My starter motor is not working. I can hear it spin. But no engagement. Searching this forum I found that the starter clutch may be the problem. Appears to me that it is easier to replace the entire assembly (clutch + electric motor), than merely the clutch. BOUGHT "All Balls" 1.4KW to replace my '08 OEM.
There could also be a compensator problem. When in neutral, I shift to 1st and there is a loud clunk. Loud enough that even with my hearing emparement and PDA music buds in my ears I can easily hear the clunk. Only interested in a new compensator to cure a possible fault, and not because I want to change the gearing. Considering Baker.
I am otherwise very happy with the '08; not longing for a newer year replacement. Reliability on extended rides is most important to me.
Is your 08 stock???
The 08 is a 96 inch engine stock and there is no need for a bigger starter motor even if the engine was upgraded to a 103, the stock starter works just fine.
The main problem with the 08 is the compensator and the compensator may be your main problem, if your compensator is the OEM original or the older SE version you could have starter problems.
The OEM compensator was absolute junk and it will cause starter clunk , grind and stall and if it is kept in the bike it can lead to starter motor and ring gear failure.
The stock starter motor will start your bike just fine so while inside the primary just replace the compensator and check the ring gear for damage and replace the starter if needed.
I am still using the OEM starter on my 08 and it has performed flawlessly, my 08 has had 3 compensators the OEM and 2 older versions of the SE compensator and it is ready for a new compensator now.
My 08 has been upgraded to a 103 and I don't use compression releases either and the starter turns the engine over just fine.
I ordered a Baker compensator right from Baker and it is going to be shipped this week according to the sales rep at Baker so we will see if it works or not.
The Baker compensator is only $399 and you don't have to glue in oil deflectors like you do with the HD SE compensator.
You will still need the rotor assembly HD p/n30041-08 for the Baker compensator install on the 2007 to 2010 models.
I believe that the issues with the Baker compensator would have been addressed and fixed by Baker by now, the compensator came out this spring and it doesn't make sense to keep selling a part with a known problem knowing that you have to warranty it.
The J&P web site is wrong about the Accel Cables. To confirm fit, I contacted Accel who informed me Accel does not have a product that will fit the 2008 FLTR; the product listed on J&P was confirm d by Accel not to fit.
Advice on 4-gauge battery cables to starter would be appreciated.
I have confirmed that the Custom Chrome #647547 Mega battery cables kit does fit the 2008 FLTR. It is a 4-gauge cable and apparently specific to the 2008.
Finally had time to complete the install of my All Balls starter with clutch kit. Installed as recommended upgraded 4 gauge battery to starter wires. The installation was not difficult; however, when proceeding cautiously and for the first time, I allocated a lot of time to research each item on the Internet, YouTube, and my shop manual.
I did have one part left over which I woul be grateful if someone would point me in the right direction for its replacement.
The nut and bolt attach to a plate that is located at the two bolts that connect the starter assembly to the bike. There is no mention of this plate or the attached bolt in my manual, or elsewhere. I have Fullsac true duals conversion. The first owner had Screamin Eagle mufflers. I bought the bike in its first year of production at a great discount with only 1,500 miles on it. So perhaps it is left over from the P.O. ?
Help. Besides the unidentified part, the bike starts better than ever. Much better :grin:
I have a 25 second video showing how quick the more powerful "All Balls" 1.4 KW. OEM, I believe is 1.2 KW, and I also installed lower resistance 4ga battery to starter cables as well. This web site appears not to allow short video.
I do not recall my '08 FLTR ever starting as quickly or as smoothly.
Experiencing the benefits, my 2000 Deuce might be heading for an upgrade as well. It has 110 HP & TQ, and starts with several hesitations. The 2000 is a more time consuming install.
Attached is an image of the starter assembly. Since I was upgrading, I went for the slightly more expensive chrome version.
Very impressed with the All Balls chrome starter. My FLTR is running great. IOW, not impressed enough with the newer generations to make the effort to update.
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