Let's talk starters

[nerdsports]

I tried searching and found nothing on this subject. I recently did a 1200 conversion on my 1990 883. It's running 10.5:1 Wiseco pistons with the stock 883 heads. I believe I have a 1.0kW starter - with a Spyke solenoid starter button. The battery is a Braille B129 with 323 CCA. Before the conversion this thing would turn over with ease!! Since the rebuild, it really struggles. Now, I haven't done any diagnostics but have you guys run into this situation after a higher compression conversion?

I will be checking the battery's voltage this afternoon then charging it if it's low. I will also check the terminals, connections, and wires to ensure there's no issue there. I read about using dielectric grease or vaseline on the terminals/connections so I will do that as well.

Any help is GREATLY appreciated!

[wilbur]

Here are some links. Maybe some info here.

http://xlforum.net/forums/s....php?t=1019561

http://xlforum.net/forums/s...d.php?t=635261

http://xlforum.net/forums/s....php?t=1476380

http://xlforum.net/forums/s....php?t=1490439

[seajay]

I went with this.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Harley-David...8593ee&vxp=mtr

[A 4 liter V8 eater]

My stock starter worked fine with 10.5:1

[aswracing]

Have you checked your cranking compression?

Where is the ignition timing?

Starter capability is not normally a problem on these bikes.

[A 4 liter V8 eater]

I did briefly consider a Compu-Fire Gen III Starter just for weight savings. Maybe one day when I have money to literally burn. A light weight battery is much more bang for the buck.

[Bob s hog]

holly crap you batterie dont put out much jam i just bought a new harly batterie for my 03 1200 it had 592cca how old is your batterie and whats your charging system like ?? maybe your getting a bad stater?

[nerdsports]

Originally Posted by aswracing

Have you checked your cranking compression?

Where is the ignition timing?

Starter capability is not normally a problem on these bikes.

I will check on this tonight. I figured I needed to give the rings time to seat before doing a compression test.

Originally Posted by Bob s hog

holly crap you batterie dont put out much jam i just bought a new harly batterie for my 03 1200 it had 592cca how old is your batterie and whats your charging system like ?? maybe your getting a bad stater?

The battery was purchased in April. Like I said, it was working perfectly fine before the conversion. It has more than the required CCA (240 from what I've read) for a Sportster.

[NRHS Sales]

It's running 10.5:1 Wiseco pistons with the stock 883 heads

To my knowlegde there is no such piston as a Wiseco 10.5:1 for use with 883 heads. Dished pistons are either 9.5:1 or 10:1 from Wiseco. Are you sure you have the correct pistons? They need to be a dished piston if being used with stock 883 heads. If they are flat tops they are way too high of compression.

[nerdsports]

Originally Posted by NRHS Sales

To my knowlegde there is no such piston as a Wiseco 10.5:1 for use with 883 heads. Dished pistons are either 9.5:1 or 10:1 from Wiseco. Are you sure you have the correct pistons? They need to be a dished piston if being used with stock 883 heads. If they are flat tops they are way too high of compression.

Looks like they're the 10.5:1 domed pistons. Looks like I might have to check the squish on this setup. Thanks for bringing this up!