Help needed - grinding sound on cranking.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
From: Tupelo, MS
Help needed - grinding sound on cranking.
Hi guys and gals,
I am getting a grinding sound when cranking. It normally only happens when the bike is hot and I re-crank it quickly, as per a re-fueling stop. The noise sounds like a starter type gear grind. When it does this, it will sometimes do a slight back-fire.... Not really a "Pop", but more of a puff of oil smoke from the breather.
The bike has a PC III on it, Big Sucker Stage 1, True Duals.
My thinking is its a starter problem, or it's a PC III problem, by shooting fuel into the hot engine and causing a vapor lock type situation.
I had a fellow biker say it might be a battery or a loose ground.
I'm just lost on this. Anyone else had this happen or do you know what I should look for? Thanks a bunch !!!
I am getting a grinding sound when cranking. It normally only happens when the bike is hot and I re-crank it quickly, as per a re-fueling stop. The noise sounds like a starter type gear grind. When it does this, it will sometimes do a slight back-fire.... Not really a "Pop", but more of a puff of oil smoke from the breather.
The bike has a PC III on it, Big Sucker Stage 1, True Duals.
My thinking is its a starter problem, or it's a PC III problem, by shooting fuel into the hot engine and causing a vapor lock type situation.
I had a fellow biker say it might be a battery or a loose ground.
I'm just lost on this. Anyone else had this happen or do you know what I should look for? Thanks a bunch !!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,341
Likes: 714
could be weak battery or lose ground,but many have had this problem (me included)most swear by the screaming eagle compensater,a few have had luck replacing the starter clutch,lots of old posts on it,do a search.
Banned
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,492
Likes: 10
It's a starter or compensator issue, likely a starter clutch. One tip for a PC is turn on the ignition and hit the start button, don't wait for the light to go out or the pump to stop running.It will start better. Maybe you knew that.....
Mark
Mark
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,893
From: Oklahoma
99% chance it is your starter clutch. It is a sprag clutch on the starter drive. If you have been getting the sharp bang noise when hitting the starter button, you probably still have the old compensator. My theory is that the bang when the compensator bottoms out goes hard on the starter clutch leading to an early failure. Had the same thing on my Road King. The Allballs starter drive is competitively priced and has given me excellent service for over a year. It should continue to "limp along" for a while giving you time to to order a starter drive from your favorite source or safely drive it in for service at your favorite shop. The starter drive was around $100 last year. It isn't all that difficult a DIY job if you have tools and a manual. Oh, the Allballs unit came with new O rings for where the starter goes into the primary case, you won't need them separately.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 726
Likes: 12
From: Eugene, OR
I had the same exact issue with my 09 Streetglide last September-October. Worked fine cold but same thing when hot a horrible sound. I replaced the starter clutch and issue is gone. I also have a new SE compensator I am getting ready to install soon.
Novice
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: great white north
mine's doing the exact same thing 20k on it, this is a common occurance the stock compensator spring is weak that is why moco put's se compensator's on all new twin cam's.i'll be upgrading soon They are about 240.00 at a discount internet dealer.Do a search there is a good thread on how to diy with pix.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
99% chance it is your starter clutch. It is a sprag clutch on the starter drive. If you have been getting the sharp bang noise when hitting the starter button, you probably still have the old compensator. My theory is that the bang when the compensator bottoms out goes hard on the starter clutch leading to an early failure. Had the same thing on my Road King. The Allballs starter drive is competitively priced and has given me excellent service for over a year. It should continue to "limp along" for a while giving you time to to order a starter drive from your favorite source or safely drive it in for service at your favorite shop. The starter drive was around $100 last year. It isn't all that difficult a DIY job if you have tools and a manual. Oh, the Allballs unit came with new O rings for where the starter goes into the primary case, you won't need them separately.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,056
Likes: 4
From: San Antonio Texas
Had the same problem on my bike. Made me cringe everytime I heard it. The compensator is probably coming loose. I tightened it and it came loose again within a week. The stealer told me I needed to replace to bolt holding it on. $10 part, no big deal. Haven't heard that noise for over a year since. Easy enough to check. Crack open the primary, I bet you can turn the compensator bolt with your fingers like I could.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
From: Tupelo, MS
Awesome guys, love this forum. Always find out what you need to know. Thanks a bunch.
Someone mentioned, do a search, but wasn't sure how to put this in the search engine cause I really didn't know what it was. :-)
Thanks again.
I've got a manual and tools, just not sure if I can do it. :-)
Someone mentioned, do a search, but wasn't sure how to put this in the search engine cause I really didn't know what it was. :-)
Thanks again.
I've got a manual and tools, just not sure if I can do it. :-)