Starter trouble

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 31, 2012 | 02:35 PM

95 Ultra

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 359

Likes: 2

From: central Mississippi

Starter trouble

The wife's bike-1989 Custom Softail-FXSTC. In the last few days the starter has started making a screeching sound when you press the starter button. When it does this, it doesn't feel like the engine is turning over. If I let off the button for a second and press it again, it usually engages and starts right up. It doesn't sound like the dreaded click, this is different. It seems to be getting plenty of juice, just not turning the motor over, like it's not completely engaging. I'm wondering if something inside the primary where it engages has worn out or is slipping. It's a pretty loud screeching sound. I've checked and cleaned the connections. I took the solenoid apart and cleaned inside it with emory paper. Any suggestions from you guys what to look for before I start replacing parts??? Thanks.

Mar 31, 2012 | 03:07 PM

texashillcountry

Dirt don't hurt

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 21,062

Likes: 4,547

From: Haslet Texas

I'd open the primary and look at the starter gear and the ring gear.

Mar 31, 2012 | 03:34 PM

Bama91

Tourer

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 350

Likes: 0

From: Reidsville, NC

Agree with above. Sounds like the starter clutch or component in the inner primary isn't meshing with the ring gear properly. I would bet on the starter clutch though.

Mar 31, 2012 | 05:37 PM

SportsterBob

Club Member

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 18,575

Likes: 4

From: Norfolk, VA

Check the starter gear bushing in the primary cover. If that bushings wears it will cause the starter gear to slip while engaging the ring gear. Had that problem 4-years ago.