| Author | Message | ||
     Coasterx |
More frequently I find my bike will not start on the first try. The starter engages and I get a loud crunching/screeching noise. I would describe it as if the teeth on a starter gear are misaligned with the motor teeth? If I wait a moment and try again it typically engages fine and starts right up. It usually screech and crunches when the bike is was just shut off and then goto turn it on while it is still hot (like when I go to get gas, it does it every time sometimes screeching twice before it engages properly). Is there a method for shimming a starter so it will engage properly or something? Is this a need to replace the whole starter? Also how does the starter 'gear' operate? Are the teeth always engaged or does the starter gear move into position and then turn the motor over? Curious if there is a mechanical adjustment I could make as the starter is strong and works just fine when engaged properly. Your thoughts? | ||
| Ljivasiv82 |
Check out my thread on this exact thing. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/327 77/793094.html?1474174880 It happens after stop because the bike is hot and in a high compression mode. When you go to start, the compression literally spins faster than the starter & grinds the teeth or force spins the starter itself. Either way from the discussion, there isn't much you can do. Mine stopped doing it so much, now maybe once in 20-30 starts. | ||
| 651lance |
This issue is most likely the starter clutch. When they start going out they make a grinding and screeching sound when the starter is engaged. Inside the starter there is a "clutch" inside that lets the starter only rotate the engine in one direction. This is a replaceable part that you need to remove the starter to replace. This issue is more common in the big twin engines vs the XL / Buell engines. I'm not sure if this correct image or not but it's close.  | ||
| 651lance |
This is a better image I found of the starter. Number 12 is what we call the starter clutch.  | ||
| Grand |
My 96 S1 has been doing this for a few years, I have to give the starter a very quick prod when engine is warm, I guess it takes it just over compression. If I forget the graunching noise makes sure I don't forget next time. Not had this on my XB but same issue possibly? | ||
| 651lance |
The easiest way help out the starters on the non-EFI tubers is change you ignition module to an aftermarket one. You'll need to look for the ignition module that will skip firing the spark plugs on the first rotation of the engine. Some of the them have a setting for kick start or electric start, make sure it's on electric start. This will let the starter to get a little momentum in the engine before it's starts to fire off the spark plugs. | ||
| Buellmeister57 |
My 09 Uly does it on hot starts, usually at the gas station. Very embarrassing. How difficult is it to replace the starter clutch? | ||
| 651lance |
They aren't that hard to do. You need to pull your primary cover off to get your starter out. The clutch is inside your starter. You should only have 3-4 hour into it. List of parts you'll need with retail pricing. Starter clutch $118.40 Starter gasket $6.13 Clutch gasket $5.74 Inspection Gasket $3.95 Shifter shaft seal $5.00 Drain plug o-ring $1.95 Primary cover gasket $29.32 Case of beer $25.00 | ||
| 651lance |
New OEM starter $389.87 retail. New aftermarket starter $297 retail | ||
| Buellmeister57 |
Thanks for the info. Is there a more durable starter available? The factory one started screeching and grinding with less than 20,000 miles. | ||
| 651lance |
I can get you different aftermarket starters and charge you more money and at the end have the same results. The XL/Buell starter from HD has been a better starter over the big twin HD starter year over year, most likely do to the small displacement. Anytime a customer wants a bigger starter we end up with the same issue, the starter clutch slipping over time. I would stick with HD starters. | ||
| Phelan |
I have 2 complete starters for $50+shipping each. | ||
| Doz |
Case of beer before starting the repair? | ||
| Buellmeister57 |
My 99 Cyclone had 40,000 miles when I traded it in on my Uly. I had a 92 Sportster, Wiseco pistons, headwork, Screamin Eagle ignition, etc. It also had 40,000 + miles when I sold it. Neither one had starter issues. Guess I was lucky. | ||
| Buellmeister57 |
Hey Phelan, I might be interested in one of your starters. They in good shape? | ||
| Phelan |
Yes, both pulled from low mileage XB part outs. | ||
| Buellmeister57 |
Sounds good. I'll let you know. |
