Bought the 08 Street Glide new in April of 2008. Replaced the starter one month later. I have put 125,000 miles on her since. On my most recent ride to South Florida from Denver, via International Falls, Minnesota, (I was looking for some cooler weather but never did find any!), my starter began grinding when the engine was hot. (Cold starts are just fine).
New Starters appear to be selling anywhere from$250 to $300. Given I am on the dole, (Unemployment Compensation), and have plenty of time, am thinking me and the starter get to know each other a little better by re-building it myself. It sounds like it would be good to learn, and I have way more time than cash...
So what am I replacing? Starter drive clutch, solenoid, and anything else? I see solenoid repair kits for sale at JP Cycles, etc. But am not real sure what zactly I should be buying to re-build the starter... Will I know whats been toasted when I tear into it?
Please help a brother out...
Thanks!

 

The grinding is coming from the starter clutch gear which has teeth that are worn/sheared off. It's not uncommon, especially in the hotter summer months, for the motor to kick back against the starter clutch and shear off clutch gear teeth when doing a hot start, like after a quick fuel stop. The starter clutch can be purchased as an assembly and is easily R&R'd on the existing starter.

 

You had best take care of it soon, or you will be introduced to your primary and your clutch basket as well.

Mark

 

Am looking at starter clutches on JP Cycles from $75 to $125. The photo on their site is just the starter clutch itself. Is that all I need to replace or will I need all the other parts connected to it when looking at the manual?
Thanks again for your help, and yep, she isnt going anywhere 'till I get her fixed...

 

[QUOTE=cHarley;10168738]The grinding is coming from the starter clutch gear which has teeth that are worn/sheared off. It's not uncommon, especially in the hotter summer months, for the motor to kick back against the starter clutch and shear off clutch gear teeth when doing a hot start, like after a quick fuel stop. The starter clutch can be purchased as an assembly and is easily R&R'd on the existing starter.[/Q

Drain your primary oil and remove your outer primary. Take a good look at the teeth on the ring gear of your clutch basket and the starter clutch.

 

Starter clutch! If you dont fix it you will need a new clutch basket $500.

 

Toyota makes a starter drive clutch that fits and some say holds up better than the H-D unit, and cheaper, too. A Google search such as this - "toyota starter drive fit harley davidson" - should yield plenty of information. If you replace it yourself it will definitely be a learning experience for you! Get a repair manual, too. The best accessory you can buy for your bike.