Clanking while starting

[Jim Bronson]

05 Dyna with mild build, 45K. Clanks while starting, especially when hot. I always use compression releases now, but there was a time when I was too lazy or usually just forgot. Does this sound like a starter clutch going bad? Does it make more sense to replace the whole starter or rebuild the stock one? Replacing the whole thing doesn't look too hard, but costs a lot more than just replacing the clutch.

Thanx.

[smoserx1]

Does this sound like a starter clutch going bad?

Yep.  I'd just throw in a new clutch, but I'm cheap.

Try one of these:

http://www.jpcycles.com/product/630-299

[Jim Bronson]

Thanks. I guess it all depends on how adventurous I am. I've never disassembled a starter.

[dakota224]

Very easy swap, There is only 2 bolts holding it on.

[RK103]

Starter clutches dont clank, they just slip. Have you had hot start kick backs that chipped some teeth off the ring gear?

[-JC-1]

My starter clutch went bad last weekend, it just spun without catching, ordered the same all balls, should be here Thursday.
Never changed one until now, am planning on doing it Friday evening.

[rbabos]

Sounds like a tooth problem on the ring gear.
Ron

[Jim Bronson]

Sounds like a tooth problem on the ring gear.
Ron

Thanks for all the replies.
It only clanks once in a while and always when it is hot (usually when gassing up). Sometimes I don't hold the starter down long enough to crank the motor over. When I hit it again, it starts clanking. I hope that makes sense. It is a regular clank-clank-clank. I had the primary cover off recently to replace shifter seals, and I cleaned up the primary real good, but I didn't notice any metal debris. I wish it wasn't such a pain to take the cover off to inspect it.

[smoserx1]

Internet forums are full of threads about this issue.  You are going to have to remove the primary cover and jackshaft bolt to get the starter out on your model.  My bike occasionally makes this grinding sound when starting.  Been doing it for a long time and not getting any worse.  Both old goldwings I used to have did it too, once in a while.  I have had my primary off several times now and never noticed any damage to the ring gear or pinion, but sometimes wear is hard to see unless you have new parts in front of you to compare to.  I have heard lots of bikes make the same sound as mine when cranking.  Go on a big organized ride and you hear it a bunch when everybody stares up.  I also have one of those buttons on the end of my solenoid cover, and have gotten this sound even when using the button to start the bike, so I don't believe its a solenoid issue as I have heard suggested.  I got a new starter clutch sitting in a drawer but never put it in.  Hot weather, weak battery and trying to start the bike in gear all make this issue worse.

[Jim Bronson]

OK thanks smoserx1. No use in worrying about it then. Just freaks me out when I hear it. Bike always starts though.

[x52gnr]

 I lived with this on my 07 Ultra...Only did it when it was a hot start like after getting gas and such but was random when it happened. I replaced my compensator with the s/e version and it went away. I am not famuiliar with your Dynas set up though...just my experience....