Start with a bang - Harley Forum

YOCKOMO · #1 09-02-2009, 01:21 AM

My "09 fxstc softail custom first hesitates a second, then starts strongly with a "bang"! No failures yet. This bang has been going on since new.is this something to worry about? 14000 k and no problems. Other forums attribute this to the compensator bottoming and the need to overcome the compression on the big motor. Any views?
Thanx

frisco-rigid · #2 09-02-2009, 03:03 AM

Eh Yock

Have you done anything to the breathing and/or exhaust.?

Does this bang exit the carb or is it just part of the starting.?

I'm Not gonna say it's an ever-so-slight detonation but really really darn close..
It certainly causes a sudden stress on the pins, rod bearings, etc etc..

If it was an old-style Kicker sickle I would advise a slight retarding of the ignition, but not so easy for you..

You might try this, it might relieve just enough work on the starter to allow it to rotate the "drive" a wee quicker by lessoning the mass the starter must spin..
Simply pull-in (dis-engage) the clutch when starting,,,,, even in neutral..
With the clutch dis-engaged the starter only has to spin the clutch Shell & motor,, NOT the clutch pack/hub and Main-shaft assmby in the trans ALSO.. It's not much but it might help..

YOCKOMO · #3 09-02-2009, 09:49 AM

Thank you for your reply:
I only replaced stock muff with se2 and Cycle Shack baffles but the bang occurred before I did this. Pulling in the clutch doesn't help. The starter spins for a sec, dies, then starts strongly with a bang. Other forums say this is normal! I can't believe it is. Guess I should take it around and get an opinion but these days are too beautiful to waste sitting around at the dealer after the summer from rain hell.
Thanx again

YOCKOMO · #4 09-02-2009, 11:41 AM

JUST A FOLLOW UP ON THE "BIG BANG":
How could I have forgotten that it is a HARLEY! Checked the battery cables...LOOSE all of a sudden & @ & ?!!. Tightened my cables - no more hesitation- no more BANG!
Thanx for the response
Y