103 Hard Starting PLEASE POST HERE

tasteM

New member
Just had the heads done for my 103 build. The attached pic shows my thoughts on adding compression releases. Cheap insurance and not a big deal to install while the heads are off.

You can pay now or you can pay later.
 
When I did the Stage II 103 kit with SE 255 cams I had the shop install manual compression releases as part of the project even though many on this and other forums contended they had thousands of miles without any starting problems hot or cold.

I chose manual compression releases over automatic simply because of ease of replacement should one fail (manuals can be serviced without taking the engine apart).

The 2010 FLHX came with the 1.4 kw starter from the factory so the only upgrade would have been a after market hi torque starter and from talking with many service techs the weak link in the process is actually the starter clutch most often.

To date I have experienced a couple of hard starts when the engine is hot and am very glad I had the compression releases installed. I use them every time I start the bike hot or cold as a matter of habit and have just worked them into my starting routine.
 
I was told by my dealer that heads did very little for power (price-vs-power). Tech also said CRs weren't needed. I have only had 2 hard starting issues, both when I killed it whentaking off, from a light. Wish I had listened to my inner voice and done the CRs atleast.
 
I had to pay difference to upgrade Chrome starter and SE compensator to solve these issues. Dealer warrantied out stock parts cost and labor, runs great now.IMO SE compensator need to be in 103 upgrade package.
 
I'm picking up my 2010 FLHX with Stage 2 103 after work today (yes I'm like a kid on Christmas, this will be the slowest day ever!) and thanks to the info. here it has manual CRs installed.
 
What do you mean? Start up i took to mean cranking?

You asked what you need to do to the table to make it easier to start. The answer is nothing, timing is set to 0 during cranking ie start up.

After cranking stops the ECM will time the engine based on the map. so when the engine is cold and the manifold pressure is higher than normal due to the high idle the computer will follow the map.

If you want to see how the ECM is timing the engine use the SEPST, either data log or view it live on your screen via the VCI.

But there is nothing you can do to the timing table that will make a difference when the starter button is pressed.
 
On my 103, I didn't adjust the timing at start up, I adjusted the Cranking Fuel Table values. In the SERT or Super Tuner software there is a Cranking Fuel Table with temperatures and I believe it is injector pulse width (someone can correct me on this). I changed the 80 C value to 16.1, the 96 C value to 14.1 and the 112 C thru 160 C values from 20.0 to 12.8. Engine now starts instantly when hot. I've made similar changes to this table with other Harleys that I've had with the same results.

I'm not familiar with other fuel managment software as to what they use for cranking fuel tables.

Let me add the following. From my experience of trial and error, depending on what you have, you may have to add or remove fuel when hot to improve starting. In my experience, it has been to remove fuel. At hot start up, my 103 and 95 were blowing black smoke. So, I removed fuel and it solved my hot start problems.

Hope this is the information that you are looking for.
 
cr's are just something else to go wrong on the road if you really don't need them such as a 10:5 build or more. Keep them clean or you'll hate when they act up at the worst time. Experience was my teacher with a 113" build years ago.
 
S&S = Easy start cams........My Indy has done afew builds this spring useing them(103-2-106's),they start better then my 01 tc and my about the same as my 06.........
 
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