right after starting the motor, not after riding a couple of miles. Any ideas, suggestions or comments? BTW, this is a 2001 FLHR Roadking with 52k miles.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: Grinding noise from primary?
I think you saw the main problem when you noticed the worn bushing. I don't know why it would be intermittent, unless as the others have pointed out, the relay or switch was messing up. Or maybe the worn bushing allowed contact under certain circumstances. Go through the starter and jackshaft assembly, and replace the solenoid and relay. Might want to inspect and/or replace the starter pushbutton, too. Cheap insurance since a problem has cropped up. The relay, solenoid, and switch are relatively inexpensive, so replacing them now makes sense to me.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2004
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RE: Grinding noise from primary?
Well, the jackshaft looked fine and had no markings or wear pattern to it. I dont know about the condition of the bushing in which the jackshaft goes through (engine side). The inner primary cover has to come off along with the starter to check it I would think. The bushing in the primary cover was badly worn, and I replaced it, after which I put her back together and so far there hasnt been any more of the noise, and any symptoms of the starter dragging. Evidently this bushing or jackshaft has been causing the starter to drag for some time, but I was thinking that there was wear from the starter brushings and at one time I suspected the battery, but after a load test I ruled that out. So the plan now is to ride the bike for awhile and if the starter starts to drag again I plan to replace the inner bushing and possibly the jackshaft.
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From: (Toronto) Canada
RE: Grinding noise from primary?
If you have the outer primary off and you take the gear off the starter jackshaft, you just go around to the other side of the bike and remove the three allen head screws to get the starter out. You don't have to remove the inner primary.
Did you look at the sprocket for the rear wheel belt behind the inner primary? is everything good there? Also, have you considered that it may be tranny noise, something that is traveling up the shaft.
Did you look at the sprocket for the rear wheel belt behind the inner primary? is everything good there? Also, have you considered that it may be tranny noise, something that is traveling up the shaft.
Banned
Joined: May 2005
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From:
RE: Grinding noise from primary?
Could also be the solenoid hanging up keeping the drive engaged if it has 52k miles on it?
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Gulf Coast of Mississippi
I've got what appears to be much the same problem... though my bike only has 5800 miles or so on it...
Put it in the shop... (H-D)... they say they pulled the cover and found nothing... He did ask about the starter hanging up... but I had already driven about thirty miles so I didn't think much of it...
Maybe I'll call them tuesday and mention it to them...
Of course I told them to keep the bike until they found the problem... but I am afraid I may never get my bike back... lol
Charlie D.
Put it in the shop... (H-D)... they say they pulled the cover and found nothing... He did ask about the starter hanging up... but I had already driven about thirty miles so I didn't think much of it...
Maybe I'll call them tuesday and mention it to them...
Of course I told them to keep the bike until they found the problem... but I am afraid I may never get my bike back... lol
Charlie D.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Calfornia
Well although it may be a long shot , I once had one of the retaining bolts for the main shaft lock ring break off & get caught between the pully & inner primary, made a horrible screaching noise intermitantly, look for signs of metal shaving on the drive belt if so that is probable your problem
