103" Big Bore Without Compression Release?
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 774
Likes: 21
From: Florida
103" Big Bore Without Compression Release?
I'm looking at going with the 103 Big Bore kit. I am looking for feedback.
Anyone have a 103 without the compression release valves? If so, any problems with starting?
Anyone have a 103 without the compression release valves? If so, any problems with starting?
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 320
Likes: 24
From: Hudson Valley
Keep it below 195 lbs cranking and it won't be a problem.
I'd personally invest in a 2.0kW starter instead of compression releases.
I'd even buy an Ultima starter although I know that's a bad word around here.
http://www.bigboyzcycles.com/TwinCamComp.htm
I'd personally invest in a 2.0kW starter instead of compression releases.
I'd even buy an Ultima starter although I know that's a bad word around here.
http://www.bigboyzcycles.com/TwinCamComp.htm
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 7,498
Likes: 19
From: East Alton, IL
I had bad starting problems with my 103" SE255 cams bike. I lost 3 starter clutches in a year. The dealer replaced the starter and compensator under warranty. I paid the difference for a high torque starter and SE compensator and also installed the auto compression releases. I don't know which was the most effective but it starts fine now. I don't know how it affected the starting problem, but the compensator made it like a different bike.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 474
Likes: 5
I have the 103/255. No starting issues, but when it's hot I get the starter clunking/grinding issues that a lot of people are complaining about. As long as you hit the starter before the fuel pressurizes, it is fine. I believe the SE compensator is the answer. I'm just waiting for something to break to make the claim. If it doesn't this year, I will make a claim next year on the grinding clunking 2x4 smacking noise that others have complained about.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 320
Likes: 24
From: Hudson Valley
With the early closing intake on the 255s, you have to do something or you are gonna eat starters and batteries on a regular basis. I think that 255 cams with the standard 103 kit have like 215 or 225 lbs cranking. But they sure do produce a nice torque curve. Wish I could run them in my pre 06 motor.
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
I just dropped mine off at a dealer today, the same dealer that said I didnt need them in the first place says that I need them after complaining about the hard starting problem. SO I guess I will be having them installed and probably heads polished as well. If i were to do it again I would do it from the get go.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 10
From: Oh
My CCP is 180 for my build. I put in MCR's and now find I am not using them. Just goes to show you about how different cams can effect the starting of the motor.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
The 103 BB w/o 255 cams, probably not. With cams (Stage II), maybe--but I would add at least one CR. As KingCripps said, starting immediately after turning on the ignition will help.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
My 103 had 175 ccp and never had an issue, I am bumping it up to around 190 and will be adding them, heads were already set for them so it will only cost me the price of 2 releases and the wiring harness, 120 dollars, no extra labor seeing that it is already apart. Easy decision for me.