I have a 76 FLH that squeals terribly sometimes when I hit the electric start. After the initial squeal. it sounds normal and starts right up. I have changed the starter motor, and the starter shaft housing bearing, as well as the starter shaft bearing in the primary cover. I also replaced the starter housing plate with the oring because the round hole was way out of shape. It still squeals.

Could it be the starter clutch (bendix) that is squealing?

 

That's the deal.....

 

Be the bendix gear and you might want to take a look at the teeth on the clutch hub while your in there. They get chewed it will knock the bendix out quick.

 

Don't know what kind of squeal, but a poor electric, either battery or connection, will not allow the bendix to set and it will spin.

 

clutch hub looks good.
I read where people said to use the All ***** Starter Clutch, but it doesn't look like they make the older style. I ordered one from Spyke.

 

Sounds like the starter clutch.

 

got the Spyke starter clutch. I might get it installed this weekend.
but then again, it is going to be sunny and 80 degrees all weekend and I have other bikes waiting to go!

 

finally got around to changing the bendix today. as usual, you guys were right. no more squeal. sounds great when I use the electric start now.
chasing this problem down I replaced:
starter motor
starter shaft housing plate and bearing
primary bushing

oh well, it's fixed now, and now I know all those other things are good also.

 

Very cool! By the time I read the thread the guys already had ya covered. Nice to see our old iron getting worked on and ridden...

 

same thing here... bike's squealing!!

Any suggestions on what bendix gear to get?
just pick up one(any brand) from any parts catalog?