Always dificult starting...

Energy One
syclone

syclone

Member
I just bought a 2003 Bulldog and since day one I am having problems with starting. Push start and hard to turn, push again and I might be lucky to turn, push again and complete tired and no turn. I removed the battery do to a melted negative poll. Fine I went to Wal-Mart bought one of those ytx20lbs maxx energy and the same problem. Exchange again thinking the battery might not have enough cranking amps.

What is the problem? Do I need the starting rebuild? This bike is to hard to turn and if doesn't turn the first or second and dead.

Please help.
:confused:

Thanks

P.S 15,000 on bike all original including the old battery.
 
superfly

superfly

Ride it like you stole it
Well I know these high compression motors are hell on batteries. Not sure when they began putting compression releases on, but that might be something to check into. I have a 330 cca battery. I know factory they are 280, but If you can fit a big batttery in there, then all will say do it. Good luck. Keep us posted.
 
Raywood

Raywood

The Pirate
Staff member
Calendar Participant
Troop Supporter
Welcome to the site. First off there is a ton of info on here concerning this problem.

First you NEED 12.8 volts to turn your motor over. You need a GOOD battery with at least 270 CCA or better. Would imagine the Walmart stuff is worthless!!!

Second your bike didn't come with compression releases like all later models but the wiring harness is fitted for them so go down to your dealer and have them installed. Will probably cost you about $300 installed.

Thirdly, get a battery tender and keep it plugged in when in the garage.

Good luck,
Ray

:flag:
 
G

Gas Man

Cool isn't cheap
Calendar Participant
Yeah does Walmart look like a motorbike store? NO

At the very least, go to HD and get a AGM battery for a softail. WORKS great!
 
syclone

syclone

Member
I just ordered an Powerhouse plus battery from J&P, a killing 181.00. this battery clains to have 330 cca. would this be ok?

Also I went to the local shop about the compression releases and they quote me 1500.00. since they are removing the top end, they will need to rebuild it as well.

New rims and maybe pistons, bore over and top end gaskets. they say if the loose the volts the hole jug will have to be removed by been disturbed.

If it was only 300.00 I would have done it by now.

what do you guys thinks?
 
mcgroom

mcgroom

Well-Known Member
syclone said:
I just ordered an Powerhouse plus battery from J&P, a killing 181.00. this battery clains to have 330 cca. would this be ok?

Also I went to the local shop about the compression releases and they quote me 1500.00. since they are removing the top end, they will need to rebuild it as well.

New rims and maybe pistons, bore over and top end gaskets. they say if the loose the volts the hole jug will have to be removed by been disturbed.

If it was only 300.00 I would have done it by now.

what do you guys thinks?
Click to expand...
Seems excessive to me just to get your bike to start easier. I have an 02' Prosport with the 107. I have a tough time as well getting her to start at times.

My tricks:

Replace your plugs with proper gap. Mine is .040.

Always use the battery tender when she is bed for the night. I never make any exceptions on this.

DO NOT use the enricher. Even on cold starts.

Roll the throttle back 4 full times. If median temp is below 60 I may go 2 more times.
Make sure throttle has returned all the way back. Having it cracked even a bit will affect the start.

Crank a couple of times until she pops through the exhaust.

2 more rolls and she usually grabs unless really cold.

Once she is running, roll throttle back just a cunt hair for a half minute or so to get her a bit warm and allow her to idle a couple of mins.


Also, make sure your carb is adjusted properly. You can foul plugs up pretty quick on our machines and if you are running rich you would never think of plugs being a problem if you just replaced them.


I am sure others will have more / different suggestions, but this is what works for me.
 
Last edited:
Raywood

Raywood

The Pirate
Staff member
Calendar Participant
Troop Supporter
syclone said:
I just ordered an Powerhouse plus battery from J&P, a killing 181.00. this battery clains to have 330 cca. would this be ok?

Also I went to the local shop about the compression releases and they quote me 1500.00. since they are removing the top end, they will need to rebuild it as well.

New rims and maybe pistons, bore over and top end gaskets. they say if the loose the volts the hole jug will have to be removed by been disturbed.

If it was only 300.00 I would have done it by now.

what do you guys thinks?
Click to expand...

Take your bike to a REAL bike shop and they will see that you have the heads and rocker boxes that are all ready fitted for the compression releases.
They will just need to pull the plugs and install the CR's and connnect them to the exsisting wiring.
You will also need an 02 starter relay as the Tech Bulliton states. See "tech bullitins" on this site.

Here is a picture of mine installed on my 03 Mastiff. You can see the bulbs inside the rockers;
 
outlawcrewcab

outlawcrewcab

Member
DAMN IT MAN u jinked me!!! i had my starter rebuilt and did great for 2 or 3 weeks now but my damn 02 pitbull is back to doing the same thing.dont hold the start button down if it dont kick over right away it will melt the wire or battery. i have a 330 CCA battery now and a freash rebuilt starter and problems back. this time im going to look into a high torq starter or CR's which ever cheaper
 
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