Starter issue
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 47
Likes: 3
From: Louisville, KY
Starter issue
I have tried searching the Internet for this one and so far don't think i have found the answer... About 4 out of every 5 pushes of the starter button I get a loud knock sound and no start. The other 1 out of 5 it turns over just fine. In my imagination it seems like a gear is not meshing or something. I realize a lot of folks have complained of a click that ends up being a weak battery or bad relay. I had my newish battery tested and it is good. The relay is a "heavy duty " one from J&P. My wires are all heavy gauge and properly insulated. The teeth on the clutch basket look great and the teeth on the shaft that comes out of the starter look great. The only "variable" is that I installed a new solenoid. It was a Superior brand made in Japan. It would make sense that that is the problem because it worked fine before. I just don't understand what the knock is. I ordered a another new starter, this time a made in the USA Volt Tech one. Any insight would be appreciated.
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 47
Likes: 3
From: Louisville, KY
I changed it because I cracked the plastic part... I probably should have just repaired it. I completely rebuilt the engine (everything is new except for the cases). I kept it at 80ci but the old stuff was really worn and loosey goosey. The compression was crap. Not sure what it is now but I can tell by how it sounded it is higher. It sucks not having time but I have only put it through 2 heat cycles and will have to wait a few days before I can do the rest.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 864
Likes: 28
From: Mt. Pleasant SC
a loud knock and the starter spins freely but grabs every now and then? that would be you bendix or as Harley calls it starter drive unit slipping no real fixing it just replace but they are cheap
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 47
Likes: 3
From: Louisville, KY
I had my old Shovelhead buddy give me an old solenoid off of his '77 to try. It seems to work great now. It appears the old solenoid (Superior brand) wasn't pulling in correctly. My new Volt Tech one should be here this week. I'll post about it when I get it on..... I also put a slightly thicker gauge wire from the battery to the solenoid. The old one was pretty damn thick but the new one is a tad bit thicker, at least 1/2 in in diameter.
To answer about the wires, they did not get noticeably hot during the previous attempts.
To answer about the wires, they did not get noticeably hot during the previous attempts.
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 47
Likes: 3
From: Louisville, KY
The new Volt Tech starter came in and it works fantastic. No more knocks. At some point I'll take the Superior brand one apart and see what's up with it.
My baby likes American made stuff best! Thanks again for the input.
My baby likes American made stuff best! Thanks again for the input.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,489
Likes: 23
From: East of Tulsa
Theory: The solenoid wasn't letting/getting enough current through it to crank the engine over when the piston had stopped at just the right place on compression stoke. You'd get the starter pop but no follow through. If you ever used a kicker on an old Harley or big single you know what I'm talking about. That's when you go,"D***! I think I broke my knee."
Last edited by U-234; Apr 22, 2017 at 10:25 PM.
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