Cams or compression releases Harley Engine Discuss Cams or compression releases in the Harley Tech & Harley How-to forums; I think it was Pancho who said bolt in cams with the right duration will eliminate the starter clutch grinding I get when the bike is hot. It always starts, ...

[03fxst]

I think it was Pancho who said bolt in cams with the right duration will eliminate the starter clutch grinding I get when the bike is hot. It always starts, just likes to fight with me when there is a crowd around. I love the high compression power and the beautiful sound. (10.25:1) I want to get in there and play some more this winter but budget realities mean its one or the other. Should I pull the heads back off and get a set of releases installed or open that Cam cover and go that route. As always lads I appreciate your help. One other factor, miliage is just over forty thousand so I may need to go in for the Cam chain tensioner shoes anyway. I already ordered the Jims tensioner tools for that.

[frisco-rigid]

Hi Ole bud, good to see ya..
Of course you remember that I know less than next to nothing about Twinkies and their dual cams and such so I won't go near there but, if we were at the bar I'd say gee whiz daddio,, if you don't mind going into the heads go on and get those compression releases installed.. I've run the electric kind ( S&S ) and the screw in type that install just below the plugs..
They are my favorite.. It just takes such a load off the starter you'll be glad you did..
I have the screw-in type on the 120", you just pull it out then it closes immediately upon start-up.. They release too much compression for reliable kick-starting so I don't use em.. I even plugged up one of the release holes in each but that 120" needs compression to start easy, usually one kick..
Another trick is to always hold in (dis-engage) the clutch when buttoning,, that way the starter doesn't have to spin the clutch hub and tranny gears too.. BUT,, you knew that already huh..

[JCourneyaP]

Sometimes. Not all times. All you have to do is put your bike in first gear and roll it forward and back a few times to dispense the pressure built up. A valve will open and there goes the mix.

Now long term it might cause havoc on your transmission. I dunno. I do this after I ride hard and stop for gas.

[94flhtcu]

Hey, '03. What yer thinkin of is the LSA... Lobe Seperation Angle. In other words, while cranking, the compression doesn't get a chance to build too high because the valves are slightly open at the same time. You can read up on this at www.nightrider.com

Gear or chain?