Pause during start, is it normal?

[ChopperJeff]

On the 2007 Big Dog K9 I just got a couple weeks ago, it seemed to always be hard to start, as it hesitates. Then a few days ago it just went dead. I installed a new battery and it started up OK.
However, there are many times when I hit the start button, it quickly cranks but only goes for maybe one revolution, then it pauses for about a second, then cranks some more until it starts.
On occasions, when the motor is good and warm, it starts "normally", with no pause and it just cranks right away and fires up. But it's rare it starts so easily.

Is this pause I'm experiencing a concern?

 

[pknowles]

Is your compression releases working properly?

 

[ChopperJeff]

Is your compression releases working properly?

How would I know?

 

[Rottweiler]

You can put your finger on the rubber cover in the middle of the heads. When you press the start PB you should be able to feel the releases move. Can you hear a click when the start button is pressed.

 

[awg]

Try pushing down on each one before starting the bike.

 

[Mickmorris]

What battery did you install exactly?

 

[ChopperJeff]

What battery did you install exactly?

I got the Deka ETX20L, as it was suggested by many people.

 

[ChopperJeff]

Try pushing down on each one before starting the bike.

I had read somewhere that the compression releases are spring loaded, and thus won't stay down with a momentary press. But opinions seem to vary on that.

 

[Mickmorris]

I got the Deka ETX20L, as it was suggested by many people.

 

[TreeGuru]

You probably have automatic electronically operated compression relief valves. The compression relief valves are on for only one second to get you past the compression stroke regardless of how long the starter button is depressed. Are you holding the throttle open while engaging the starter? This would cause an increase in your compression and cause a pause. Also, you might want to pull your sparkplugs and check for fouling from leaving the enricher lever up longer than needed while the engine warms.

 

[Rottweiler]

Give the throttle a twist or 2 max then hit the run, start.

 

[ChopperJeff]

You probably have automatic electronically operated compression relief valves. The compression relief valves are on for only one second to get you past the compression stroke regardless of how long the starter button is depressed. Are you holding the throttle open while engaging the starter? This would cause an increase in your compression and cause a pause. Also, you might want to pull your sparkplugs and check for fouling from leaving the enricher lever up longer than needed while the engine warms.

OK, thanks! Before starting, I typically twist the throttle a couple times, then press the start button. No twist of the throttle while it's cranking. I'll check the plugs when I get home tonight.

 

[mleach72]

How would I know?

Pull the green wire running to the starter solenoid. This will keep the starter from engaging when you hit start. Put your finger on the rubber cover on each compression release. You should feel them opening when you hit the start button.

 

[HMAN]

OK, thanks! Before starting, I typically twist the throttle a couple times, then press the start button. No twist of the throttle while it's cranking. I'll check the plugs when I get home tonight.

Try a single twist when cold, if you have been riding, you prolly wont even need the 1 twist.

 

[Mikeinjersey]

Do what mleach72 suggested in order to find out if your compression releases are firing. You should also hear a click from them.
That being said: If my bike is totally cold I first put it in gear and rock the bike a little to get the cylinders in the mood to move. Back to neutral and then I give one short throttle twist before hitting the start button. No throttle or enricher until the engine is cranking.
A small amount of enricher goes a long way and be sure to put it back down as soon as possible.
Also check that your bike is charging properly just in case that had something to do with your battery dying. Should be close to 14 volts minimum and 14.5 max while at 2k rpm.

 

[ChopperJeff]

Do what mleach72 suggested in order to find out if your compression releases are firing. You should also hear a click from them.
That being said: If my bike is totally cold I first put it in gear and rock the bike a little to get the cylinders in the mood to move. Back to neutral and then I give one short throttle twist before hitting the start button. No throttle or enricher until the engine is cranking.
A small amount of enricher goes a long way and be sure to put it back down as soon as possible.
Also check that your bike is charging properly just in case that had something to do with your battery dying. Should be close to 14 volts minimum and 14.5 max while at 2k rpm.

Thank you all for the advice!
I did place my finger on the one compression release while starting, and I could feel it move. So it appears it’s working…well, at least the one I felt. I’ll check the other one next time I start the bike.
Will check the plugs when I get a chance.
And yeah, will stick a volt meter on the battery once I get home to make sure it’s charging.
Your idea about rocking the bike is interesting. I do remember reading about something like that years ago where the pistons “Like” to be in a certain position when the motor is started. It explains why at times the bike fires right up with no hesitation as it just means the motor was in a “happy” spot.

I’ll keep ya posted. Hopefully it all works out. Nice having a big dog again, even with the minor issues. Overall, great bikes.

 

[blackdogg6164]

You can put your finger on the rubber cover in the middle of the heads. When you press the start PB you should be able to feel

On the 2007 Big Dog K9 I just got a couple weeks ago, it seemed to always be hard to start, as it hesitates. Then a few days ago it just went dead. I installed a new battery and it started up OK.
However, there are many times when I hit the start button, it quickly cranks but only goes for maybe one revolution, then it pauses for about a second, then cranks some more until it starts.
On occasions, when the motor is good and warm, it starts "normally", with no pause and it just cranks right away and fires up. But it's rare it starts so easily.

Is this pause I'm experiencing a concern?

mines does that too. always on a cold start. I keep my bike on a digital tender (CTEK MXS 5.0) if I'm not gonna ride for a couple weeks. I will put my hand on 1 of the black release balls (that did NOT sound right) when I ride after work Saturday. I just put a new Deka in after 4 years in July.

 

[Coolbreezin]

Mine has been hanging like that since day one (11 April 2005). I got all the same ideas and suggestions. Only time it didn't hang like that was when I had the 420cca lithium battery. Which I do not recommend getting.
Back to an AGM battery and the aforementioned pause. I'm wondering now if it's time for a starter solenoid rebuild?

 

[TreeGuru]

When it pauses or hangs up take your thumb off of the start button for a couple seconds then give it another try.

 

[Mr. Wright]

Clean both ends of the battery cables, and the solenoid contacts.