Harley bad starting noise

via YouTube Capture

[MyMotorcycleObsession]

My 2007 Dyna Street Bob did this exact same thing, hot or cold, sometimes it sounded so bad I thought the engine was coming apart. I replaced the starter with a cheap $100 Chinese rebuilt starter and it fixed the problem! It was actually one of the last things I replaced too, I have new plugs, new plug wires, new battery, new engine primary and transmission oils, and just cleaned the air cleaner. Starts up really quick now which I think helps too. I'm pretty sure it was from the starter not completely engaging and it was teeth against teeth, luckily the teeth on the engine side were not worn off. I'd replace the starter ASAP otherwise you may run into bigger repairs. I have a video on my channel about how I replaced the starter, it was super easy, it's held on by two bolts and has a couple electrical connections.

[clinks]

Mine only does it when hot like at a gas station. When I stop for gas I'll throw it in 2nd or 3rd and Pull the bike back to relieve the compression. No clunk! This works for me

[joshuaglass]

I had the same problem only when hot. I ordered and installed a new OEM Denso stock replacement starter from J&N Electrical just over $200 (took less than an hour to install). I have taken it out around town and on two 6 hour trips since. No nasty noise and starts up fast and strong even at operating temp. I hope this helps.
2007 street bob -- 96 cu in.

[dannymiller]

Sounds like there's a dog somewhere in the electrical system, probably getting shocked when you try to start it. That's why it barked right when you hit the ignition button. Your local vet would probably be cheaper than taking it to a dealer. Good luck.

[vrtxttb]

THIS IS NOT THE COMPENSATOR ! Take note if you ONLY hear this sound when the engine is hot. The engine has not bled off compression when hot and you are trying to start a bike with compression. Next load test your battery to determine if it is weak. DO THIS BEFORE A HARLEY MECHANIC TELLS YOU IT'S THE COMPENSATOR or anything else.

[rider]

To anyone who has this issue today in 2020 try changing your starter ring gear, its a possibility it has teeth missing on it and its grinding bc it is rolling over chewed up metal with no teeth, the pinion should be fine but check that as well hopefully this'll fix anyone having the issue with the embarrassing noise

[carlloud]

My 2009 FXSTC was making the same noise. Replaced compensator assembly along with new battery. Problem solved! But...big $$$

[jeremyhicks]

Is it possible a weak battery could do this
I'm experiencing the same thing in my 08 night train
It never did this last summer and now I just got the bike out and out of nowhere this happens constantly
I also have a lithium battery in the bike
And I'm not a fan of that but it was in the bike when I bought it a year ago

[Mrender]

I think it is not a defective compensator and also not a defective bendix.
I've changed the compensator and it did not solve anything !
Starting when the engine is cold : Never a problem.
Starting when the engine is hot : Always a problem and terrible clunking sounds coming out of the primairy.
What i've found out, is that it has something to do with a fuel problem when hot. ( too rich )

To avoid starting problems when hot, don't wait longer than 2 seconds before pressing the start-buttton after making contact, and the engine will start right away without clucking noise

[deepdiver]

I had this problem, a really bad grinding noise on a Heritage Softail. I tried all the suggestions made in this and other videos. I eventually did a drop test and put on a new battery. Problem solved!

[tking]

If you get the screamin eagle pro super tuner it will allow you to activate (if one is installed on your bike)the automatic compression regulator(release), or acr. If you are not sure if you have one installed just look to see if there are any wires coming from the engine head region if so then there is a good chance that you have them.

[joshg]

mine is doing the same thing do you think it is the compensator?

[msharris]

What was the fix? My 08 ultra is doing the exact same thing. Battery seems strong. Used to do it only when hot, now doing it nearly all the time. Hoping for a cheap fix like lose battery terminals at starter, but it's a Harley, so...$$$$ is likely.

[filipe]

Hi Rick!

I have the same problem in my Dyna FXD 2009, this making me crazy!!! All day, i push the start button, if the engine is cold... ok. But i ride 5 minutes, stoping the motorcycle and this shit begins happen.

My batery has 5 years, she is not good, discharge so fast i using the bike, I believe that it is not loading correctly by the time of use, but this sound.... maybe be compensator???

Anybody help!

[Porks_TV]

@rick mcdavid did you find out what it was? mine does the same its a loud clunk clunk but does it when it wants to and often still started up untill the starter switch seems to went bad

[norcal]

My bike is sounding the same but whoever said check the spark plugs you better check yourself into a mechanic school because that has nothing to do with starting noise. So what ended up being the problem with your bike? Thank you

[akking]

Hi .
Did you find the problem?
I hv same noise it's make me crazy

[derrickian]

The dog is scaring the bike, or need to tighten your compensatory, or get a new dog

[waikikidaddy]

The problem is the Starter Switch or the Kill Switch or Both. To fix for 6 months or longer, you just need to spray some electrical contact cleaner in the switches... and exercise them to clean the contacts inside the switch. This may help you avoid a tow! TIP: To clean the switches properly, remove the 2 torques screws to separate the switch case. Then stuff a rag inside to absorb all the electrical contact cleaner you spray on the switch. This is so the cleaner does not fall into your cables and dry them out. ...And while you are on this project, I recommend you spray some cable lube or Supperzilla in your cable tubes. (Don't use WD40.)

[larryvidal]

If I don't have a press to put in my starter bushings can I do it with a hammer