I ride a 2010 FLHTC-U which is stock and has 16,800 miles on the clock, all put on by me. Bike has been trouble free, but I now have a concern. You Experts can probably quickly tell me what may be wrong.

Engine starts up from cold as it should. Sometimes lately (last 500 miles or so) when I try to start a WARM engine, the starter must be used for several seconds, sometimes up to 10 seconds. This is NOT normal, and someone told me that it might be part of the Compensator problem. Want to have an idea of whats wrong before I go to a Dealership service department, and Daytona is fast approaching. Perhaps I should have named this thread: Starting Trouble. The starter seems to be doing its job, it just has to crank the engine longer than normal.

Any ideas? any advice is appreciated in advance!

 

Starter clutch is bad or your solenoid contact plate is corroded.

 

IMO a bad compensator is what kills starter clutches.

 

I agree with that.

 

When you say"use for several seconds up to 10 seconds", are you saying it turns over that long before starting? If so doesnt sound like the starter clutch, could be something else bad plugs, wires or dirty fuel filter.

 

As long as your starter is cranking at normal cranking speed for as long as you say, I would say your stater is ok. If it isnt up to normal cranking speed, maybe a starter or battery issue. Otherwise it might be spark or fuel.

 

yes, if cranking, then the starter, solenoid, starter drive etc are all ok...because it is cranking...

so you have a fuel or spark concern.

i would think that hot/cold points to a sensor problem.
which may show up as a code

mike

 

Sounds to me like those who suggest a sensor problem may be right. especially since it doesnt happen every time. Installed new battery just now in preperation for Daytona. Will monitor the problem and if it gets worse, contact the selling Dealer, whom I trust. Thanks all for your imput!

 

OP said nothing about strange noises and a starter clutch or weak compensator make quite audible noises. I would think in terms of a drippy fuel injector causing too rich a mixture during a hot start. Try an immediate start after turning on the main switch before the fuel pump has a chance to fully prime the system. If that seems to be an improvement you might run a fuel injector cleaner through the next couple of tank fulls of gas. See if more normal starting returns. Sometimes I have to open the throttle while cranking also. New injectors run around $80 to $100 EACH from Harley and after market ones seem to be even more expensive. Good luck.