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[sd1209]

I have a fairly "new to me" 2003 SERK...Sold the 08 Ultra for this and am very very pleased....Mint condition with the tour pak.....

The bike has 12K miles and as far as I know the original (blk in color) starter......About 4 weeks ago started making the dreaded "grinding/crunching/funny sound on start-up....It always starts after another try....I believe it is the clutch mechanism in the starter going bad, from all the reading on this and other sites....

Question:  should I just opt for the clutch mechanism and replace it and hope this solves the problem or opt for a new starter?   Is there a recommended site to buy this part/starter, one where others have had good luck??  I will do this myself, fairly handy wth a wrench, but is there anything to watch for?? Reading the manual it seems fairly straight forward to remove the starter.......

Thx in advance

Steve C
Fallbrook, Ca
2003 SERK 
 

[Twolanerider]

Big difference in price.   Worth replacing clutch if you're comfortable doing it.   

[dlaws01]

Replacing it with what, another stock clutch ?  What might you recommend  as an option?

[VANAMAL]

Could be a broken tooth or teeth on the ring gear. You can upgrade these with rivera or comp i think. Its been awhile since mine was done. Pretty common to knock off a few teeth

[lilcoot]

About 4 weeks ago started making the dreaded "grinding/crunching/funny sound on start-up....It always starts after another try....

Not familiar with problems with the 2003 SERKs, but could a clunking noise while trying to start be the compensator going south?    

[grc]

Different design compensator, so it's not the same issue that was on the 2007 - 2009 CVO's.

Definintely replace the one way clutch versus replacing the complete starter.  I bought mine on ebay for $40 including shipping, works like a champ.  A new starter will set you back over $400.  While you have the outer primary off, definitely inspect the ring gear teeth for damage.  I didn't find any damage on mine.


Jerry

[skippy49]

I put one of these in mine as it had a lifetime warranty---http://www.mesmotorcycle.com/street.htm    It also went out after about 20000 miles.  I did get it replaced but it took a while and I don't really think it's any better than a stock starter clutch, but it does have a warranty. But to get the new one will take you several days---maybe not worth it in the long run

[Cvostu]

I replced my starter clutch with a new one from M.E.S.   I believe Drag sells them to their dealers.  Maybe JP catalogue has the also.  They have a lifetime warrantee if you chose to go that way.  I hear there stuff is pretty good   Mine is so far so good. 
 

[skippy49]

I got mine from MandMcycles and they were good about replacing it--had to order it--but I put a new starter on in the meantime and kept the repaired one for a spare (we've got three bikes and I've already put it on my wife's bike)  I didn't want to wait the couple of weeks it was going to take to get to me.

[erniezap]

You can give Jim (HD-Dude on this site) a call and order through him at a discount...

[grc]

The "lifetime warranty" deal shouldn't sway you.  Compare the price of that product with the price for a regular one way clutch, and you will quickly see how they can give you a "lifetime" warranty.  The MES clutch fails just like the others, there is just something about a Harley that is hard on starter drive clutches.  The same Nippon Denso starter works just fine for many years in automotive applications without eating drive clutches.


Jerry

[skippy49]

The "lifetime warranty" deal shouldn't sway you.  Compare the price of that product with the price for a regular one way clutch, and you will quickly see how they can give you a "lifetime" warranty.  The MES clutch fails just like the others, there is just something about a Harley that is hard on starter drive clutches.  The same Nippon Denso starter works just fine for many years in automotive applications without eating drive clutches.


Jerry

  Exactly my thoughts after using one!!!

[Super_Viking]

From the "what it's worth" dept.

I had the same thing on my 2003.  Front engine mount was broken and also cracked y pipe.  Dealer thinks that my have cause the problem(broken mount).    I have not had the problem since I replace the motor mount.


Kenny
2003 SERK  Gold's The Best
2006 Road Glide