Shovel head Starter

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Aug 14, 2025 | 08:20 AM

#21

Redrodyankneck

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2016

Posts: 2,285

Likes: 965

From: Eastern NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by AHDShovel

yes I have put a new relay in and it didn’t change anything, the starter cranks and turns the bendix. The problem is the starter solenoid doesn’t suck the plunger in so the bendix doesn’t make contact with the ring gear. If I use a pry bar to push the fork that holds the bendix in to make it contact the ring gear it will fire the bike up.

With the key on and handlebar switch in run What are you getting for voltage drop at the start relay when you hit the start button? at the starter solenoid? This is the control side of the circuit.

Aug 14, 2025 | 09:46 AM

#22

Racepres

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2014

Posts: 8,590

Likes: 3,358

From: Cental, MI

Quote:

Originally Posted by AHDShovel

That does Not make sense...Unless the Bendix Lever is Broken!! the solenoid needs to work for the washer to make contact in solenoid..which puts juice to starter..

Aug 14, 2025 | 08:11 PM

#23

TwiZted Biker

Club Member

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 66,110

Likes: 51,395

From: Niles Canyon Ca.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AHDShovel

I think I have ran into another issue that I can seem to find the answer to via other forum feeds or YouTube, but when I go to start the bike the bendix spins free and I can get the bike the fire up if I manually get the start solenoid to suck the plunger in but if I don’t touch it it won’t suck it in. Thank you

Bad connections, cracked black housing on the solenoid, dirty or too small battery cables, solenoid misaligned badly on the primary where it bolts on, crudded up inside or something like the old rubber boot blocking it where the plunger pulls in, you'll get enough contact to spin it but not enough to hold it in solidly spinning the clutch shell. This is one on the those deals can be different with every bike, you have to go by the numbers, check off each item as you go till it acts right. Bouncing around trying this and that or hoping a vid has the magic trick is going keep you chasing your tail with this. Pain in the *** I know. I just got done unf*cking one doing the same thing, everything I have mentioned all through this thread has come up during chasing it down. His had an extra layer of f**k you, the inner primary itself had been busted right under the starter boss, had a long crack running parallel and had badly rewelded at some point warping and pulling everything out of alignment, binding stuff. Sounded like a gravel crusher the second or two it would try to grind over, spins it good now. And it was a hunt trying to find a decent inner cover, lots of trash being sold out there.

Aug 19, 2025 | 02:25 PM

#24

Redrodyankneck

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2016

Posts: 2,285

Likes: 965

From: Eastern NC

Looks like AHDShovel has gone silent. Guess problem is solved.

Aug 20, 2025 | 04:27 AM

#25

TwiZted Biker

Club Member

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 66,110

Likes: 51,395

From: Niles Canyon Ca.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redrodyankneck

Looks like AHDShovel has gone silent. Guess problem is solved.

Or wasn't getting the answer he wanted and went the facebook to try again. I see a lot it over there, new guys want that magic one and done super secret tip that'll fix it right now. You'll lay it out, they'll still be bouncing like a BB in a boxcar getting frustrated, they ghost and start all over again in another group. Figure most screw it up because you never see them again, the few that did stumble through it come bragging and talking trash.

Aug 20, 2025 | 01:38 PM

#26

Redrodyankneck

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2016

Posts: 2,285

Likes: 965

From: Eastern NC

We tried, every used motorcycle I purchased had some sort of starter issue. I agree that assume nothing is correct until verified. As Johnny would say, there has been lots of stupid done to these old machines.