Starter clank?
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 52
From: South Jersey
Starter or compensator clank? normal or problem?
I have a new (to me) 2010 EG Classic with 500 miles on the odometer. When I hit the starter button, as the motor kicks over, I hear a clank but not every time. It sounds like it's coming from the swing-arm area. I'm assuming it's the starter. Is this normal or maybe a known problem with the 2010 models?
Last edited by Streetrunner; May 20, 2014 at 07:57 PM. Reason: addition
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,343
Likes: 173
From: Watertown, CT
Had the same problem with my '10 RK. Replaced the compensator and then the starter drive to no avail. Finally fixed the problem with a new battery. Funny thing is it always started but the battery just wasn't as strong as it needed to be.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,602
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From: Bellevue, NE
What he said...weak battery.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 82
Likes: 2
From: North Miami Beach, FL
My 08 Ultra 96" did the same thing, a loud metallic clunk before it started, replaced the battery and now I barely hear the clunk. Before I replaced the battery, I slow charged it until the green lite came on my charger, then put a carbon pile tester on it and it showed the battery was strong and good. On the advice of others on this forum and other friends, I went ahead and changed the battery anyway. The battery I replaced was 20 months old. I spoke to the previous owner and he seldom if ever put the battery tender on it. Odyssey, the manufacturer of the new battery I installed said to put the tender on the bike whenever I wasn't driving it. So, I do. Hope this information helps in your decision to make the right choice for your bike.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 263
Likes: 13
From: Beautiful CNY
Very timely thread for me. I have an '09 FLHR that has a similar, if not the exact same issue but under different circumstances. Mine happens with disturbing regularity after I come home from a ride, I turn the bike off to let the wife dismount, and when I restart after that very short interval when I restart it will often turn over, seem to catch on something, clank fairly violently, then continue to turn, huff and chuff a bit then start. Very odd. Every other start is fine. It's almost like I try to start it too quickly if possible.
Is this a compensator issue? Only 9k on the odo.
Is this a compensator issue? Only 9k on the odo.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: South Jersey
Was there any recalls or bulletins put out for the 2010 model year?
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Road Captain
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: FUAC
I agree.... mine has done it since day one (2010 model) and only does it on occasion. I thought with the replacement battery (brand new HD OEM this year) would solve this, but no... it seems like sometimes it does it, sometimes it doesn't.... I don't worry about it as it ALWAYS starts.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,598
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From: South Jersey
I changed the battery today and it still clanks. Guess that wasn't the problem. Wongering if I actually have a problem or is it normal for that year and model? My '06 never had that problem.