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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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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