Need tip on changing a starter

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Jun 28, 2011 | 10:56 AM

BigTone24

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: May 2011

Posts: 10

Likes: 0

From: Chicago

Need tip on changing a starter

Hi, I need some guidance on changing a Hitachi starter on my 84 Electra glide flhtc.
I bought the aftermarket model through drag( High Toruqe) and im handy but never got into that area of the bike. Any advise or instructions?

Thanks Tony

Jun 28, 2011 | 12:00 PM

95yj

Road Captain

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 601

Likes: 6

From: Aruba

The service manual would probably come in handy. . .

Don't know the Glides, but on most Evos, you need to pull the outer primary cover to remove the starter jackshaft. From there, you need to pull anything that's in you way to get the starter off. It's held on by two bolts through to the inner primary cover. On my softail, that means pulling the battery and the oil tank or at least loosening it. Other than that, it's a snap. Obviously you want to have the battery disconnected before you start.

Jun 28, 2011 | 12:27 PM

2006FLST

Road Master

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 1,232

Likes: 8

From: Powder Springs, GA

Listen to what 95yj is saying about loosening everything in the way. One pain about starters is that it is very easy to round out the allen bolts holding the starter in place. A lot of folks get in a hurry (me included) and try to cram the socket up in there. Get a good solid grip with the socket.

Of course this is my experience with softails.

Jun 28, 2011 | 03:58 PM

mostSilly

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Joined: May 2010

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I had to pull my primary cover to free up the jack shaft, it was pressed into the old starter so it had to come out together... Ditto on getting everything out of the way. Greasing up the jack shaft and seal on the starter is helpful too.

Jun 28, 2011 | 05:09 PM

Tom84FXST

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 15,705

Likes: 22,718

From: Farmington ,MS

Quote:

Originally Posted by 95yj

The service manual would probably come in handy. . .

Whoa fellas...this is an 84...completely different animal than the newer ones. If you are just replacing the starter motor with another stock motor and everything else is working fine...all you need to do is disconnect the battery cable and then remove two thru bolts...assembly is just he opposite... no need to get into the primary.

Jun 28, 2011 | 07:04 PM

2006FLST

Road Master

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 1,232

Likes: 8

From: Powder Springs, GA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom84FXST

Thanks for the catch. The last thing I want to do is cause someone more work.

Jun 30, 2011 | 10:07 PM

BigTone24

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: May 2011

Posts: 10

Likes: 0

From: Chicago

Well thanks for the tips, the starter was removed and replaced. I did remove the primary cover and confimred all the gears look good.

Once i installed the starter, The motor turned over and everything seemed fine. I must of started it about 14 times throughout 2 days succsesfully. Then i went to start it today and i could not get the bike running( stupid Super B carb..)

I must of tried 12 times but no more then 5 seconds. Towards the end of it i just heard spinning. Opened everything up and it seems fine. but the solinoid engages and i hear spinning behind the gear that engages and disengages. all i hear is spinning.

only thing i can say is i did get a high tourque starter vs oem.

Thanks...