Answer me this on starters

[EricH]

If more and more bike builders are making engines in excess of 100 cubic inches (which is obviously the norm) why can no one make a starter that will not burn out?
I mean c'mon, my 107 is a pretty small engine by today's standards. I was told it is unbelievable it went 9 years on a factory starter and that these things eat them up. :down:

 

[Nukeranger]

Mine's not eating my starter! Oops, I just jinx myself. I think it is important for the compression releases to work right.

 

[erldawg]

It's also important to keep the battery in good shape.

 

[EricH]

Mine's not eating my starter! Oops, I just jinx myself.

:zwhistle: lol

 

[RRRUFF]

Not to jack this thread buy has anyone wire their compression releases to their starter solieniod. That way they would stay open until you let go of the start button?

 

[BadBrad]

Eric, are you complaining after getting 9 years of a trouble free starter? No starter issues with my '05 or my wife's '03. With your dog being an '03, do you have the compression releases? If not, something you might want to consider. If so, make sure they're working. 9 years ain't bad at all, but there may have been a reason it didnt' last longer. I think the stock starters may be 1.4KW. Not really sure about that, but you can beef up to something bigger like a 2.0 or 2.4KW.

 

[Nukeranger]

It's also important to keep the battery in good shape.

Yep,

If your battery isn't putting out good voltage along with good CCAs, your starter will have to make up for it with higher amps for the same KW.

Nuke

 

[EricH]

Eric, are you complaining after getting 9 years of a trouble free starter? No starter issues with my '05 or my wife's '03. With your dog being an '03, do you have the compression releases? If not, something you might want to consider. If so, make sure they're working. 9 years ain't bad at all, but there may have been a reason it didnt' last longer. I think the stock starters may be 1.4KW. Not really sure about that, but you can beef up to something bigger like a 2.0 or 2.4KW.

I am pretty sure I do have compression releases. When I put my finger down through the rocker boxes there is something between the jugs covered in rubber that seems to be spring loaded. Thing is, how the heck do you even know if they are working?

Well, maybe this is a good reason to step up to a higher kw starter. :up:

 

[standuprick]

The compression release only work for about a second when you hit the start button. If you pull the starter batter positive wire off the battery and turn you key to on, hit the start button and have one finger on the rubber(you push the rubber till you meet the metal) you can feel the valve open if they are working. Do both cylinders. 03 was wired for them but I dont think they have them installed.

 

[BadBrad]

Reach over and put your hand on the rubber cover in the center of the rocker box. When you start your motor, you should be able to feel the compression release under the rubber boot engage. Naturally, you want to do this with a cold motor so not to burn your hand.

 

[silver09]

Keeping the battery tender on it is the key to keeping your starter in good shape. Low voltage will kill the starter.

 

[EricH]

Evidently between a battery with some dead cells, a fried 9 year old starter, and some wires melting together...that is why my bike wouldn't start. lol

Anyway, the Dog is running now and starts strong.

Question I have is that the tech had really no idea how to check how well the compression releases are working. He said they _are_ working. He just doesn't know how well. He did a compression test and is getting 130# while turning over. How does that sound????

 

[EricH]

Evidently between a battery with some dead cells, a fried 9 year old starter, and some wires melting together...that is why my bike wouldn't start. lol

Anyway, the Dog is running now and starts strong.

Question I have is that the tech had really no idea how to check how well the compression releases are working. He said they _are_ working. He just doesn't know how well. He did a compression test and is getting 130# while turning over. How does that sound????

 

[badog766]

Hi Eric I have the same bike! My starter just died also..Where did you get a starter for your bike??? Is it a aftermarket starter?? I'm located in California... Thanks bro!