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[Ken1956]

More and more when I go to start the engine, the starter catches, spins a little and then sounds like the starter gear slips (making a nasty sound).  Then when you try again, it starts normally.

What could this be?  My guess is maybe the auto compression releases aren't working all the time now?  Is that possible?  If you have had this situation, what did it take to fix and what did it cost you?

I have 38K+.  Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[East Coast]

Sounds like it could be a starter issue, possibly a bad starter clutch? How old is the battery?

[grc]

The starter drive is the most likely source of your problem, and it's been a fairly common problem for decades.  The drive uses a one way clutch, and when it gets weak instead of locking up when being driven by the starter motor, it slips and makes that awful noise you mentioned.  The starter drive is replaceable as a separate item, so you don't need to spend four times as much to replace the entire starter.  Harley offers it as a kit that includes several other parts (see attached drawing), P/N 31633-07A  CLUTCH SUBASSEMBLY at $115.65 MSRP, or you can buy just the one way clutch in the aftermarket for less than that.  For reference, a complete starter for your model runs $430 MSRP.

Jerry

[Ken1956]

The starter drive is the most likely source of your problem, and it's been a fairly common problem for decades.  The drive uses a one way clutch, and when it gets weak instead of locking up when being driven by the starter motor, it slips and makes that awful noise you mentioned.  The starter drive is replaceable as a separate item, so you don't need to spend four times as much to replace the entire starter.  Harley offers it as a kit that includes several other parts (see attached drawing), P/N 31633-07A  CLUTCH SUBASSEMBLY at $115.65 MSRP, or you can buy just the one way clutch in the aftermarket for less than that.  For reference, a complete starter for your model runs $430 MSRP.

Jerry

Didn't think about the starter drive.  That sounds like a 400-500 job with replacement gaskets/seals.  Thanks. 

Battery is about 1.5 years old.

[hd-dude]

Starter clutch is the issue, 115$ Part and about  3/4 of an hour to replace. The primary does not need to come apart on the 07+ bikes...

[Ken1956]

Starter clutch is the issue, 115$ Part and about  3/4 of an hour to replace. The primary does not need to come apart on the 07+ bikes...

That's very useful information.  I thought the primary had to come off.  I'll have to pull my service manual out to see how easy or hard it is to replace.

Thank you!

[Ken1956]

Is there a how to video somewhere to see how to do this starter clutch replacement?  Normally, I can find any procedure on YouTube, but haven't found something yet.

TIA

[r0de_runr]

I would add that what made the starter start slipping over the teeth on the ring gear is the compensator is bad.

I don't know how or why.

My 09 Stage II went through two compensators and each time the symptoms were hard starting, and grinding of the starter gear.

[Wayne G]

More and more when I go to start the engine, the starter catches, spins a little and then sounds like the starter gear slips (making a nasty sound).  Then when you try again, it starts normally.

What could this be?  My guess is maybe the auto compression releases aren't working all the time now?  Is that possible?  If you have had this situation, what did it take to fix and what did it cost you?

I have 38K+.  Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

I bet its a compensator.  Does it do it more when its hot?  Like trying to start after you stop to fill it up with gas.  Bet it sounds like parts are going to come out of the primary!  I did a 09 Softail Deluxe and my 11 CVO SG, installed the updated SE compensator solved problem with both.
Good Luck

[Ken1956]

The updated compensator has been installed.