My starter is making a whirring sound but not turning the flywheel on my 2009 FXDF. Would I need to replace the entire starter or would just changing out the starter clutch fix it? Brand new battery. And that's probably why I have this problem in the first place. Waited too long to replace the old one. I posted a video of the problem if that helps to get an answer

 

Did it go slowly or one day it's fine and the next it's fugged? The starter clutch will usually give you a few days notice.

 

It went slowly. Was making funky sounds before I changed the battery. I'm sure I waited too long on the new battery and that's what caused the problem

 

Looks like it could be the motor or it could be the start solenoid...hard to tell from the video.

 

the solenoid is the starter clutch and is also known as the bendix. And what I forgot to write was if it gave you trouble starting but eventually caught long enough to start the bike but now all you get is that noise then I would say 96% it's the starter clutch. If your batt. was not strong enough you would a rapid clck clck click.

 

I guess I tend to look at things from an electrical POV...I have crawled under old Fords many times to hit the solenoid/bendix (so named for the manufacturer, Bendix) to get the starter to engage. However, clutch is a new one for me.

 

It could be the starter clutch as suggested, but when mine went bad it mad a grinding noise. It usually happened after a ride and a short stop, like for gas. I bought an All ***** starter clutch and no problems since.

 

OH no worries man I still remember when a nail ws a nail and you only needed one type of screwdriver and a hammer for most jobs!

 

I agree with the starter clutch (aka: bendix) being the culprit. Interestingly, I was just talking to a service guy a few days ago at my local dealer and he was saying that they are notorious for failing especially if you've increased compression with any type of mods. Manual compression release is your friend....