Ironhead A place to talk about Ironheads.

Starters

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 22, 2007 | 03:55 AM
  #1  
jones's Avatar
jones
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From:
Default Starters

I'm converting my 69 XLCH to an electric start. I have a 69 XLH left side case and I'm trying to collect the rest of the parts. I'm not clear on what starter parts I can use though. I'm hoping you guys can give some advice.

There are 3 main parts to the starter set-up and I'd like to know the interchangability of each. I've got a few questions.

1. What years starter housings will fit the 69 XLH case?

2. Will a Hitachi and Prestolite bolt to the same housing?

3. Ithink I'll need a Prestolite? But why wouldn't a Hitachi work?

4. And how about the starter solenoids? What years of solenoids are interchangable?

5. Are the solenoids specific to the Hitachi or Prestolite starters? Or are they interchangable (in terms of bolting to the housing too)?

6. Someone mentioned different starter tooth pitches to me. Does anyone know the details on this? Like what are the differencesand when did they change?



Any advice you guys can give me is greatly appreciated.

Thanks. [/align]
 
Reply
Old Jan 25, 2007 | 03:42 AM
  #2  
sepixlh's Avatar
sepixlh
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 751
Likes: 6
From: 500 miles south from Artic Circle
Default RE: Starters

ORIGINAL: jones

I'm converting my 69 XLCH to an electric start. I have a 69 XLH left side case and I'm trying to collect the rest of the parts. I'm not clear on what starter parts I can use though. I'm hoping you guys can give some advice.

There are 3 main parts to the starter set-up and I'd like to know the interchangability of each. I've got a few questions.

1. What years starter housings will fit the 69 XLH case?
I have had only -72 and newer Ironheads so I'm not sure but check these...
If you have a casket kit try apply papercasket witch belong between case and starter how it fits?

ORIGINAL: jones

2. Will a Hitachi and Prestolite bolt to the same housing?
I'm not 100% sure but I think they are, prestolite motor longer ? used also in shovels ?

ORIGINAL: jones

3. Ithink I'll need a Prestolite? But why wouldn't a Hitachi work?
most of Ironheads ( newer) that I have seen had hitachi

ORIGINAL: jones

4. And how about the starter solenoids? What years of solenoids are interchangable?
I think ( not sure) up to -82 or someting that when starter was changed alike it in evo
manufacturer nippondenso, oem part# 71469-65B applys to all starters.

ORIGINAL: jones

5. Are the solenoids specific to the Hitachi or Prestolite starters? Or are they interchangable (in terms of bolting to the housing too)?
I think they are interchangeable ( not sure) look same housing looks same.

ORIGINAL: jones

6. Someone mentioned different starter tooth pitches to me. Does anyone know the details on this? Like what are the differencesand when did they change?
This question I don't have answer.... hope you have info about my answer...
Ebay has prestolite for sale, look pictures they might help you.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/IRONH...QQcmdZViewItem


-sepixlh-




Any advice you guys can give me is greatly appreciated.

Thanks. [/align]
[/quote]
 
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2007 | 06:55 PM
  #3  
jrrdw's Avatar
jrrdw
Stage II
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From:
Default RE: Starters

M friend is about to get a 1977 Sporster 1000. He wants to convert it to eletric start. I'm assumeing the casing has a knock out to slide the starter in and bolt it up. Any advice as to what starter he can use? The wiring is my next concern??? Any help would be great.
 
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2007 | 07:44 PM
  #4  
piniongear's Avatar
piniongear
Stellar HDF Member
15 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,035
Likes: 17
From: Houston Texas
Default RE: Starters

I find it surprising that something as new as 1977 is not electric start. In anycase, I deal with Sportys just a bit older than that but my short answer to you is.....don't do it.
Annoying problems include having to have a larger battery, having to have another oil tank (the big battery sits in the center where your oil tank sits if it is a kick start only), additional wiring, switches, starter relay, solinoid, the starter motor itself etc.
The serious problems include needing additional parts inside the clutch compartment, starter shaft housing and all of it's many related parts. needing to drill and tap a hole in the top of the transmission case to install the hold down clamp on the starter motor....and this is an honest to God nightmare to do!
That is why my recomendation is to just forget the idea............pg
 
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2007 | 05:30 PM
  #5  
jrrdw's Avatar
jrrdw
Stage II
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From:
Default RE: Starters

That bad huh? I'll relay the message tomorrow when i go to work. Thanks for the information, but i know he is going to try it and i'll be stuck with holding his hand the entire way through, i'll get even by making him work on my van. I'll get it back 1 way or another!
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Joker's back
EVO
4
Jul 9, 2013 11:03 PM
falconbrother
Shovelhead
7
Feb 11, 2013 11:31 AM
cookieonscooter
Sportster Models
5
Jul 25, 2012 05:50 AM
95yj
EVO
14
Jun 13, 2012 06:34 AM
RunswScissors
Softail Models
1
Mar 23, 2012 10:58 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:34 PM.

story-0
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-4
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-5
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE
story-9
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

Slideshow: Graeme Billington's left-hand-drive Shovelhead is as much about problem-solving as it is about classic Harley form.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-30 11:27:08


VIEW MORE