my younger brothers bike is acting up, 79 shovel when he hits the starter button starter spins and engages and then backs out and starter motor is still spinning. what do you guys think? solanoid or starter drive?

 

Bendix is shot , the solenoid is working as it does pull the starter in and spins it . Be sure to pull the battery cables before you start replacing things I've seen fingers get eaten not doing that and the nut on the end of the shaft that holds the bendix on is a left hand thread .

 

Ah yes the somber voice of experience rises up! Did just that with my 65 many years ago. Had to have the wife hit the starter button for me in order to get my thumb out. Bike was on my lift and raised up to a position that I could not reach the starter button. Usually I have my music blasting; it was one of the few times I did not so when I yelled for her she heard me.

 

................., Sorry ,I just could not resist.......!