Starting Issues

Energy One
I have a 2002 Bulldog, 107 S&S.....My problem is that the starter turns over slowly at times, and at other times just fine....Once in a while I do get that grind, which I ve heard is from a shimmimg problem alot of Big Dogs have had.... The slow turn over, which happens when cold and hot, but is not every time, almost stops cranking for a sec, then continues.....Is this a connection problem? Battery issue? Starter drive? More with the shimming? or Just a starter thats ready to crap out???
 

woodbutcher

Mr. Old Fart member #145
Staff member
do you have compression releases in the center of the rocker boxes? if not that would be the best thing you can do for it. it will make it easier on the battery, the starter, and the motor.
 

Kdub

Active Member
My 08 k9 does the same thing. Usually when cold. Been that way since I've got it. Figured just nature of the beast.
 

X-ray Doc

Member
The starter on that year were only 1.4 KW, which is not really big enought to spin the
motor over when it lands on the compression stroke. A bigger battery will help, so would
compression releases, but that is not a cheap upgrade. A 1.8 KW would make a big
difference. If you go bigger than the 1.8 KW the starter body is much larger and you
can have issues with the starter/battery wire hitting the transmission speedometer
sensor.
 

01Mastiff

Active Member
Even though you don't have compression releases, when you stick your finger inside the center hole on the top of the rocker boxes to you feel a nut. Most 2002's were tapped for compression releases, 2001's weren't. If you do feel a nut it is a simple unscrew and install of releases. That "stall" in starting is common and just the nature of a non-compression release engine. Mine's been doing it since 2001 no matter what starter and battery I use, just as you described. Long as it starts you're good to go.
 
Top