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Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Olympia, wa
Start me up
I have a 2001 Fatboy FLSTF and a lot of work has been done to the motor. When I startup the starter seems to work very hard to get things going. The starter drive is now going bad so I want to replace the entire starter with a chrome unit...been looking at the spyke units on ebay....anyway
I need some expert confirmation before I pull the trigger. After Googling around I found that the OEM atarter part number is 31335-03A (i think) and it 1.4kw. I found some high torque starters rated at 1.6, 1.8 and even 2.0 kw. I think a high torque is needed for my bike but I need opinions from some pros.
Please comment at will...
I need some expert confirmation before I pull the trigger. After Googling around I found that the OEM atarter part number is 31335-03A (i think) and it 1.4kw. I found some high torque starters rated at 1.6, 1.8 and even 2.0 kw. I think a high torque is needed for my bike but I need opinions from some pros.
Please comment at will...
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 77
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From: Olympia, wa
Battery was replaced one year ago so it's good.
Have noot looked into compression releases but my ignition give 2 dead cranks before it fires to help get the crank speed up and prevent kickback.
This is the starter I am looking at. Does anyone see a problem?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Starter-Chro...6ea69e&vxp=mtr
Have noot looked into compression releases but my ignition give 2 dead cranks before it fires to help get the crank speed up and prevent kickback.
This is the starter I am looking at. Does anyone see a problem?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Starter-Chro...6ea69e&vxp=mtr
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
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From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
RED FLAG. I'm going to strongly suggest you check your battery connections. Having just put one in recently the terminals could simply be loose and not providing enough current to turn it over smoothly. Also check where the main leads connect to the starter and solenoid. Odds are good this is where your trouble may be.
Too often many head deep into an issue without checking the simple things. Drawing a conclusion of needing a battery or replacing a starter can get costly, so just simply check you connections for loose and corroded connecting point, you may save yourself a lot of money and work.
If you have a nice, chromed out ride this is great. But if you think about it, chrome parts need shining and a starter can be difficult to get in there and shine this up, unless it's just a show model or you have a love of chrome.
Just a few "opinions", to try and help.
Hopefully others can suggest how much heavier duty starter you may need, if you really need to replace it.
Good luck on the decision.
Last edited by JohnnyC; Jun 10, 2013 at 10:31 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: n
As JohnnyC pointed out, check the simple stuff first. After that you may want to look at how your motor is built and the ccp. Some smarter guys can chime in on what the break point for needing compression releases, but I would guess it is north of 190-200. I just had compression releases installed and they took care of my issues. Again though, check the simple stuff first.
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From: Michigan
I went with all chrome on my old bike, but found I preferred my old black one with the chrome end cap, much easier to keep looking good, but what ever floats your boat.
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Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Olympia, wa
I have checked the simple stuff and connections are good. Starter has bad drive so that need replaced at least. I'm am using this as a good reason to go to a high torque starter...chrome is optional
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Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
Just yesterday the answer to my dragging starter turned out to be a loose ground connection at the battery. I just put a replacement ground wire on a year ago and I know I torqued it down correctly so it was a real surprise to find the ground cable loose. Had it happen with my compensator nut (bolt) and after having torqued it myself and having it loosen up again I've come to the conclusion that I never say "that couldn't be the problem because I know I took good care of it".
Even a day's long ride can vibrate and loosen up things that you "have checked" 3 days before.
I wish I was able to point you to the right size starter for your request, but I had to see if there was any other simpler possibility of why you are having issues.
So ... Had the starter been working correctly for a while before it started giving you issues. If so maybe just a brush and bushing rebuild might be all you need. It's an easy fix, you can even get the armature with the windings for repairing the starter, but mostly it's bushing and brushes that wear out.
Best wishes on getting it fixed.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2010
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Having dealt with starters over the years I find it's hard to beat the HD starter from Harley. Lotsa claims about high torque but just haven't had the longevity of the Harley starter. You can definitely improve their starter sprag clutch though and the one from Weldon is a good one. Compression releases are the best things ever for batteries and starters and well worth the 250(125 for releases and more for labor and gaskets). If you got over 10 to 1 do it.