Screamin Eagle CVO Models All CVO Bikes 1999 thru present.

Starter problem 103 inch motor.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 24, 2009 | 10:38 AM
  #1  
johnharley's Avatar
johnharley
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: South Dakota
Question Starter problem 103 inch motor.

I am having a starter problem on my 07 Eglide Classic. I had the 103 inch kit put in new right from the dealer. I am having a starter problem with 10k miles on the bike. When I start the bike sometimes it turns over and then it sounds like the starter disengages for just a fraction of a second then engages again. It makes a horrible sound. I brought it by the dealer yesterday and it did it for them. The bike is still under warranty. They did the 103 upgrade. I have not been happy with the service there in the past. The service guy immediatly said it is probably because of the higher compression of the engine upgrade and not a warranty issue. He suggested trying some compression releases. Has anyone else had to upgrade a starter or add compression releases just form a 103 kit? What about the Screaming Eagle bikes that came with the 103 engine? Did they have starter upgrades or compression releases? I think the service guy is trying to set me up for a big dollar repair on my dime. I need some advice before I take it in next week to have it worked on.
 
Reply
Old May 24, 2009 | 05:18 PM
  #2  
tmitchellof PG's Avatar
tmitchellof PG
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,718
Likes: 11
From: Punta Gorda,FL
Default

I have no problem starting my 2005 SE Fat Boy, with the 103" engine. My SE came with a more powerful starter, then the stock 2005 88". Do you know what size starter comes on the 96" bikes?
Tom
 

Last edited by tmitchellof PG; May 24, 2009 at 05:22 PM.
Reply
Old May 28, 2009 | 01:21 AM
  #3  
Centerline's Avatar
Centerline
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,789
Likes: 9
From: Double Oak, Texas
Default

Originally Posted by johnharley
I am having a starter problem on my 07 Eglide Classic. I had the 103 inch kit put in new right from the dealer. I am having a starter problem with 10k miles on the bike. When I start the bike sometimes it turns over and then it sounds like the starter disengages for just a fraction of a second then engages again. It makes a horrible sound. I brought it by the dealer yesterday and it did it for them. The bike is still under warranty. They did the 103 upgrade. I have not been happy with the service there in the past. The service guy immediatly said it is probably because of the higher compression of the engine upgrade and not a warranty issue. He suggested trying some compression releases. Has anyone else had to upgrade a starter or add compression releases just form a 103 kit? What about the Screaming Eagle bikes that came with the 103 engine? Did they have starter upgrades or compression releases? I think the service guy is trying to set me up for a big dollar repair on my dime. I need some advice before I take it in next week to have it worked on.
My 103 build has manual compression releases on the jugs and a heavy duty starter. I know the sound you write about. Have experienced it twice in 10K miles. Nowadays, whenever I start the bike, I very positively mash the starter button, holding it firmly until the beast is running...usually just about instantly.
 
Reply
Old May 31, 2009 | 08:44 AM
  #4  
dryrun's Avatar
dryrun
Novice
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Central Texas
Default starter problem

I ride a se 103 2006 and owned it since new, done the cams & pipes with a se race tuner no starter problems so far 12K miles
 
Reply
Old May 31, 2009 | 10:14 AM
  #5  
hmroadking's Avatar
hmroadking
Stage I
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Default

I have a 103" in my 2007 Ultra. It does exactly the same thing. It doesn't do it all the time but will do it sometimes when it is hot. Lately I've made sure the check engine light goes out before I try the starter and it hasn't done it for awhile. Whether that is the answer or not I don't know. As for going to the dealer and have it checked out, I can't be bothered because they would no doubt say it's normal. If something breaks then at least I'll know what has to be fixed.
 
Reply
Old May 31, 2009 | 10:50 AM
  #6  
Hammer107's Avatar
Hammer107
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 973
Likes: 1
Default

It's hard to tell from your post but how long has the 103 kit been on the bike? Has it made this noise from the day you got the kit installed? Is it worse in the heat?

If it's from day one then it very well could be a compression issue....what is the compression on the build?

We need more info to be able to help.
 
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2009 | 07:09 AM
  #7  
user 4636474738's Avatar
user 4636474738
Banned
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,387
Likes: 0
Default

Had a similar problem with Stage II 103" build on my Heritage. The problem stopped after my kill switch died and was replaced. I know that is way out there, but no more issues starting.
 
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2009 | 11:54 AM
  #8  
Open Road's Avatar
Open Road
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 513
Likes: 0
Default

The starter on the CVO models isn't the same as the starter on the standard models......they have higher torque. No, our stock 103" motor in a CVO didn't come with compression release although I've read where some have put them in and it helped.

I think I'd go with the upgraded starter if I were spending the money.

More importantly, if you're not happy or confident with your dealership......find one that you are happy with till the warranty runs out. FYI.....Most independant shops can do the extended warranty work. Find someplace that you're comfortable with.
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-5

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
Old Jun 5, 2009 | 11:55 AM
  #9  
EasternSP's Avatar
EasternSP
Seasoned HDF Member
Veteran: Marine Corps
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,883
Likes: 33,002
From: King George, VA
Default

I had the upgraded starter installed with my 103 stage 5 build. No problems starting it.
 
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2009 | 07:09 PM
  #10  
DistantHome's Avatar
DistantHome
Stage II
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Default 103 Hard start continues on

I have an 08 Ultra with a SE103, Flat top pistons, 255 cams, all warrenty friendly, no increased compression, SERT, Pro pipes, high flow etc., built at time of purchase. 37,000 miles. I had the starter clutch replaced at 10K, after increasing frequency of noisey start and eventual only spining shaft/motor with no engagement, had the entire starter replaced with a HD high output at 20k, I have had the primary cover off multiple times, inspected ring gear etc, replaced main shaft bearing the last time as I think it got tired of being loaded and went out of true. AND I am STILL having start issues with the same sound so well destribed by the first person. Has gotten worse again and I am concerned about getting stranded in less convenient location than the last time. I am at a loss for what to do next, one dealer is convinced that compression releases will fix it for sure, other thinks tuning is the answer, cutting back fuel at start. I am frustrated and doing the miles I am doing I am often a long way from anywhere and bump starting a bagger fully load for distance is no easy task without a significant hill.

Any suggestions out there?????? Arg!!!
 

Last edited by DistantHome; Jul 8, 2009 at 07:42 PM.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:39 AM.

story-0
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

Slideshow: From military-inspired singles to scooters and three-wheel utility vehicles, these Harleys took the company far outside its comfort zone.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-02 18:34:10


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-6
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-7
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-8
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE