OK, first technical post. I have a bike that started life as an 89 Softail Custom. 3 days into ownership, the bike wont start. Solenoid kicks hard, fully engages the starter, but no crank AND the pinion gear does not retract on it's own. I have the primary off to see what's up. All the wiring looks good, wire from the battery to the starter is solid. I have 12.5-12.6V at the battery, goes from 12.6-12.5V when I hit the starter.

I've checked the wiring at the switch, even jumped the solenoid lead right to the battery. Everything is working, except no cranking.

So, I think I need a new starter. I am going to pull the starter later tonight, but I am not sure what the bike might have.

Things I know.
- 9 tooth starter.
- Motor is a 1340 cc Evo, trans is a 5 speed. Neither engine or trans are original to the bike, what the previous owner told me.
Solenoid terminal is on the right end of the starter, 6 O'clock position. Battery post is at about 4 O'clock looking at the bike from the right. In fact, it's very tight to one of the hoses from the oil tank.


Question. Does the starter care more about what year bike I have, or what primary I have? There seems to be a ton of different starters out there, I have not found a rhyme or reason for what's different.

A quick search on this subforum didn't turn up much aside from the starter mounted button... but I don't think that's what will solve this.

Any help is appreciated. FWIW, I have turned many many (many?) wrenches, this is just my first HD project.

 

All set. It's a Denso, got solenoid parts to fix it. $15 fix vs. $329 from the dealer for a new starter.