103 Hard Starting PLEASE POST HERE

T

the1 with da answers

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My 103/255 big bore 09 Ultra was a hard starter until I: 1) had HD replace the Compensator with the SE version for free, and 2) had the tech use my SERT to dump a little more fuel in at starting. This combination worked just fine for me.
 
Got the Stage III... 10.5:1 Comp Ratio Pistons... SE259E Cams... It's only been about 5 months, but so far no problems.. I live in Northern MI and ride when it's 30 degrees out and when it 100 degrees out.. I haven't had a problem yet in cold or when she's warmed up.. I hope it stays that way, but I will be keeping a close ear on it every time I push the button...
 
Early in this thread a poster said that compression releases are not used on cars so they should not be needed on bikes. My thought on that is; 1 cylinder on compression stroke at a time.
103 CI V twin is 51.5 CI/cylinder, times 8 is 412 CI for a comparable V8. How big is the starter on a 400 CI V8 vs the starter on a V-twin?
If I remember my hi compression 400 CI days clearly, hard start on a hot day was not unusual, especially when things started to get some miles on them.
8 compression releases was not an option. We didn't know how to adjust sarting timing or fuel. Speed shops sold a lot of high performance starters.

Still a lot of hot rodders waiting for their rides to cool down enough to start
 
My 08 RK 103 w/ 255 cams was hard to start hot, even ate the clutch in the stock starter.
I had SE Compensator and Hi Torque starter installed with manual compression releases just in case. Now it always starts without using compression releases. Found it helps as stated somewhere on this forum if you hit the starter before the engine light goes off and the pump is still running it starts alot easier. I used the compression releases a few times and the rear one got stuck open when hot so had to manually shut it after starting. Got a new one on order to replace it.
 
Just an update, riding a few months since the 103 build.

I have been using super unleaded, and it seems to help.

When warm I start the bike immediately and do not wait for the light.

I have only one hard start in the last month, and that was 1/4 the noise of before... just a little chug before it fired.

yes, I might still do manual releases, but I think I will try retarding the timing first. The thing that pisses me off is that I cannot get a straight answer from the Dealer as to what the settings currently are from my dyno runs. They (Seacoast Harley in NH or more specifically the Service Manager) seem to want only to install auto-releases on my dime for too much. Not going to happen, I will go indy with manuals first.

Mike
 
The thing that pisses me off, is that the Stealer wan't $184.95 for the compression releases, $120 for the top end gasket set, and 8 hours labour at $91.50 per hour, plus 12% taxes.

$1161.39!!!!! WTF
 
while getting my 103 built a few months ago, i had them add the screamin eagle compensator and manual compression releases. with the 10.5 compression these changes were essential. i had it done while the weather was still cold, and now that it's getting warmer and the air is getting fatter, i'm glad i spent the additional money. this has been a great thread.
 
Mike - I see that you have a SERT. If you have a copy of your map, why don't you try making an adjustment to your Cranking Fuel Table. From my experience, black smoke at start, you reduce values in the high temp area of the table, if you don't smell any fuel add to the values. Based on what you are saying, if the quick run, start button trick works most of the time, I'm guessing that you should reduce the values in the table. 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.

I have the 103 w/255 cams. Hot start problem was awful! The hit run and then start button trick, probably worked half the time for me. I was riding with a buddy the other day, 82 deg. and hot. Got stuck in traffic for a 3/4 hour and needed gas. Engine super hot. He's been with me in the past and seen my hot start problem. He could not believe how easy it started. He was amazed. Stopped a couple of more times, engine started instantly.

Just trying to help from my experience. I went thru this same hot start problem and wasn't getting any help from local dealers or local experts. I got a lot of that's normal and they all do it, you need CRs. I would have probably done the CRs, but a friend did and it didn't help his hot start problem. Searched the Internet and also looked at new Super Tuner maps for similar builds with 255 cams. Between the two, that's where I got the idea for the change. May be worth a try for you. Takes less than 1/2 hour to load the map and try it.
 
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