So, this sites has been a world of help - Thanks to everyone... but now i've got a seemingly simple question...

the starter on my '88 FLHS acts like it gets stuck, more so after 30 miles or so. In troubleshooting the issue, I found some other electrical issues that i was happy to clear up, and ended up replacing the battery, solenoid, starter relay, eraticated a melted Badlands Box, and cleaned up some wiring... SO, I'm down to the starter. I tries to crank, and after a couple tries fires up. Sometimes, I get lucky and and starts with just a tap of the starter button.

the motor has been bored to 88ci and was rebuilt about 12k ago and I'm not sure how much else was done to the engine at this time since i didn't know the bike yet, but it runs excellent!!... once started -

So, what starter motors are good and reliable and whick ones should I steer clear of - I figure i should invest in a 1.4kw but i don't wanna waste cash or get something thats just gonna fail in a year

- - THanks for all the great info - - Tim

 

I got a 1.4kw starter motor off ebay a few years ago...If I remember right it was an All ***** starter. It is slightly different than stock because it has the long bolts holding the body together on the outside instead of running internally but I had no problem installing it. It is still running strong so I'd go with it again if I had to.

 

I am using an Ultima 1.4 starter and this is about 3 years, one year with the 80" and two with the 113", about 20-25 thousand miles.. I think I paid something like $110 at Jireh. I know there are better make and models, but for the price this one has served well. I do try to keep the battery on a tender, have good leads on it and try to use the decompression releases, but some times forget.

 

My 1990 starter is original, started my tuned 89" and still starts my S&S 107. However the clutch in it packed up some years ago, so I stripped and cleaned it while replacing its clutch. I was amazed how dirty it was in there! It probably is again.

So I suggest stripping and cleaning it. There are brushes in mine which may be worn down. It may be the whole thing is in a sorry state and not worth refitting, but if mine plays up I am inclined to at least take a look inside.

A few posts recently have stirred thoughts in my little grey cells that, at 20 years old, some of my bike is worth refreshing and I might just put the starter on my list.

 

Thanks for the input guys - I'll let you all know

 

I don't think the '88 starters have clutches on them...at least not the same as the newer models...I think the clutch started in '90.
The starter drive just swings out as it is pulled via the solenoid....I have had the starter drive go before...it will just spin freely without engaging

 

...it engages alright, but it does't always wanna turn the motor all the way over and it gets real hot some times. I would like to just rebuild it and save some cash but i'm not real sure that would be the long term solution