I have a 1991 Softail Springer. I just tried to start it and the negative battery cable melted. I suspect that the starter is going bad. Can anyone give me a rough idea of what it is going to take to replace the starter in this bike? What would I be looking at for labor cost if I take it to a mechanic to do this job? I might be able to do it myself if not too big a job.

 

Not sure if the oil tank has to be removed on that model year---if so and dealer does it labor and material I'd guess at $700

 

You may want to try new battery cables before replacing the starter just to make sure that you really need a new starter.

Having a starter replaced will not be cheap and if you can do it yourself will save you a few hundred bucks.
I've never had to have a starter replaced but I did have to have the clutch replaced on my wife's '99 Heritage several years ago and the tech claimed that it was more of a job on a Softail than on a touring model (tighter space) i suppose.

I would suggest that you replace the clutch along with the new starter and many recommend the aftermarket brand called "All *****".

 

I just did the starter on my 98 RKC. If I remember correctly, the entire starter assy was about $335 - $350. In your case, you better add some bucks for a new ground cable (and check your battery too). I don't know what labor charges would be. It took me roughly an hour or so to do mine, just taking my time. It's an easy job with one exception. The screws that hold the starter in place were hard to get out. I have a long ball socket that made it much easier to get to. Not sure if your starter is set up the same way.

carl

 

+1

 

Before buying a starter I would replace the cable. Try tapping the starter motor while hitting the button to see if it's seized up.Worth a shot. In all likelihood you'll need a new starter but something melted that cable.

 

And before I put the new cable on, I would get the meter out and figure out what melted the cable.

 

Why? I don’t understand what clutch has to do with starter.

 

I'm pretty sure 2AMGuy is referring to the starter clutch, not the actual drive clutch. All ***** makes a replacement starter clutch, and I'm pretty sure they don't make a drive clutch.

 

why wouldnt you just call harley to find out. then look at prices to see what a new starter costs ?? its a very simple job.. but if a wire melted sound like a loose wire to me, but hey ya never know