Marc, now that you have those compression releases you can look cool doing this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lpIFeBz5ao

 

LOL!!!

Marc

 

Marc-
Did you go with the automatic compression releases, or manual?
I am looking into having my heads cut for adding CR's, and the automatic ones are cheaper. Maybe a reason? But, the dealer tech said they had been re=designed from earlier models that failed like popcorn popping, and he recommended the auto ones.. Like you, no help on parts or labour as it is very intermittant problem for me, and I have never tore up a starter yet. But I don't want to either.
Thanks in Advance~

 

I went with automatic and it spins over now like an electric motor Mine was intermittent as well. Has to be fully heat soaked to give the problem. I'm thinking about a small claims action. I know I can get a judgment but how the heck to collect out of state? Probably not worth it but I hate getting screwed

Marc

 

Yeah, thanks Marc.
Mine is the same way when it kicks back, it has to be hot killed, then immediately attempt restart, and even then it doesn't always do it, but when it does, I don't like it. If I stop for fuel, fill-up, clean windshield, go in and pay, then get back to the bike to start up, it never has failed. It is just when I kill it when hot and immediately hit the start button it may kick back and lock up the starter.
I took it in to the dealer who I bought it new from and did the 103 work. so the same people can figure out the CR install. Apparantly I am the only one with that problem according to them. Maybe it really is not a problem, as if you release the starter, let the kick-back to work thru, then hit the button again it will start usually, but I did have to do that sequence twice once to get it to go. Fun and games--huh??. I want it fixed before the spring riding season starts
Thanks for the reply!

 

You're right about one thing, if you keep messing around with it the starter drive is going to eventual fail. And then you're stuck! Best to fix and forget it.

Marc

 

Marc, do you have a phone number or email for Heidi or her supervisor or manager? I've been fighting with this same problem for over a year now and only today was I able to find this thread and see that there are a lot of riders that have this issue. (I've looked and posted before but this is the first thread with any substance about the problem)

I've gone thru 2 starter clutches, 1 starter, a battery and too much time in the shop during riding season. Last August I was told by the service manager at my dealer to keep riding it, live with it for a bit and he thought a fix was possibly going to come from HD as I wasn't the only one he had seen with this issue. I left it until the new year and got it back to them last week to have another go at it.

When I get there I find a lot of the staff had changed over the winter and the service manager I had relied on was no longer there, what a suprise!! So as lots of others here have pointed out, the new staff convinced me that the problem could be cured with tuning. In fact they offered to install a PCIII, dyno tune it and offer me my money back for the whole thing including the dyno and install time if I didn't like it. Sounded like a win for me other than the fact I had to pay close to a grand to fix a factory problem. I decided to do it because of the money back guarantee and I just want the f..kin bike to start.

So this afternoon I pick up the bike and with my wallet lighter but a nice shiny dyno sheet in my back pocket I go for a blast. SAME F..KIN PROBLEM!!!!!!!

What really bugs me about this is I specifically bought this kit, had the dealer install it before I took delivery and bought the extended warranty because I thought it would give me a bike I could rely on and have factory support if there was a problem. Not so sure about that now.

Anyways, I know some of this is just me venting while having a cold one but if you or anyone else has some contact info I would appreciate it. I'm going back on Monday to push pretty hard on this issue and anything might help.

Thanks.

 

Not Marc, but, I just got my Ultra home from having the dealer drill and install the Manual Compression Releases, and I can report WHAT A DIFFERENCE in starting. The starter really spins that motor now.
Cost me $611, Manual CR's-$88, cleaned and lapped the valves, gaskets and labor, taxes the rest, but, I believe it should solve my hard starts for sure, and the way to go.

 

Here's the customer service number. Maybe if enough guys call they'll see the light... who am I kidding? Please let us know how it goes. Actually she is very nice but tows the company line even when it makes no sense.

To speak with a Harley-Davidson customer service representative call (414) 343-4056.

Marc

 

Was the 611 for installing during the 103 install or did they have to tear down just to do this? Do you have the part numbers for the manual CR's?

Trying to get a price on what it will cost to have it done during my 103 install.