starter rotates but will not hold
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
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starter rotates but will not hold
1985 FLHTC Harley
Starter will not hold long enough to crank engine
Press starter button - several rotation and then starter begins to spin freely
Starter straining to get first rotation in cycle
S&S 96 cu in engine
All ***** starter1.4kW installed 1 year ago
Had previousproblem with starter relay - burnt contacts - replaced relay 6 months ago
Any ideas ??
Starter will not hold long enough to crank engine
Press starter button - several rotation and then starter begins to spin freely
Starter straining to get first rotation in cycle
S&S 96 cu in engine
All ***** starter1.4kW installed 1 year ago
Had previousproblem with starter relay - burnt contacts - replaced relay 6 months ago
Any ideas ??
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 285
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RE: starter rotates but will not hold
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
paco
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RE: starter rotates but will not hold
zenon9 here
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.
You Guys are GREAT
Thanks and glad to know you care.
zenon9
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.
You Guys are GREAT
Thanks and glad to know you care.
zenon9
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 188
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From: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada
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Intermediate
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RE: starter rotates but will not hold
Thanks Redd,
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.
Keep in touch
zenon9 out
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.
Keep in touch
zenon9 out
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
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RE: starter rotates but will not hold
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.
Was gonna ride today too, but a cold, windy storm blew in,.....oh well, that time of year.
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RE: starter rotates but will not hold
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
Hope you get to ride soon
zenon9 out
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
Hope you get to ride soon
zenon9 out