Sounds like the starter drive clutch needs to be replaced.. It locks up to spin the motor and when you let off the button it will spin backward to let it disengage from the clutch drum gear. If it catches for a secound and then spins free, I would guess the starter drive clutch. Starter bendix, what I called it on my shovel. I have replaced one on my90 model and my 99 model. Hope that helps.
paco
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paco
1990 flhtcu_107" ultima
ultima 6sp/rivera pro clutch
I start on the bike today - as you know nothing is easy on a bagger.
I have a burn on my finger right now from the otheer day when I soldered the new solenoid together.
But ALL is WELL - Bike is starting with NO problem.
removed outerprimary - removed left rear muffler ( true duals) - removed shift lever from solenoid
- removed starter shaft nut ( left hand ) - removed damaged starter clutch drive gear - installed shifter collaronto new drive gear and installed new gear - everthing else is reverse direction.
It help to hearit from someoneelse even when you think you have got it nailed.
Took me all day and a few dollars but all is WELL - going riding today - will put on about 150 miles plus - I always take a spin onSundays - all things considered.
Glad ya got it fixed,...I just replaced the "bendix" in my '87 a few weeks ago. Also had the starter brushes replaced while I had it out.
Was gonna ride today too, but a cold, windy storm blew in,.....oh well, that time of year.
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1987 FLHTC
Patriot Guard Rider
Navy Vet '66-'70 USS Ranger
I didget the problem resolved -took a day and a little money. I thought about the starter but it was tested down at the school by my Harleyinstructorlastyear - since I did not have to take it off I took a chance on the starter clutch 1st - that was the real problem - I will replace the shifter lever next time I have to open up the outer primary - I noticed thatthe pins which fix into the collar are getting alittle worn and one of them rotates abit - so that will be another $ 35.00 - but it hasbeen in there for 20 years.I also place a smallflat washer behind the shift lever spring - thisgavea little more tension
or pressure to furtherengage the starter clutch into the clutch basket ring gear - this should work fine for some time - finally in checking my work last night, I find that the groung strap beneaththe transmission was loose - so I tighten it up to compensate the starter ground cable - I palced dual ground straps on the bike about 2 years ago ( one tobike frame and one directly to startercasing)
- it givesa must betterground for starting the bike -I also install a cranestarter booster relay up close to the coil and mountedit under my fairing - it energizes the coil much better and I have quickerengine firing - it's a simple systembut it takes a lot ofpush to rotatethrough the high compression - I am running a 96 " S&S with 96 HP - nocompression release
Rode about 170 miles today - I have a Gerbring Heated Union Ridge Suit - nice and toasty on a cold day - so I don't mine a littlewind and chill but no rain -( no rain ) -I don't feel that sponky anymore
starter rotates but will not hold
