Starting Fault

I have a 97 1340 Fatboy which I have owned for a few months and it seems to have 2 starting faults.

1.It seems to take ages to start from cold - I was told to twist throttle 3 times prior to starting - Is that correct???? choke pulled right out.

2.After pressing the starter button 2-3 times when starting from cold (5 secs each approx),the starter makes a funny noise and doesnt engage(just spins)

Any ideas/solutions would be much appreciated - when it starts, it runs perfectly and restarts ok when warm/hot.

Cheers, Dave

[Phil]

Means your Starter Clutch is going out. The Nippondenso starter has a one way Sprague clutch in it which can occasionally give up, not an unusual problem.
Getting the Starter out on a 97 Fatboy is a pain in the arse, as the oil tank has to come out, the primary cover has to off & the Starter has to be split in two to get to it. If you are going to tackle it yourself, we can try to get through it.

[Phil]

Harley part number for the starter clutch is 31516-94, which comes with a new shaft, there are also aftermarket options.

[kiwidave]

search Tech Tips archive for the Toyota/other car brands equivalent that is about 70% cheaper.......

As for the other problem David.

Twist throttle three times with choke off (fuel goes into ports instead of lying on choke assy).

Then pull choke full on before turning engine over.

Works for me.

Mark