I have a 2008 Softail Custom and I am having some wierd issues starting it. If the bike is cold it starts fine, if the engine is warm (ride and park for 10 - 15 minutes) and I start it, it grinds the starter and blows oil out the intake. At first I thought it was because not using the correct fuel map but I dont think it is. I took off the fuelpak and Im now using the Xied's and its still doing it. Anyone know what might be causing it or what is going bad?

 

Have you had Osamu look at it?

S/F
Freefall

 

No Im going to take it down this week since I dont have to work. I remember yours having some starting issues, was it kinda like this or did it start out like this?

 

Could be similar.
Mine ended up being broken teeth on the jackshaft (whatever it is called).
The local dealer replaced the bad parts (kinda under warranty) and I never had another problem.

S/F
Freefall

 

If I can catch a good time that its not raining this week Im going to take it to Osamu (Harley Mechanic) and see if he has a clue. The thing that is driving me crazy is that it only does it when the engine is warm, after I have been riding. A cold starting motor I would think would have a harder time starting but it always fires right up when its cold.

 

Seems to only be a problem here on Oki.

I took mine in a while back and had the dealer look at. They said it is good to go. One thing I will say one thing don't hold the start switch. If it don't turn over right away let it go and try again.

 

Im not holding the starter switch, as soon as i press the start button its too late.
ohh yea, hi Ron. You enjoying the rain

 

Harley has the bike and I was amased that the problem happened when we went oustside so I could show the mech what it was doing. He doesnt have a clue as to why but he said he would pull apart the motor and check all the teeth o the starter and gears. I will post up when they fingure out whats wrong, maybe it will help others. I dont know why but with all the other issues I have had with fuel maps, I really think it has alot to do with fuel related issues.

 

I have an 07 Deluxe which does the exact same thing. It really became noticable around 15K miles. Cold starts are great, hot starts where it has sat 10 minutes to 30 minutes, it grinds and clunks like a freight train. I sometimes have to hit the start button 3 times before it starts. Hot starts where it has not been turned off more than 10 minutes, it starts with no grinding. Keep us posted.
I suspect that HD knows there is a problem, but is keeping it quiet.


www.bigmikespinstriping.com

 

Yup, sounds like the exact same problem I am having. Crappy thing is, I have less than 5,600 miles on mine! I will keep all posted with any results.