Occasional Big BANG on failed start!
Occasional Big BANG on failed start!
A couple of times in the last month my 2012 Roadking has done this thing where it sounds like a chunk of metal is banging into something in the bottom of the engine when I attempt to start it. I let off the starter immediately and yet sometimes it still starts after the noise, but most times I give it a sec and try again and it starts fine.
My Dyna used to do this thing here and there where it would start hard and almost "cough" out of the air filter, but that was on an 88ci with stock internals, this is a 103 with a cam upgrade. Anyone else ever have this kind of occasional issue? The bike runs awesome otherwise other than one thing, I never really hear any odd noises when its up and running unless I release/re-engage the throttle at speed... there is almost a clunk similar to a quieter shifting gear sound. Harley told me its normal, but I also heard it could be the compensator..... I never owned a harley that clunked when letting the throttle go/hitting the throttle... then again this is my first touring bike and first 103. Chance these noises could be related and signs of an issue?
Any insights here folks? I have an ESP, but if this is normal and they look into it and find nothing wrong I'll have to pay for the diagnostic. Figured I'd start here with the wealth of knowledgeable individuals here!
THANKS EVERYONE!
My Dyna used to do this thing here and there where it would start hard and almost "cough" out of the air filter, but that was on an 88ci with stock internals, this is a 103 with a cam upgrade. Anyone else ever have this kind of occasional issue? The bike runs awesome otherwise other than one thing, I never really hear any odd noises when its up and running unless I release/re-engage the throttle at speed... there is almost a clunk similar to a quieter shifting gear sound. Harley told me its normal, but I also heard it could be the compensator..... I never owned a harley that clunked when letting the throttle go/hitting the throttle... then again this is my first touring bike and first 103. Chance these noises could be related and signs of an issue?
Any insights here folks? I have an ESP, but if this is normal and they look into it and find nothing wrong I'll have to pay for the diagnostic. Figured I'd start here with the wealth of knowledgeable individuals here!
THANKS EVERYONE!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 39
From: Everywhere
Compensator - the letting off the throttle and hitting the throttle is, I dare say, common - there is a little play in the compensator. If you start to hear it/feel it at steady throttle - you've got a problem. My first thing would be to re-torque the compensator nut. 100ft/lb then back it off and torque to 140.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 5,323
Likes: 37
From: NJ
Compensator - the letting off the throttle and hitting the throttle is, I dare say, common - there is a little play in the compensator. If you start to hear it/feel it at steady throttle - you've got a problem. My first thing would be to re-torque the compensator nut. 100ft/lb then back it off and torque to 140.
I upgraded to 106 and swapped out that compensator to the S.E. One.
Gliden! That's the sound!
So keep riding with a confident smile till next primary oil change and then yank the whole cover and re-torque the compensator? Or does this merit a sooner than later checkup at the Harley Doc?
So keep riding with a confident smile till next primary oil change and then yank the whole cover and re-torque the compensator? Or does this merit a sooner than later checkup at the Harley Doc?
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 784
Likes: 56
From: Eastern Iowa
It'll just keep getting worse and eventually take out the starter.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 5,323
Likes: 37
From: NJ
Lead foot I'm no mechanic. at some point after 09 I thought I read that Harley switched to the screeming eagle compensator as stock. Since it only happens on a hot day hot restart I think your probably in the clear in terms of that heat soak being a problem.
My timing was different. I was about to do the 106 kit anyway so I replaced the compensator and the clutch basket to a Barnett and have compression release cams so I couldn't heat soak now if I wanted to. My engine spins right over with the ez start cams .
Good luck.
My timing was different. I was about to do the 106 kit anyway so I replaced the compensator and the clutch basket to a Barnett and have compression release cams so I couldn't heat soak now if I wanted to. My engine spins right over with the ez start cams .
Good luck.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,552
Likes: 81
From: Largo, FL
Mine did that a couple times and was slow to start when the battery was almost crapped out. A new battery solved the problem.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 164
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix
Mine went out and took the starter and starter drive out also. They replaced it with the S/E comp and (knock on wood) it's been good.
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