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Old Sep 26, 2025 | 07:28 PM
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Default 97 Heritage starter

I believe the starter has gone out on my 97 heritage softail. When you hit the starter button it makes a spinning sound, I'm assuming bendix problem?

My question is , is it common to just replace a bendix or some parts on the starter or do you just replace the whole starter as a unit usually?

Thanks guys
 
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Old Sep 26, 2025 | 08:54 PM
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Sounds like a bad starter clutch, no need to replace the entire starter.

All ***** Starter Clutch
 

Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Sep 26, 2025 at 08:56 PM.
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Old Sep 27, 2025 | 06:49 AM
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Does the entire primary have to come off or can it be done by just removing the outer primary cover?
 
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Old Sep 27, 2025 | 10:46 AM
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Originally Posted by Bubba Zanetti
Does the entire primary have to come off or can it be done by just removing the outer primary cover?
Just the outer lets you service the assembly.

Griz
 
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Old Sep 27, 2025 | 02:18 PM
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Thanks guys.
 
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Old Sep 27, 2025 | 03:19 PM
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When you get the starter to the bench, get one of those plastic dish washing tubs.

Disassemble the starter while it is in the tub, that way if (when) a small part falls off you can find it, I do the same with carburetors.

Here is a link to a video showing how to replace the starter clutch, but be careful, there is a small ball bearing in there that may fall out and it is not mentioned in the video.


You can see the ball bearing in the parts illustration (item 12).



 

Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Sep 27, 2025 at 03:28 PM.
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