Starter Noise
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 303
Likes: 21
From: Fort St.John, BC
Starter Noise
New (used) Harley owner here. I bought a 2008 Ultra Classic with 21,000 miles on it. I have noticed that about 1 in 4 starts, (maybe worse when hot?) that when i attempt to start the bike there is a sort of grinding, rattling noise. I was thinking a missing/damaged starter or ring gear tooth........but I have been searching and reading and now wonder if this could be compensator related? I get no clutch noise, and I don't think this is a 'bang'. I am in the habit of just releasing the starter button if I hear it, then re-trying to start. After a couple tries it will start up normally without the noise.
Any ideas?
Any ideas?
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 767
Likes: 54
From: San Antonio, TX
Most likely compensator, choices are to "upgrade" to the latest HD SE comp for a cost of about $600 (if you do the work) or just replace with aftermarket, I put the Drag Specialties 1120-0304 in mine, purchased from Dennis Kirk, $129 plus gasket. I expect quiet starting like I have now for at least 20K miles, then I'll do it again if needed. Got 45K out of my last one.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 303
Likes: 21
From: Fort St.John, BC
Most likely compensator, choices are to "upgrade" to the latest HD SE comp for a cost of about $600 (if you do the work) or just replace with aftermarket, I put the Drag Specialties 1120-0304 in mine, purchased from Dennis Kirk, $129 plus gasket. I expect quiet starting like I have now for at least 20K miles, then I'll do it again if needed. Got 45K out of my last one.
Nevets61, was your bike making a wierd noise when starting as well?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
try this:
a motor always stops at the highest point of compression.
so when we go to start the motor- the force required to get going is the highest.
( which is why compression releases are now used- so that the motor can get a rotation or 2 before the releases close)
so, when starting just "flick" the starter button.
the motor will then either be pushed past top dead center, or rebound backwards.
In either case, when you next apply the starter the motor will get a little rotational energy going before it hits a compression stroke again.
this puts less stress on all the parts of the starter drive ( so longer service life) and uses less energy from the battery
most ignition systems allow for a rotation or 2 before the spark is applied
the flick trick has been used by Harley owners since the 80's.
2.) if you apply and hold the starter button andthe starter isn;t turning- release the button.
this usually signifies a battery too weak to turn the starter- however there is enough power flowing through the starter motor windings to burn up the wiring = $$$
a whining noise may be heard...then crackling and smoke
a busted steel part- like a tooff will show up on the magnetic drain plug
a motor always stops at the highest point of compression.
so when we go to start the motor- the force required to get going is the highest.
( which is why compression releases are now used- so that the motor can get a rotation or 2 before the releases close)
so, when starting just "flick" the starter button.
the motor will then either be pushed past top dead center, or rebound backwards.
In either case, when you next apply the starter the motor will get a little rotational energy going before it hits a compression stroke again.
this puts less stress on all the parts of the starter drive ( so longer service life) and uses less energy from the battery
most ignition systems allow for a rotation or 2 before the spark is applied
the flick trick has been used by Harley owners since the 80's.
2.) if you apply and hold the starter button andthe starter isn;t turning- release the button.
this usually signifies a battery too weak to turn the starter- however there is enough power flowing through the starter motor windings to burn up the wiring = $$$
a whining noise may be heard...then crackling and smoke
a busted steel part- like a tooff will show up on the magnetic drain plug
Last edited by mkguitar; Aug 26, 2014 at 02:05 PM.
Supporter
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Altoona, Pa.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 208
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From: portage indiana
i had the same issue on my 08 fatboy...replaced starter with a heavier duty one and all was good
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 303
Likes: 21
From: Fort St.John, BC
If it was the compensator, there would be clutch issues as well?
If it's just the starter, can I buy just the starter clutch? Or do I need an entire new starter? Is the a HD only part, or can it be purchased through NAPA, etc?
If it's just the starter, can I buy just the starter clutch? Or do I need an entire new starter? Is the a HD only part, or can it be purchased through NAPA, etc?
