Starter issue/question.

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Jun 19, 2019 | 09:37 PM

Bob Onit

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: Dec 2017

Posts: 25

Likes: 1

From: CT, USA

Starter issue/question.

Hi all. I own a 2003 FXST Softail Standard. Last year the starter started acting up. I would push the button and about 20% of the time the starter shaft would just spin without engaging with the ring gear. I bought a used starter on ebay (Last year) and finally had the time to start to remove mine as it's gotten worse. The problem is that I have a different drive/jackshaft on my original starter compared to the used one I bought on ebay.

My original starter has the long bolt that threads into the center of the shaft which a clip gets bent over to hold the bolt from coming lose as seen directly below.

The used starter I bought from ebay has a spline shaft rather than a smooth shaft. Does anybody know if the parts can be swapped to make the two work?
I've tested the used starter with a jump pack and all is well.

Thanks very much.
Rob.

Last edited by Bob Onit; Jun 19, 2019 at 09:44 PM.

Jun 20, 2019 | 10:39 AM

hdbob2006

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 3,466

Likes: 425

From: Illinois

Sounds like you need a starter clutch,not a starter. [[Also known as a 'bendix'] The gear on the drive end that engages the ring gear-has a clutch mechanism inside of it that gets weak,thus the gear doesn't stay engaged,and the starter just spins uselessly.

Jun 20, 2019 | 10:43 AM

RANGER73

Club Member

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 15,428

Likes: 7,122

From: Beyond Fucital

They sell rebuild kits for your old starter.

Jun 20, 2019 | 10:45 AM

Dan89FLSTC

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 21,143

Likes: 12,706

From: South Carolina

If the starter motor spins, the pinion is engagedto the ring gear.

Your problem is as hdbob2006 said, a bad starter clutch.

Replace the starter clutch on your original starter.

Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Jun 20, 2019 at 10:48 AM.