Hi folks,

Have been breaking in my stock '08 FLHTC.

Often, the engine knocks one or two times on a warm start. The sound is deep and fairly loud (like lugging a dry bearing in a car?)

Once started, the engine runs flawlessly.

Has anyone any ideas?

Thanks, Gary

 

How many miles you got on it? Is it when it's turning over? If so mine did the same till it was nice and broke in seems to be pretty common with the 07 and 08's.

 

It has 125 miles so far (and I've enjoyed every one of them

Yes, it occurs on turnover. The start is so fast, it almost seems like the RPMs are not high enough to withstand the ignition force and the pistons want to reverse (if that makes any sense).

Glad to hear it's likely not an issue.

Thanks, Gary

 

yep it is the lean burn because of the EPA. Change the motor oil to Amsol and do a stage 1 and get a dyno tune or a thundermax. It will go away and run better.

 

is that why some of the bigger engines have compression releases?

 

Compression releases are for high compression engines to ease starting.

 

Also my clutch was way out of adjustment from the factory and until I had it adjusted right starting the bike in neutral helped minimize that. I know exactly what you mean though, that's the same way mine was till it was broke in probably around 800 miles till it was not too noticeable (once i got over 1000 it was pretty much gone). Glad you like it have fun!

 

Thanks tk

Rather keep it stock, but I don't like my chances

Gary

 

My 08 did that for about the first 1000 miles. seems to have stopped now .

 

So you recommend Amsoil? Is it that good of an oil? I hear only good things about it, is there anything bad about it? Can I only use it after the break in period?