just bought my 2nd `65 electric start, starter worked for 3 days,
now starter spins fine but will only engage 1 out of 10 times and when it does it is only long enough to push 1 piston over tdc.
I pulled the outer primary checked the bendix, ring gear, engagement fork, spring and plunger, everything is within spec,
I then replaced the starter solenoid twice using v twin high performance solenoids and then h-ds
all results were the same,,,,,, any thoughts,

 

Are the wires and connections in good shape? The heavy wire will pull the most amps ..

 

Not sure how you would check a bendix...but if the starter is spinning and the motor is not, it is usually the bendix. You can engage it with the outer primary off to help diagnose the problem.

 

i happen to have a 65 in the shop with a starter issue and the bendix was cracked worked some times and sometimes no - the starter on this one is the original delco and the brushes are dirty

 

checked bat. to sol. sol to starter. sol. to starter relay {signal wire to sol.} 0 ohms.
guess relay to starter button to ign. is next.?

 

READ...check/replace yhour Bendix gear!!!!!!!!!!!!

You said you checked it but how???????

 

Replace the starter clutch(bendix.)
Scott

 

I checked the bendix visually, no wear spots on engagement teeth, then lifted shaft just enough to clear clutch hub, and hit starter button just long enough to engage teeth to ring gear without spinning clutch hub,,, bendix engaged and disengaged properly,
I did this a dozen times.
I guess that doesn't mean it`s ok,, I assumed it was ok.

 

A bendix or starter clutch is a one way clutch...it free wheels in one direction...and locks up in the other. When you use the starter, it turns the motor over and when it starts...it free wheels so there is no damage...even if you are still holding the starter button. When it goes bad, it is not locking up and turning the motor...so the starter is turning, but the motor is not. You usually cannot tell it is bad by turning it by hand, because it takes some pressure to make it slip. More than likely it is your problem.

 

I agree, I`ve ordered a couple new bendix, just to help eliminate as many possibilities as possible...