Softail Models Standard, Custom, Night Train, Deuce, Springer, Heritage, Fatboy, Deluxe, Rocker and Cross Bones.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Starter removal on 03 Heritage

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 2, 2015 | 11:08 PM
  #1  
smokyheritage's Avatar
smokyheritage
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Likes: 3
From: Sevierville, TN
Default Starter removal on 03 Heritage

Hi Guys, I'm going to have to take my starter out of my 03 Heritage. I figure the drive clutch is going out, as it sometimes just spins.

I've read up a good bit on this and know that the primary cover has to come off and the tab has to be bent back and the bolt comes off the gear on the left side. I've got new gaskets, jack shaft tab repair kit, and a new 1.8kw starter coming.

My question is, can I get the starter out with maybe a long ball allen head socket without having to take the oil tank off? Any tricks or tips on this would be appreciated.

Thanks A Bunch!
 
Reply
Old Aug 3, 2015 | 12:06 AM
  #2  
pFlarey's Avatar
pFlarey
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 47
Likes: 2
From: Syracuse, NY
Default

A 1/4 ball allen works great to get the bolts out, but you're never going to be able to remove the starter without removing the oil tank. Theres a plate on the transmission that prevents it from coming out the left side, so right side with oil tank removed is really your only option.
 
Reply
Old Aug 3, 2015 | 12:17 AM
  #3  
smokyheritage's Avatar
smokyheritage
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Likes: 3
From: Sevierville, TN
Default

Is their not a way to just take the mounting bolts loose and raise the oil tank up some, so as not to have to take the lines loose?
 
Reply
Old Aug 3, 2015 | 12:49 AM
  #4  
pFlarey's Avatar
pFlarey
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 47
Likes: 2
From: Syracuse, NY
Default

There's really not a whole lot of room for it to be moved out of the way. Sits very close to the frame. The lines come off the tank fairly easily, though the mounting bolts for it kind suck to remove. All in all its not a very fun job, but a necessity, right? Also, you can replace the starter clutch in there instead of replacing the entire unit.
 
Reply
Old Aug 3, 2015 | 05:37 AM
  #5  
smokyheritage's Avatar
smokyheritage
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Likes: 3
From: Sevierville, TN
Default

Yea, I know about replacing the clutch, which is most likely the culprit. I guess oil tank, here I come. Do the lines just pull out of the tank, or are they clamped on to the side somehow? "Not looking at it right now".
 
Reply
Old Aug 3, 2015 | 05:53 AM
  #6  
Jackie Paper's Avatar
Jackie Paper
Seasoned HDF Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Liked
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,524
Likes: 6,406
From: Honah Lee
Default

Just get the little tool that slides in to release the oil tank lines. (HD44455) Then no big deal. Similar tool at Harbour. Some say just squeeze tabs and pull pipe. (the outer trim cover just pulls back) If it truly is the drive. The grease is just dried out in the roller ramps or there is a bigger problem on the big gear..Be sure to post some pictures and let us know.
 

Last edited by Jackie Paper; Sep 14, 2018 at 11:11 AM.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BRUMM
Softail Models
1
Aug 23, 2013 11:44 AM
Caddo
Engine Mechanical Topics
1
Dec 7, 2012 07:08 PM
Bart van der Meulen
General Topics/Tech Tips
1
Sep 5, 2012 06:27 PM
Alain
Softail Models
20
May 25, 2012 05:17 PM
Canuck HD
General Harley Davidson Chat
3
Nov 18, 2008 12:07 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:32 AM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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