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Starter motor question:

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by Tomflhrci98, Sep 26, 2013.

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  1. Tomflhrci98

    Tomflhrci98 Active Member

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    My old EVO starter motor is just having too hard a time starting this new S&S V111 when it is hot. Even though the V111 has electronic compression releases it still jams the starter on the first try and then chugs along on the second try. This V111 is a bitch to start when it is hot. Not sure if it is something I'm doing wrong or it's the starter.

    Does anyone have any recommendations regarding starters to use?
    Tomflhrci98, Sep 26, 2013
    #1
  3. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    All Balls is probably the way to go. I hear those things are really really good!
    JohnnyBiker, Sep 26, 2013
    #2
  4. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Before you do that, how many grounds are you running, even if it's a softail
    adding a second ground from the battery straight to the starter is a good idea.

    Get a cable from Napa, probably 12 to 15 inches long, run it straight from the
    ground on the battery to the top bolt on the starter on the back of the primary
    this gives it a path of least resistance vs having to ground back to the frame
    back to the cable bolted to the frame then to the battery.

    Check the volts at the green signal wire on the top of the starter, make sure
    it's getting enough volts at that wire, bad wire, bad connection, bad switch can all contribute, before you drop $$$ on a big inch starter.

    And if you do get a new starter you'll need the second ground anyway.
    hotroadking, Sep 26, 2013
    #3
  5. Lucifer

    Lucifer Well-Known Member

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    Just to add....Make sure the connections are clean...no dirt,corrosion or powdercoat under the terminals at battery and frame and use a couple of star washers...The second ground really helps...
    Lucifer, Sep 27, 2013
    #4
  6. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    glad you put that star washer in, I thought about it but it left my mind before I finished typing LOL
    hotroadking, Sep 27, 2013
    #5
  7. Tomflhrci98

    Tomflhrci98 Active Member

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    I've seen these. I'll keep lookin at them. Thx
    Tomflhrci98, Sep 27, 2013
    #6
  8. Tomflhrci98

    Tomflhrci98 Active Member

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    The ground wire already goes from the batter negative to the top bolt on the starter. Are you saying add another one?

    Star washers sound like a good idea too. I'm gunna go through all the wiring today first but, this starter is 15 years old and 110,000 miles. I think it is best to retire it. So I still want to know does Harley have a better starter or should I go with after market?
    Tomflhrci98, Sep 27, 2013
    #7
  9. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    It's a softail right?

    It should have a short wire from the ground to the frame
    right behind the tank under the seat, you need a second one that runs from the battery down to the starter, connect it to the top mounting bolt to the inner primary.

    Star washers should go under this cable where it connects to the frame so it's
    getting a good connection.

    I put a big starter on the 124 and it was problematic in that I had
    similar issues regarding it getting good power.

    I reverted back to my 10 year old stock HD starter and never looked back
    so take that for what it's worth, but a proper setup HD starter even on a big inch engine with compression releases should work fine, they turn over the 110s and newer higher compression engines.
    hotroadking, Sep 27, 2013
    #8
  10. Tomflhrci98

    Tomflhrci98 Active Member

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    Funny you say this, I just got off the phone with the S&S tech line and he said the same thing "you won't find a better starter then the stock one you have". hmm interesting. He would not recommend any other starters.

    I have a 1998 Road King. not a softail.
    Tomflhrci98, Sep 27, 2013
    #9
  11. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Well I couldn't tell from the picture LOL

    I see the FLH in your name now I should have caught that.

    Buddy has a 98 RK with an el crapo 113, it's been a bear
    on starters, so we ran the ground to the frame on the post in front of the battery and a second to the starter, he is running his second all balls,

    good thing about all balls is they have a great warranty

    I'd just get a new starter or a starter rebuild kit for it
    from an auto parts store, check with Jon at Horny Toad HD in TX
    for a good price on an HD starter...
    hotroadking, Sep 27, 2013
    #10
  12. Tomflhrci98

    Tomflhrci98 Active Member

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    S&S told me how to check the electronic compression releases. You have to put your finger on them to feel the plungers as you hit the starter. I'll do that today too. Just got back from the dentist so the rest of my day is free... numb but free..

    The picture on my posts is not me, just some goofy pic of apes that are waaaaay to big for anybody......
    Tomflhrci98, Sep 27, 2013
    #11
  13. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    That picture is of a real bike and guy too. That is not just photoshopped picture. I thought it was until I saw him in a video.....
    JohnnyBiker, Sep 27, 2013
    #12
    Tomflhrci98 likes this.
  14. Tomflhrci98

    Tomflhrci98 Active Member

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    I thought it was real, I just can't see how you can ride somthin like that for very long lmao.
    Tomflhrci98, Sep 27, 2013
    #13
  15. Tomflhrci98

    Tomflhrci98 Active Member

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    Do you run the same gage or a little smaller. The reason I ask is I just found out I was wrong about the ground wire. It does run to the stud then on to the starter on my bike, so I'll try a second cable but I don't have a lot of room on the battery post to pile up another cable. I'll see what AutoParts has and give something a try.
    Tomflhrci98, Sep 27, 2013
    #14
  16. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    Yeah I guess you could say that it takes so skill that is for sure. Nice bike minus the extreme factor.
    JohnnyBiker, Sep 27, 2013
    #15
  17. Tomflhrci98

    Tomflhrci98 Active Member

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    I've been thinkin for a while that I might have to go to 18" now. I'm too used the the 16s. They look small to me lol
    Tomflhrci98, Sep 27, 2013
    #16
  18. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    I have 16's on my Glide. I like them right where they are at. :D
    JohnnyBiker, Sep 27, 2013
    #17
  19. Tomflhrci98

    Tomflhrci98 Active Member

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    Yeah, I seen you on it in a pic or a video I forget. They look good. BUT, I be 6'1" with 35 inch arms (I think) When I was fitted for my wedding duds I was a 41 Long. So 16s are below my shoulders.
    Tomflhrci98, Sep 27, 2013
    #18
  20. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    17" Carlinni's are a nice ape.
    JohnnyBiker, Sep 27, 2013
    #19
  21. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Yes, I just get a battery cable from Napa, black, correct length, measure up and
    you should be able to bolt it on, maybe a bit longer screw to the Neg side.

    You have the stock setup battery to frame and frame to battery.
    Just run the one to the frame, replace the frame to starter with one
    straight from the battery to the starter mounting bolt...
    hotroadking, Sep 27, 2013
    #20
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