heres what I got 86' FXWG (think shovelhead starting system)....just installed a new spyke starter and pull start solenoid, fully charged HD battery. I pull the solenoid button, the starter just spins and nothing but the starter drive (or bendix) in the primary moves. If I use a screwdriver I press against the plunger then the jackshaft moves outward towards the starter ring gear but the starter doesn't actuate? Does this sound like a bad solenoid? Or the spring that goes inside of the plunger be too weak to pull the starter drive/jackshaft? I've been through the HD manual, I've talked to a 40 yr certified HD tech that can't figure it out either (over the phone, he lives too far away.) I'm thinking its a mechanical issue...but I could be wrong. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Ben

 

My 84 FLH was doing that and it ended up being the bendix gear.

I rebuilt the OEM starter, changed out solenoid and finally the Bendix gear before solving the problem on mine

 

so when you pull the rod it makes a connection to the starter but not to the plunger electromagnet that throws the bendix out to the ring gear. I think the wire to the plunger magnet is broken (inside the solenoid) since it doesn't throw out the bendix.