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Is my Starter going out?

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Old Dec 30, 2009 | 12:47 PM
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Default Is my Starter going out?
Not sure what's the tell tell signs exactly. I do know HD's can have a slow start. But mine is doing this lately and I here a kind of metal clanking noise too. Can anyone chime in and suggest what might be the problem or is this normal?
 
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Old Dec 30, 2009 | 12:56 PM
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Metal clanking? That ain't normal (depending on the dealer you ask, haha) How's your battery? Starter clutch? Compensator has been known to make noises on the 96's. SE comp has been taking care of most of those problems.
 
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Old Dec 30, 2009 | 02:20 PM
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There is a service bulletin on all 07 touring for starter mounting bolts. Not adequate torque from factory. M-1231. Big Twin Starter Fasteners. I've read articles that this problem is showing up on 08 touring. It details erratic starting or grinding. Check this out.
 
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Old Dec 30, 2009 | 04:56 PM
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May need to drop it off while it's still under warranty. I don't know if it's me just being suspicious or if there is a real concern.
 
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Old Dec 30, 2009 | 05:05 PM
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Metal clanking would be of concern to me, just sayin'

If it is still waranteed, take it in.
 
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Old Dec 30, 2009 | 05:53 PM
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I have an 08 RG, mine was doing the same thing. Dealer first stated that my battery was not fully charged, well after a few diagnostics it was determined the starter was bad. Have not had any issues since.
 
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Old Dec 30, 2009 | 06:56 PM
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I had a similar problem on my 07 SG. The starter bolts worked loose. The dealer tightened them under warranty. Now my concern is, did the ring gear get damaged, did the starter get damaged. I'm tempted to pull my primary cover off and take a peek.
 
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Old Dec 30, 2009 | 11:44 PM
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Thanks guys for the advice...
 
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Old Dec 31, 2009 | 06:41 AM
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Originally Posted by 08HD
Not sure what's the tell tell signs exactly. I do know HD's can have a slow start. But mine is doing this lately and I here a kind of metal clanking noise too. Can anyone chime in and suggest what might be the problem or is this normal?
I’ve had mine replaced (under warranty) twice, it seems to go bad about every 15,000 – 20,000 miles. The first dealer told me that the Motor Company had a bad run of starters, the second said it was a poor design and not strong enough for the 96” engine.

If it sounds like it is not quite engaging on some of the starts then the dealer should change it without giving you a hard time about it.
 
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Old Dec 31, 2009 | 06:54 AM
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Originally Posted by mongomark
I had a similar problem on my 07 SG. The starter bolts worked loose. The dealer tightened them under warranty. Now my concern is, did the ring gear get damaged, did the starter get damaged. I'm tempted to pull my primary cover off and take a peek.
Exact same problem here. Had the starter replaced twice by the dealership on my 07 SG.
 
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