I have a new bike to me. It needs some love. Biggest pressing thing in the starter. The bike runs pretty good but the starter doesn’t always engage. It has the push button on the starter that works better that the bar switch but still has problems. It sounds like the solenoid isn’t pushing out fully all of the time to engage.

What do you guys know or think? Replace it all or just the solenoid? I’m thinking all since the button on the starter should eliminate the solenoid for the most part.

Im open to ideas.

 

Worth a shot to open the solenoid. Just four screws, let it open slowly. Take some 220 sandpaper and gently clean the contact points on the plunger and the four tabs. Check your cables and clean the grounds and connections.

It is a 99.. a new starter might be worth piece of mind.

 

I’ve been through the electrical enough to know the connections are good. With the two switches and one being better than the other I do think it is a weak solenoid. The main reason I ask is the starter is a pia to replace. Is the solenoid accessible without pulling the oil tank? I have all winter and other bikes I can ride. I just want to be wise on time and money. You might be right on just pulling the primaries and going with the new starter.

I’ve had touring bikes but this is my first Softail.

 

The OE solenoid rebuild kit ( with copper contacts ) is approx $70
Can be replaced with starter in place.

 

Thank you both. Solenoid rebuild kit is production date around April. Service manual was obsolete for about 15 minutes, parts department called back and can get it in about 30 days.