103 Hard Starting PLEASE POST HERE

The real 'problem' with the 255 cam is its very early intake valve closing timing of 25*. Intake valve closing is the single biggest factor affecting your corrected compression ratio and CCP. Of course, this early intake valve closing is also what gives this cam its impressive low-end torque characteristics. Everything is a compromise.
 
My 103 SEII build with the 255 cams resulted in an occasional 'hot start' starter kick-back. I read on here about the 103 cop bikes all going back in for drilling and comp release installations, so, I spent the dough and had mine done too. Dealer tech maintained I shouldn't need the CR's, but when questioned about the cop 103 bikes being recalled for them, he said only they were different applications....Whatever, the CR's have ended my hot starting problems, and I recommend as other pros on here to get them installed at the time you have the motor apart for the other 103 parts. Saves you a couple hundred dollars in labor for a later cyl head R&R.

BTW, my warm cyl pressure is 185 PSI w/o releases ---- 120 PSI with...so, do the math. No wonder it spins over now.

Diesel motors have cyl pressures much higher, with comp ratios of 16 or 18 to one, and they use a starter the size of a small briggs motor to crank them. So yes, it can be done w/o comp releases, but practicality is essential here in the motorcycle world.
The higher amp starter may be ok, but you must put heavier battery cable, heavier solenoid, and high amp battery to make that package work. You can't just stick on the high amp starter with the light duty electrics and get results.

I think Harley should include the manual Comp releases with the SEII kit. Optional electric...
 
i do have a problem after riding for a while on a hot day... i was told it was timing by one mechanic, but when i took it back to harley, they told me nothing was wrong, also had oil coming from the air filter area, two problems they havent fixed, but told me they were normal issues...
 
You are very correct about the early intake close, and it does raise CCP considerably, that is how you build torque!

I just use the word "duration" as there are many on the forum that may understand a short duration, meaning valve closes early, not open as long vs stating the intake valve closes at 25 degrees, vs another figure.
 
got the 103/255 upgrade, got the same problems everyone else has. Dealer did multiple dyno pulls, PCIII adjustments, finally got the timing/starting fuel where it works best, but still not 100% cure. Tried the "start before the light goes out" trick, once again, works most of the time but not 100%. Tech thinks the 1.4 starter will cure it, or at least mask it to the point that it is almost gone. I hate to spend another $300 plus for another band aid when the end result is another $300 for compression releases to finally fix the problem. I'm gonna deal with it as long as I can stand it, then probably put in the compression releases. Dealer can do it without removing the heads. just the rocker covers and gas tank. About a 2.5hr job plus gaskets and releases. We'll see....PACO
 
Had the same problem on my '05 SE 103 after adding Zippers 575 cams. Changed the starter gear to a Rivera 10/84 set up and went to Yoopers heavy duty battery cables. No more problems!! The stock starter and pinion gears showed significant wear when I took them out so I'm sure that was the issue. Also had to shim the pinion gear out (about 1/16") to help it to engage quicker.

Chris
 
All of the above suggestions may work some of the time, and some of the suggestions will work under just the right conditions, but the only sure fire fix that works time after time, and releives excess stress on the starter and battery, whether High output or not, is compression releases. If you have them installed and use them religiously, the starter may actually outlast one that is on a stock bike.

Now, if the engine is not properly built and tuned, you can throw the above statement out the window as improper timing, fuel delivery, IAC settings, Fuel enrichment, etc will all impact startability
 
Amazing what I good tuner can do (Zippers Auto Tune) just backed out a few degrees of intial timing at start up and she starts fine. However battery cables, cam durations, compression releases are all very good recommendations........put it was easy taken out a few degrees of timing during start up. Yes, when it was got it was like the starter hit a wall.
 
Another useless .02 cents from a non-motorhead, I haven't experianced this yet but I haven't been riding in hot weather since I had the motor done. If I get this problem I will do the compression release. It's just logical that providing all other adjustments are good, that this would cure it. It's also logical to me that it would be less stressing to the starter and motor with compression release. Hell, my Honda450 moto bike had a hot start lever and it worked every time.
 
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