&nbsp\\;&nbsp\\; Hi guys, I've broken 3 jackshafts and 2 ring gears. Last night I got my 03 softail standard to the same baffled mechanic and we talked about timing and if the engine misfires during starting. If this is so, why does it run so well once it's running?
&nbsp\\;&nbsp\\; The enging has run 3-5 seconds after I shut it off 2 times. I'm told this is timing. Who knows anything about this?
&nbsp\\;&nbsp\\; I also understand that the 03 model has 2 different timing systems made that year, what can you tell me about this?
&nbsp\\;&nbsp\\; I have a manual on order at the dealer, no need to tell me I need one.

 

I don't really see any way for you to check it and calibrate it. A good dyno tuner will set your timing to maximize torque. That point, or as close as you can get without detonation, produces the least strain on the crank because as much as possible is going to turning the crank and the least going to pushing against the barrings.

 

A weak battery will let it kick back also, if the starter has too much of a voltage draw will allow it to kick back too.

 

Thanks Doc, I'll get a new battery. $100 is nothing compared to the $2500 I've already spent.
&nbsp\\; Wizer, do you mean a serta or power comander type computer tuner?

 

&nbsp\\; Oh guys something else I should mention, I have the jackshaft out&nbsp\\;and it is a one piece All ***** hardened jackshaft. Every tooth has been damaged, from a hit on the first couple teeth to progressively cleaning through the teeth until they were all engaged or the ring gear lost enough teeth it could not do more damage.
&nbsp\\;&nbsp\\; When it happened the enging didn't even turn over once.

 

What are you running for fuel? Have you done anything to the engine as far as changing cams, big bore etc?

 

The bike is stock except for larger jets in the carb the last owner had put in. I always use high test gas (91 octane). I've had the jackshaft to the harley dealer and they think it was sheared off as the engine started the last time and it was slow to disengage. This leads to a bad battery that Doc said could be the problem.
I've got the bike on the road and it works good with a new 310 amp battery, although I hold my breath evety time I start it.
Thanks to everyone with your help.

 

Disengaging has nothing to do with battery, only engaging and turning engine over. I have to wonder how much tooth contact you really have when they mesh. I wouldn't think a stock engine even with kickback would kill it that fast.
Ron