Sound like a bad starter?
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Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 417
Likes: 2
From: El Mirage, AZ
Sound like a bad starter?
Been working on an 82 FXE trying to get it running. Originally it wouldnt do anything when I hit the start button but click at the relay. I found it was wired in reverse at the solenoid (just got the bike a month ago, I didnt do it..hehe) I wired it correctly and it worked but still didnt start. Just a whirring noise.
Today I took off the primary cover and tried starting it. The starter pinion gear spins, but it isnt getting pushed forward to engage the clutch gear. I know the guy who had it before me was supposed to have rebuilt the starter but its not working like i think it's supposed to. Any way to fix it? Or should I just get a new one?
Today I took off the primary cover and tried starting it. The starter pinion gear spins, but it isnt getting pushed forward to engage the clutch gear. I know the guy who had it before me was supposed to have rebuilt the starter but its not working like i think it's supposed to. Any way to fix it? Or should I just get a new one?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: South Carolina
No, it does not sound like a bad starter...
When you push the start button, the start relay sends power to the coil in the solenoid.
When the coil is energized, it causes the plunger in the solenoid to move.
On one end of the solenoid plunger there are electrical contacts, which control the heavy current supply to the starter motor.
The other end of the plunger is connected to the mechanical components that move the pinion gear in and out.
You say that the starter motor and the pinion gear are spinning, so we know that the solenoid plunger is moving (because the electrical contacts have closed, sending current to the motor).
But the pinion gear is not advancing toward the ring gear; this could be caused by a problem in the mechanical hardware that connects the plunger to the ring gear.
The shaft that comes out of the solenoid pulls the curved lever, which is engaged to the groove in the collar behind the gear.
Make sure all these parts are connected and there are no broken or missing parts.
Caution:
Before you put your hand anywhere near the primary area, disconnect the battery.
If you pull on the pinion gear, it will cause the plunger in the solenoid to move the electrical contacts together, and this will energize the starter. This will happen even if the ignition switch is turned off.
When you push the start button, the start relay sends power to the coil in the solenoid.
When the coil is energized, it causes the plunger in the solenoid to move.
On one end of the solenoid plunger there are electrical contacts, which control the heavy current supply to the starter motor.
The other end of the plunger is connected to the mechanical components that move the pinion gear in and out.
You say that the starter motor and the pinion gear are spinning, so we know that the solenoid plunger is moving (because the electrical contacts have closed, sending current to the motor).
But the pinion gear is not advancing toward the ring gear; this could be caused by a problem in the mechanical hardware that connects the plunger to the ring gear.
The shaft that comes out of the solenoid pulls the curved lever, which is engaged to the groove in the collar behind the gear.
Make sure all these parts are connected and there are no broken or missing parts.
Caution:
Before you put your hand anywhere near the primary area, disconnect the battery.
If you pull on the pinion gear, it will cause the plunger in the solenoid to move the electrical contacts together, and this will energize the starter. This will happen even if the ignition switch is turned off.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Jul 31, 2013 at 04:38 PM.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 417
Likes: 2
From: El Mirage, AZ
Yes, what you said is exactly what seems to be going on. I have the battery removed completely and using it to check the parts. I did the tests on the solenoid as seen here http://www.harleyclasica.es/Taller/D...FL/img/264.jpg and it fails step 5 of the tests.
Im thinking that a new solenoid may fix the issue and it's not as expensive as a starter. Besides this one looks pretty old. Problem im having is loosening the bolts. A 7mm fits on them but they are a bit stripped so Im jb welding a couple sockets to them to get them off... hopefully.
Ive never done repair work to a vehicle before and was a bit leery of trying. But I have an everyday rider so this thing is a great learning experience.
Im thinking that a new solenoid may fix the issue and it's not as expensive as a starter. Besides this one looks pretty old. Problem im having is loosening the bolts. A 7mm fits on them but they are a bit stripped so Im jb welding a couple sockets to them to get them off... hopefully.
Ive never done repair work to a vehicle before and was a bit leery of trying. But I have an everyday rider so this thing is a great learning experience.
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