103 starting problems
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 561
Likes: 0
103 starting problems
When I had my 103 built the dealer told me I didn't need a compression release. But every time I start my bike it really labors. I am worried about how reliable it will be when it warms up or if my battery is just a little low. I don't want to be stranded some where. I remenber reading on a thread about screaming eagle compensators as a fix. Are they exspensive. Are they hard to install ??? I don't want to spend the money on haveing to install compression releases now. Any ideas??
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 12
From: Shorewood IL
I know this probably doesn't help, but I've had the 103 for 30,000 miles so far and no problems. I don't have compression releases installed. It always seems to start easily. I might see if the dealer has another reason for your issue.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 9
From: Woodinville, WA
Tell us a little more about what your engine build is - cams, high compression pistons, head work . . .
I experience minor problems with my 95 cu inch Softail but I'm running 10.5:1 compression for starters - and no compression release.
I experience minor problems with my 95 cu inch Softail but I'm running 10.5:1 compression for starters - and no compression release.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: Central Massachusetts
The starter may just not have the sack to turn it over.Ive read where some have solved this by going to a starter off a 110".
Have you seen these?
http://www.choppersurplus.com/np/ele...ssrelease.html
Have you seen these?
http://www.choppersurplus.com/np/ele...ssrelease.html
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 561
Likes: 0
The standard 103 stage 2kit se255 cams and flat head pistons
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 561
Likes: 0
I don't think the manuals will be much cheaper to install both need the heads r&r to have machine work done if you don't mind what did yours vast you ??
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 561
Likes: 0
The starter may just not have the sack to turn it over.Ive read where some have solved this by going to a starter off a 110".
Have you seen these?
http://www.choppersurplus.com/np/ele...ssrelease.html
Have you seen these?
http://www.choppersurplus.com/np/ele...ssrelease.html
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 714
Likes: 0
From: Western,NC
I had the same build done last spring, the SE 103 kit with 255s and I had occasional hot start issues last summer; sometimes kicking back. This is due to the 255 cams I am told as they take significant more cranking compression. I had another dyno done using my SERT by a more experienced tuner and the bike starts much better.
Another fix I read about here that makes a big difference is when starting when the bike is hot - Hit the starter as soon as you turn the ignition, do not wait for the fuel pump light to go off. I've been doing this for months and it really works well.
I still have a rare hard start so I am considering the SE compensator addition. It's about $180 from Zanotti's and about one hour install vs about $600 for a new starter. Do a search on the SE compensator you will find some good info.
Another fix I read about here that makes a big difference is when starting when the bike is hot - Hit the starter as soon as you turn the ignition, do not wait for the fuel pump light to go off. I've been doing this for months and it really works well.
I still have a rare hard start so I am considering the SE compensator addition. It's about $180 from Zanotti's and about one hour install vs about $600 for a new starter. Do a search on the SE compensator you will find some good info.
