I have a 2008 flhtc with 18000 miles and starter went out. Starter just spins when engaged. Someone told me the starter clutch probably went out. The motor is a 103 inch and about 10.1 to 1 compression with manual compression releases i only use when it is really hot out. I thought starter should last longer. Should i put another stock starter in or is there a better after mkt. one. Not sure what to do. Thanks.

 

you can find a used starter on ebay for cheap but you will need another as they don't last. I opted for an ultima 1.4 off of ebay new $140.00

 

easy to fix.
and I'd suggest that over replacing your starter.

a rating such as "1.4" refers to how much electrical power the starter pulls from the battery---NOT how much rotational power it produces to turn the primary.
lots of poor quality "lotso chrome" starters and other gee gaws out there.


you might save yourself trouble by using the compression releases more.




mike

 

"Easy fix" So please school us on how to fix. According to harley the 1.4 kw starter has 15% more torque than stock to turn the primary. That's why it "pull's" more current.

 

Chances are your starter is fine and it is the starter clutch that has failed. You not having fairly serious compression and not using the compression releases unless it is really hot out, I find my stage II 103 can balk even when the engine if fairly cold so I use the manual releases all the time.

If you do decide to replace the starter, the 1.4 kw is the only way to go, in fact the 1.4 kw was stock on my 2010 Street Glide (which is now stage II 103). It spins right over with the releases.

 

Yep! +1 starter clutch. The HD one sucks! I replaced 2 OEM ones before I found thies guys. 57,000 miles on this one so far and a lifetime warrenty also.
http://www.mesmotorcycle.com/street.htm

 

What's the turn around time on having it rebuilt

 

I'm guessing 3 hours if they pull it and install it. You have to pull the oil tank to get it out. Rebuilding it is the easy part.

 

The stock compensator is garbage and contributes to starter clutch failure. When my starter went out, I also upgraded to the screaming eagle compensator and everything works much better. No more compensator windup prior to turning the engine over and no springback on the starter clutch (which kills the clutch) from the crappy stock compensator.

 

I totally agree! I went through 2 starter clutches before switching comps and upgrading the starter clutch.