Starter not catching
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 805
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From: Columbus,Ohio
Starter not catching
I have a 2008 Softail 96 inch motor, Rush slip ons with Fuel Motto Power Commander 3 and a k&n air filter. The problem Im having is once in awhile after I shut the bike off to fuel up or whatever and restart . I hit the starter button and it acts like the starter tries to engage but makes a aweful sound like its grinding on the starter gear. Any suggestions ?
Last edited by supercrewser; Jun 5, 2013 at 09:48 AM. Reason: Moved thread to Softail section
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Oklahoma
I second ScubaMike's answer. Changing the starter drive will likely be a temporary fix if you are also getting a loud bang or crack noise on some starts. The factory compensator on the pre- '11 96 engines is weak and will often go to max travel and slam against the stop during starts making the loud bang noise. Many folks share my theory that the slamming against the stop drastically shortens the life of the clutch on the starter drive. Replace the starter drive and the compensator to the new style and you should never have this happen again.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Bradenton, FL.
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Road Master
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From: Florida
He didn't say a bang on startup, he said a grinding noise.
Check & tighten your battery connections. If it still does it, then have your battery load tested. Bad battery or battery connections can & will cause starter kickback.
Check & tighten your battery connections. If it still does it, then have your battery load tested. Bad battery or battery connections can & will cause starter kickback.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2011
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May have a weak battery... Fully charge it and the problem will prolly subside until the battery gets weak again (matter of hour(s) perhaps)... Mine did the same thing until I charged/replaced the battery...
But it could also be the compensator...
Last edited by user_1534GD; Jun 18, 2013 at 08:04 PM.