Bad Starter Needs Replacing
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 287
Likes: 14
From: Georgia
Bad Starter Needs Replacing
So, when I had my motor built up, Harley informed me that the stock starter wouldn't hold up well to the high compression of the new build, and I'd most likely have to replace it in the near future. It wasn't high enough to have compression release valves, though. That was exactly a year ago, and it appears that the starter has crapped out. It's not cranking, and wires are smoking. The bike will roll start, and a fairly new battery was put in to ensure it wasn't the battery, so it would appear there's nothing else wrong except the starter.
2001 Fat Boy with a 95" setup running screaming eagle high flow heads, high compression pistons, and 211 cams.
Anyone know the stock Kw rating? What's a good aftermarket starter. Is it wise to replace any other components when the starter is removed?
2001 Fat Boy with a 95" setup running screaming eagle high flow heads, high compression pistons, and 211 cams.
Anyone know the stock Kw rating? What's a good aftermarket starter. Is it wise to replace any other components when the starter is removed?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,129
Likes: 1,981
From: Ottawa, CANADA
Reaper's engine has been punched out to 98ci, has 10.5:1 compression with release valves. Her stock starter finally died at the beginning of this season, after 11 years and over 106000 miles. In that time, it liked to eat starter clutches due to engine kickback at startup... something like 7 or 8 of them over the years (4 in one summer alone, that was traced back to a new battery that was weak from the get-go). I replaced the starter with an AllBalls 1.4 KW starter, and upgraded the original battery cables to a set of Sumax Extreme Duty 2 gauge. I also replaced the battery to be on the safe side, with a Yuasa 310 CCA GYZ20HL. Since then, she fires up better than ever, and without any engine kicking back, etc...
This is the starter I bought:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Cables:
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/s...tail-1989-2007
Battery:
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/y...rmance-battery
Cheers!
This is the starter I bought:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Cables:
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/s...tail-1989-2007
Battery:
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/y...rmance-battery
Cheers!
Last edited by Clammy; Sep 16, 2016 at 08:18 AM.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 287
Likes: 14
From: Georgia
This is the starter I bought:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Cables:
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/s...tail-1989-2007
Battery:
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/y...rmance-battery
Cheers!
Done, done, and done. I appreciate the info. Guess I'll be changing the oil, too.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,129
Likes: 1,981
From: Ottawa, CANADA
Oh, I almost forgot. I replaced the starter relay too. It was about 10 bucks, and since it was the original one, I figured it couldn't hurt.
Cheers!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,891
Likes: 54
From: Mansfield, MA
I'd do the compression releases.
I have a similar set up
95" High comp pistons, SE Performance heads, 257 cam. I had the comp releases installed and have had no issues with the starter. I use them every time I start the bike.
I have a similar set up
95" High comp pistons, SE Performance heads, 257 cam. I had the comp releases installed and have had no issues with the starter. I use them every time I start the bike.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 287
Likes: 14
From: Georgia
When I had the work done by Harley, I asked about whether or not it needed the compression release valves with the increase in compression, and they stated it wouldn't be necessary since the compression would be under 10.5:1 afterwards. It was a little more difficult to start on occasion, but nothing ridiculous.
But, not that I'm looking to replace the starter, it appears I should have done the release valves then. There's no way I'm paying Harley the labor rate to remove the tank, heads, drill, etc. Their techs are too damn slow to pay for labor unless it's a complete rebuild. I'd actually be concerned that when they quote me a price for the release valves, I'd flip out and never return.
Hoping the stronger starter and a better quality batter will do the trick.
But, not that I'm looking to replace the starter, it appears I should have done the release valves then. There's no way I'm paying Harley the labor rate to remove the tank, heads, drill, etc. Their techs are too damn slow to pay for labor unless it's a complete rebuild. I'd actually be concerned that when they quote me a price for the release valves, I'd flip out and never return.
Hoping the stronger starter and a better quality batter will do the trick.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 13,456
Likes: 10,452
From: Sunshine State
So, when I had my motor built up, Harley informed me that the stock starter wouldn't hold up well to the high compression of the new build, and I'd most likely have to replace it in the near future. It wasn't high enough to have compression release valves, though. That was exactly a year ago, and it appears that the starter has crapped out. It's not cranking, and wires are smoking. The bike will roll start, and a fairly new battery was put in to ensure it wasn't the battery, so it would appear there's nothing else wrong except the starter.
2001 Fat Boy with a 95" setup running screaming eagle high flow heads, high compression pistons, and 211 cams.
Anyone know the stock Kw rating? What's a good aftermarket starter. Is it wise to replace any other components when the starter is removed?
2001 Fat Boy with a 95" setup running screaming eagle high flow heads, high compression pistons, and 211 cams.
Anyone know the stock Kw rating? What's a good aftermarket starter. Is it wise to replace any other components when the starter is removed?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,031
From: Carlsbad, CA
The higher compression will kill the starter...but you don't need CRs...???