Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[skippy49]

 I've replaced the starter clutch on my 03 SERK twice in about 60,000 miles now, each going about the same length of time.  The last one was an MES with a lifetime warranty, which isn't any better than a stock one.  Now I'm beginning to think my wife's starter might be giving it up.  She has about 40,000 on her bike. ls starter replacement/repair something that happens fairly regularly?   Just wondering how often any others have to either repair or replace their starter.  Her bike is an 06 Deluxe, not that it makes any difference, but it has been bored to 95" and 9.5 compression.
TIA,
Steve

[Cvostu]

I went with a HD chrome starter at 42k miles.  I was spinning out pretty often, so I was due.  25 k miles and it's still good.  

[JR]

I went with a HD chrome starter at 42k miles.  I was spinning out pretty often, so I was due.  25 k miles Ayer and it's still good.   

Only 17,001 miles to go past the 42K starter!

[sadunbar]

I've replaced the starter clutch on my 03 SERK twice in about 60,000 miles now, each going about the same length of time.  The last one was an MES with a lifetime warranty, which isn't any better than a stock one.  Now I'm beginning to think my wife's starter might be giving it up.  She has about 40,000 on her bike. ls starter replacement/repair something that happens fairly regularly?   Just wondering how often any others have to either repair or replace their starter.  Her bike is an 06 Deluxe, not that it makes any difference, but it has been bored to 95" and 9.5 compression.
TIA,
Steve

I've never had to replace an OEM starter... 

[grc]

Never had to replace a starter motor, but I did have a one way clutch failure at 25k miles on the SEEG.  Failure of the actual Nippondenso starter motor is very rare (it's not a Harley part, it's used on lots of automotive applications also), but for whatever reason the one way clutches do fail fairly often in Harleys.  If you do an online search for Harley starter drives, you will find tons of listings from folks selling everything from the standard part to the supposedly lifetime guaranteed stuff.  btw, some of those lifetime guaranteed parts are no different than the regular ones; you pay enough for the first one that they still come out ahead if they have to send you another one free.  

I suspect that the issue on Harley's is related to the comment by LarryB.  The shock loading on the starter drive when used in the Harley system is more severe than what it would see in the typical automotive engine, and if the compensator is weak it will allow more shock to transfer to the starter drive.  Case in point, all the starter drive failures on the earlier 110's due to the cheesy compensator design introduced in 2007.

If you're looking for a new one way clutch, you don't need to pay Harley over $100 for their kit which includes stuff you don't need.  Go online and pick up just the clutch for around $40.


Jerry

[skippy49]

I've never had to replace an OEM starter... 

In my case it has been a starter clutch each time.  The starter its self was fine.

Larry---how often do the compensator springs get weak?  Is that something that occurs very often?  On my RK when I replaced the starter clutch, it has started perfectly since.  Is there any good way to check the compensator & spring?  I had my wife's apart a year ago to replace the stator and torqued everything back according to the book and didn't notice anything loose, but that doesn't mean there wasn't.  I might just not have known exactly what to be looking for.

[sadunbar]

I've never had to replace an OEM starter... 

Or starter clutch... 

[kraut]

same over here - but I must add I sold my bikes before they get over 100.000 km (62.500 m).

[mjb765]

I've never had to replace an OEM starter...  

X2

[skippy49]

X2

  I don't really know (personally) too many people that have.  My wife's bike may not be the starter giving out anyway, it might be the compensator, but it's starting to kick back a little and I'm just trying to determine what might be the cause.  I haven't even checked the battery yet--it might not be quite up to snuff too.  This is really just a kind of general type question as I wondered if it happened much.  People that have had starter problems will probably post about them, but those with no problems might not say anything.

[sadunbar]

  I don't really know (personally) too many people that have.  My wife's bike may not be the starter giving out anyway, it might be the compensator, but it's starting to kick back a little and I'm just trying to determine what might be the cause.  I haven't even checked the battery yet--it might not be quite up to snuff too.  This is really just a kind of general type question as I wondered if it happened much.  People that have had starter problems will probably post about them, but those with no problems might not say anything.

If your compensator is going out, unless corrected, it will eventually take out your starter... 

[skippy49]

If your compensator is going out, unless corrected, it will eventually take out your starter... 

  I think I'll check it all out as the primary cover has to come off anyway to pull the starter.  If I find any problem with the compensator, did I read somewhere on here that there is a screaming eagle compensator or spring that was better than stock?  Thought maybe I saw that earlier.
TIA,
Steve

[Para Bellum]

did I read somewhere on here that there is a screaming eagle compensator or spring that was better than stock?  Thought maybe I saw that earlier.
TIA,
Steve

Yes, there is:  http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/gma_product.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524448772595&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302319517&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302319517&locale=en_US&bmUID=1313369632222&bmLocale=en_US

Screamin' Eagle® Big Twin Compensator


This premium compensator has been engineered with heavier springs and increased travel to support the high torque output associated with high-compression race and large displacement engines. Designed to support up to 7 times the energy absorption capacity of the Original Equipment compensator, this unit helps protect the engine and driveline components during harsh drag race launches. This Compensator is the perfect addition to a complete performance upgrade, and it complements the installation of the Screamin' Eagle® Performance Clutch Hub P/N 37976-08.

 40274-08A

IN-STORE PURCHASE ONLY Contact dealer for pricing and availability.

 
Fits '06-'11 Dyna®, '07-'11 Softail® (except FXCW, FXCWC and FXSTSSE3) and '07-'10 Touring models. Original Equipment on Trike, '11-later Touring and '12 Dyna® and Softail® models. Installation on '06 Dyna® models requires separate purchase of '07-style stator.

MSRP US $249.95

[skippy49]

Thanks, but hers is an 06 Softail.  Did they make one for that year?

[sadunbar]

Thanks, but hers is an 06 Softail.  Did they make one for that year?

No...  2007 was the first year for the optional SE Compensator.  The springs in yours could be weakened.  You can replace springs or you can replace the entire compensator with another stock compensator..