Won't start When Warm

Question for Fix My Hog 2008 Harley Davidson FLSTC. My bike has hard time starting when it is hot. When cold it starts fine but once warm, it just cranks the first time around. After I reset and wait about 10 seconds it generally starts right up. I live in Phoenix which is about 1600 feet above sea level. I’ve noticed that when I am in higher altitudes, above 2000′, the problem goes away. My bike originally was a 96 ci but I upgraded to 103ci, 211 cams, flat top pistons, pro compressor heads and Bassani Road Rage II pipes. The bike was dyno tuned. I’ve upgraded the starting system to the heavy duty starter, increased the size of the battery cables and have recently installed a new battery. The bike turns over very easily now but the problem persists. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

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10 Responses to “Won't start When Warm”

  1. Gavin Hendrikse

    My 2011 Dyna Superglide cut out while riding and wouldn't start again, checked the battery, stator and regulator, they're all fine, so is the fob. What else could it be? It also had an intermittent starting issue when warm

  2. Dave

    my 99' RoadKing would not start yesterday, 30 miles from home. it would just spin and spin. I pop started it downhill, and got home. shut it off and tried to start it and it did. shut it off and tried again, and got the same spinning noise. today I tried it and it started cold. shut it off and tried a 2nd and 3rd time and would not start, only a horrible metal screaching noise? tried it today 1st time and it started. then tried 2 more times and got a horrible metal screaching noise? put 2 starters in it in 2020 and only went maybe 1000-2000 on it?

  3. MICK

    Great site , I have the same problem with my 2005 FLSTFSE , which Im told is an 88ci stroked to 103ci. Always hard to start when warm. I replaced the compensator thinking that was the problem .well it wasn't .Sounds like decompressors are the answer. Much thanks .

  4. Lionel

    I resolved a into limp mode problem by applying dielectric grease to the plug at servo motor connection behind air breather . Harley does not apply grease on assembly and it is recommended on all electric connections.

  5. Bill Wier

    I'm redoing starter switch on 1971 FX 74 cu. in.with electric start. previous 30 years have been jumping the solenoid with bent feeler gauge. want to get the switch from left handlebar control. can you tell me how to wire it using a relay. If I could read which blade equals which number it would be easier to figure it out.

  6. Mike Kelso

    It's in the map to verify turn your bike off with ignition switch twice then try if it starts to may be a bit Rich but will quickly smooth out, if you have a programmable ECM you can locate the warm start up section and make adjustments in the beginning of the map related to temp increase a few numbers till it starts, then work with it for smoother starting as you gain experience.

  7. Bret

    I just converted an 88" to a stage 3 103". The indy mechanic suggested we add compression release valve in the heads for this exact reason. He says it will eliminate this issue when starting up hot

  8. Brad Anderson

    My 2008 96 ci upgraded to 103 SE stage kit (255 cams) did the same thing. I asked the shop to install the HD recommended decompressors but he didn't, saying "it doesn't need them". Well it did because it wrecked a starter clutch after doing the same thing........one revolution and clunk. 2nd or 3rd try it would start up but I shouldn't have had to tell the mechanic/owner what I needed.

  9. John K. Rosa

    My Gas gauge stop working on my 2002 Dyna Wide Glide.. It's the gas cap reader on the left side of the gas tank.. HELP!! What can I do to get it working?

  10. Jimmy

    Info:2009 when hot hard to start starter wants to kick back usually have to crank in gear what do you think