starter grind
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 360
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From: connecticut
starter grind
I have a 09rg i bought new. Currently has 20k for mileage. It started recently. I hit the start button and can hear the starter not fully engaging and a loud grinding noise. At first it happened 1 or 2 times every 20 or 30 start ups. Now it happens more frequently. A friend heard the noise and thought it may be the starter. If anyone has had that happen or may know why its happening i would greatly appreciate any info that may help me get this taken care of. Thanks
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
could be the starter clutch or what is often called "the bendix".
the starter solenoid extends a driven shaft into the primary to turn the primary and start the motor.
the starter clutch can wear esp. if the battery is weak, shaft is mis-aligned into the primary, clutch problems or just holding in the starter button when the starter is not moving ( due to bind/compression/low voltage etc.)
the bendix teeth are often a softer material than the teeth on the clutch basket, bendix is cheaper and easier to service
mike
the starter solenoid extends a driven shaft into the primary to turn the primary and start the motor.
the starter clutch can wear esp. if the battery is weak, shaft is mis-aligned into the primary, clutch problems or just holding in the starter button when the starter is not moving ( due to bind/compression/low voltage etc.)
the bendix teeth are often a softer material than the teeth on the clutch basket, bendix is cheaper and easier to service
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Oct 19, 2011 at 08:26 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 170
Likes: 9
From: Rathdrum, Idaho
My buddies 09 Ultra did the same thing. Started out every once in awhile then more often. He took it in and they replaced the starter. Luckily he was still under warranty. I think they told him they had a few that the starter clutch wasnt engaging all the way.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 726
Likes: 12
From: Eugene, OR
My guess is also the starter clutch. Mine started a couple of weeks ago on my 09 SG with 25k. I have the part on my tool box waiting to change this weekend! With the reading I have done on this forum I also ordered a SE compensator and will also change that when it comes in. Seems to be there have been several issues with both the compensator as well as the starter clutch. I guess some guys are ok with just changing out the starter clutch but I decided to do it myself and save the labor and purchase the SE compensator. Good luck and let us know when you confirm it. The new HD starter clutch which I guess is redesigned is about msrp $125 and about 1 1/2 hour labor and the SE compensator msrp is $250 and $38 for the primary gasket!
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 104
From: Mississippi
First thing check your battery connections...My 09 started grinding pretty bad especially when the motor was hot...Plus I noticed the motor was turning over slower when the engine was cold...Replaced the battery and all is good now...Before you start throwing expensive parts at it ...have your battery checked out.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 360
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From: connecticut
First thing check your battery connections...My 09 started grinding pretty bad especially when the motor was hot...Plus I noticed the motor was turning over slower when the engine was cold...Replaced the battery and all is good now...Before you start throwing expensive parts at it ...have your battery checked out.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 360
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From: connecticut
Since my battery is the original 2009 battery with 20k on it, i will change it anyway. Dont want to get stuck with a dead one of those. I will cross my fingers on the grinding.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 186
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From: Osan, South Korea
I would have the starter rebuilt. You do not need to be on the road and have the starter go out. You can purchase a new clutch assy from HD for about 90 dollars. I have an 08 and my starter did not give me any warning. I was about 200 miles from home the starter went out.
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