Hello, long time rider, but today got first Harley. Got from neighbor with start issue. I believe it to be the starter clutch. My question before I pull the starter is there anything else that would cause the starter to spin but not engage to turn motor ove?r. New H-D battery just installed. 15 k miles. Spins strong just does not engage.

and second question. Is the primary cover filled with oil? I did not see a drain plug or it,

Thanks for for any help, This is day 1 of my Harley adventure

Geo

 

First thing to do is buy the Harley service manual for your model and year bike.

Lots of questions will be answered in there. With step by step instructions to perform maintenance and repairs. It will be the best post bike purchase you will make.

 

Thank you, I ordered one already, just need to wait for it to get here. Just excited to get some riding in before the snow hits, but can’t start it. Wrenching for 30 years just never on a Harley . Thank you

 

yep has oil in it. you do not need to remove primary, starter should come out whole, will probably have to remove exh and oil tank for clearance.

 

You are on the right track by suspection the starter clutch.

Let`s clarify a bit...

There is an Inner Primary Cover and an Outer Primary Cover.

You must remove the Outer Primary Cover, because you need to remove the bolt that secures the starter jackshaft to the starter (the Inner Cover can stay).

There is a drain plug, be careful when re installing this plug, it is a tapered pipe plug, and over-torquing it can damage the cover (follow the service manual instructions).

There will be about a quart of lube to drain out.

 

Thank you, been doing a lot of reading. Harley’s are a whole different animal. Thank you for the help

 

maybe this will help

 

Yes it helps. Thank you. I going to pull it out soon. Waiting for manual so I have torque specs. What oil brand do most of you guys use? Manual recommends hd-360. Stick with hd oil?

thank you for the help.

 

That is a can of worms, and best not asked in this thread, or that discussion might take over the thread. Take a look in the oil section and read some of the threads. There are plenty of opinions on what's best.

 

Yep, I agree. I did find the oil section. And happy to see oil I’m familiar with. I downloaded the owners manual today and a lot of good info. Thank you.. I’ll strike the oil question.. thank you