Grind me a pound

[RustyG]

Lately I have been getting some disturbing sounds when I try to start my 2002 Road King. Mostly when the engine is hot.
I recently had a 103" big bore installed. Now occasionally when I try to start after running for a while It sounds like it is trying to grind a pound of metal. The bike will not turn over or start. I release the start button and retry and it will turn over and start. Lately I have been having to try several times before it will respond.

I am making the assumption the starter clutch is going due to the increase of the compression. I do not have compression release installed on the bike as of today.

Can any one confirm or rebut my reasoning? How about some alternatives to starter replacement or rebuild.

[dog155]

Your reasoning is correct.The bigger the motors the more this is a problem.There are choices and plenty of them.Google Harley starters or starter drives take your pick.Hint you will not need the most expensive choices,comes from experience.Good Luck

[RKC-Charlie]

I have a friend that has been putting up with that for a year.. And he is a mechanic, auto mechanic, but still he knows better. Usually the starter will fail reasonably quick, best to get it off and replaced.

[RustyG]

dog155, took your advice and googled for starters and it brings up several questions
namely what size starter do I need 1.2kw, 1.4kw etc. The big bore install altered CC's to be greater than 1450 so when I shop for parts what engine size to I look for?

[MilesToGo]

Originally Posted by RustyG

dog155, took your advice and googled for starters and it brings up several questions
namely what size starter do I need 1.2kw, 1.4kw etc. The big bore install altered CC's to be greater than 1340 so when I shop for parts what engine size to I look for?

103 is approx 1680cc. I suggest you install some compression releases. Even if you resolve your starter/drive issues now, the lack of releases will take it's toll and you'll soon be back in the same position. There's a reason why all the new 103 engines come with compression releases.

[S&S Cycle]

You can try a set of our EZ Start Cams, eliminates 25-30% of the compression on startup. NO buttons to push, and the technology has been around in combustion engines since the 60's

http://www.sscycle.com/feature/featureview.php?s_id=10

[BVBOB]

Originally Posted by S&S Cycle

You can try a set of our EZ Start Cams, eliminates 25-30% of the compression on startup. NO buttons to push, and the technology has been around in combustion engines since the 60's

http://www.sscycle.com/feature/featureview.php?s_id=10

I have installed a few of these and now keep the 551's on hand, the easy start feature performs flawlessly not to mention they are great power producers.

[smitty901]

103 build needs Compression release Even HD installs them factory on the 103.
Sad so many builders short cut by not install them when the work is done.

[RustyG]

I have been interested in the S&S cams for some time now. Glad to hear they perform. The 103" big bore was installed by Harley. I am surprised they did not recommend the compression release kit. Glad they didn't. I would prefer the S&S anyway.

Thanks for your help guys.

[dog155]

RustyG not trying to take anybodies business away but if the drive is all you need get the heavy duty option.If you are going to replace starter go with the 1.4kw,it should do the job.Make sure your cables are in good shape and all connections are clean and tight.Our 124" has the 1.4kw,the 155" has a 2.0kw it will start the bike without touching the releases.99.9% of the time always use them.
Good Luck Dog

[hdrider82]

I had the same problem a few years ago. Munched up the drive gear on the starter. After I put a new one on with the first start,,,same thing happened again. I was only a little pi$$ed off. Pulled the battery and took it to Interstate and had it checked out. It was not a year old. Not enough power to push and hold the drive in place to start. Live and learn!!! Good luck.

[gunnysgt]

The problem is more obvious if the Harley 255 cam is in it. That cam's overlap helps create that issue. Had it big time on the 103 Kit I put in my 08 FLHC. Compression releases do the job, it may be easier to get the manual ones since a lot of dealers don't seem to have the jig required to drill for the ACR type.

[RustyG]

The cam that came with the 103" kit is a SE 253.