Hey everyone, I've got a 99 Softail that I built and I'm having an issue with it starting. When I go to start it, it will turn the motor over a few times but then stop and make a spinning sound. It isn't grinding, just sounds like a spinning motor. It has started before doing the same thing periodically.

So I pulled the outer primary and checked the jack shaft, inspected it and everything looks in place. Checked the jack shaft bolt and tightened it down and made sure the locking tab was on correct. I left the primary off and turned the motor over to see if I could see anything obvious (I have a push button on the solenoid and made sure the engine cut off was flipped off).

It appears what's happening, is the jack shaft engages the starter gear on the clutch basket properly, turns the motor over a once or twice, and then just gets stops with something the starter still spinning. Jackshaft engages, spins then just stops.

Anyone have any idea what this might be? Is my starter bad? Input is greatly appreciatew

 

No need to replace the starter, the problem is the starter clutch, an easily replaced component inside the starter.

Remove the starter, and replace the starter clutch.

The worst part of the job is removing the oil tank to gain access to the starter.

Item 35 in the illustration.

http://www.granitestateharleystore.c...455-99A\T14\BJ

 

Really? You think it's that simple?

 

It's not easy, but I already have the starter removed. Instead of removing the oil tank I just remove the trans sensor and the starter frame from the housing.

Thanks again man!

 

The problem you described is a classic symptom of a bad starter clutch.

 

Just had the same issue on my 1998 Softail. It was the starter clutch. You do not have to remove the oil tank to get the starter out. Leave all the oil lines connected and just take out the two bolts inside the battery box and the left and right side bolts on the bottom front of the tank and you can move the tank enough to get the starter out.

 

Ok so my local dealer has a starter clutch kit for $115. I can just get the clutch by itself for 60 online though.

Do I need the whole kit? Or will I be ok with just the clutch?

 

Not sure what the "clutch kit" from dealer includes. I got mine off ebay for less then $60. which included the gear and bearings. If the "kit" includes all new gaskets for the primary cover then the dealer price is not as high as it seems, to get all the parts without waiting.
If you are in no hurry you can also order the gaskets you need off the internet and save a few $$.

 

Thanks guys! It wasn't without its headaches (dropped the nut connecting the solenoid/starter into the transmission where the speedo sensor goes) but it starts like a champ! Appreciate the advice!