The starter on my built screamin eagle twin cam went out. It would spin and not engage the starter gear on the clutch shell. I thought it was time for me to upgrade to a more powerful starter. I got the new starter and went to install. When I pulled the primary cover, there was a lot of metal debris. On close inspection, the starter ring gear is chipped all to hell. It still has teeth, but most of the teeth have taken a beating. The starter pinion on the jackshaft has wear, but it's minimal. I installed the new starter and the starter actually works properly, but the damn pinion still hangs out 1/4 of an inch, it's not flush with the primary. Again, the bike will start, but the pinion will sometimes hang on the starter ring on the clutch shell. What is going on here?

I talked to the dealers parts guy and he said I have to replace the entire clutch shell to replace the starter gear. Is that true? I have seen starter gears from Compu Fire that look like they just bolt on. How can I replace it?

Any help is appreciated.

 

I am in the process of replacing my ring gear with a much better one than what Harley stock ones are.You have to drill out the rivets in the clutch shell that hold on the ring gear and either Rivera or Compu-fire have replacement ring gears that are made better and suppose to last longer and hold up to the torq.They do bolt on and the hardware comes with the ring gear.

 

No, you don't have to replace the whole assy. As stated, you drill out the rivets and the replacement comes with screws. You can switch to an "old style" ring gear, I "think" it's a 84 tooth and go with a larger pinion gear. This is often done on motors with high compression where the ring gear is getting stripped. Drag Specialties offers these kits in their catalog.

10/84 STARTER GEAR SET

Features
Features a 10-tooth pinion gear and an 84-tooth starter ring gear that produces 15% more starting torque than stock gears
Gears are made of 8620 carbonized steel for strength and long life
Uses OEM clutch baskets
Made in the U.S.A.


Images

2013-1702



Part Number Description Suggested Retail
2013-1702 For 98-06 Big Twin (except 06 Dyna Glide) $189.95
2013-1703 For 94-97 Big Twin $189.95
2013-1704 For 90-93 Big Twin $189.95