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?
So I'm toying with the idea of going to a 103" in the near future. Of those running a 103, does anyone NOT have the compression release valves?
How many went with the Automatic Compression Release setup?
Thanks in advance
How many went with the Automatic Compression Release setup?
Thanks in advance
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 246
Likes: 2
From: hope mills, nc
i had my 95 inch built in 2005, with 28,000 miles on my 04 flhrsi. in 2010, i took it apart for the first time (no issues, just stealing parts for another build) with 93,000 miles on her. 10.5 to 1 compression, no compression releases. and i ran her hard. all the time. wheelies, 5 cross country trips (NC to Oregon, via El Paso, TX...) and general abuse daily. for the last two years, i did run a smaller front primary pulley, i noticed that the original factory starter was a bit "less strained" once i did that. but, still have the original starter on there, and everything was still functioning when she came apart.
however, with longevity of my parts in mind, i put compression releases on my new 95" in my 2000 road king, and i only have 9.5 to 1 compression. i forget to push them sometimes, so i started pushing them every time i park, so i dont forget to do them at start up. but i want my starter on that bike to last for as long as possible.
so, it depends on you. if you have the heads off, they arent but an extra 90 bones (-ish).... so why not do em? if you want them later on, you gotta take the heads back off, and still pay the 90 bones for them.....
corb
however, with longevity of my parts in mind, i put compression releases on my new 95" in my 2000 road king, and i only have 9.5 to 1 compression. i forget to push them sometimes, so i started pushing them every time i park, so i dont forget to do them at start up. but i want my starter on that bike to last for as long as possible.
so, it depends on you. if you have the heads off, they arent but an extra 90 bones (-ish).... so why not do em? if you want them later on, you gotta take the heads back off, and still pay the 90 bones for them.....
corb
Retired Admin
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 21,865
Likes: 9,047
From: Wisconsin
I have the SE Stage II 103" kit with the 255 cams. Due to some conversation on this forum when I had it done, I had the manual releases installed. It's much cheaper to do it when the heads are off. I do not need the releases when the engine is cold, but when I have to restart it when it's hot and it's hot out, I need them.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
Same here 103 stage II with the 255 cam. Did not install compression releasesand have not needed them. Did install the HD oil cooler kit towards the end of last summer just to keep the whole bike running as cool as possible.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
I have had mine both ways, 103 10.5 pistons, 1st camset SE 251 no releases and it would groan a little hot and knocked the compensator once or twice then I went with a thinner HG(pulled the .045's and put in .030's)and a camset with 4 degrees earlier close( DME 575L) and I used the ACR's , works perfectly. Never have any issues and don't have to think about it or hold anything up or down or worry about if I'm gonna burn my fingers. I wouldn't hesitate to use the ACR's again, but my heads were already set up for them.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 7,498
Likes: 19
From: East Alton, IL
I had bad hot starting issues after installing the 103"/SE255 kit. With great cooperation from the dealer I had SE compensator, high torque starter, and auto compression releases installed. I don't know which did the trick, but I no longer have starting issues. Everything was done under warranty except the releases.
