Starter issues - Need advice
my issue seemed very similar to his and I replaced the starter clutch. So far all is good. I don’t see the need to suggest to him to spend considerable $ replacing a part that isn’t a problem.
Last edited by Weeboy1; Jan 8, 2020 at 10:22 PM.
That being said I can see replacing the starter clutch first just to see, but if the clunk at shutdown is still coming from the primary that clutch will get hammered by kickback when the worn comp slams to its stop on startups, especially when the motor is warm and the oil in the primary is thinner from the heat.
I'm at stock power levels now, but would like to do a little more later with head work and a new cam... I'm not sure about increasing displacement right now. I'm not doing wheelies or drag racing... just a little more grunt riding two up in the mountains.
I assume the SE compensator (and maybe a clutch spring upgrade) would keep everything together if upgrades are made later?
Ride Safely!
John.
In the packaging the small ball bearing was not in its own package, (unbeknown to me, the small ball bearing was already down the shaft of the new starter clutch , covered in grease)…
Thinking no new small bearing came in the package , I installed the old ball bearing down the shaft...… Now I have two ball bearings down the shaft !!!!….
Buttoned everything up,, start bike ,,, well what a racket ,,,, turned bike off straight away,,,,
Did some research,,,, removed starter ,,, removed one of the ball bearings,,, no damage to bike and all is good ….
So in recapping ,,, check with small screwdriver down the starter clutch shaft to see if a ball bearing is already down there …….

Ride Safely!
John.
What "locking tool" are you referring too? I assume to lock the compensator/clutch basket. I've seen a block of wood used and a couple devices sold online to lock them. I've considered cutting a piece of scrap bar/angle stock, but not sure what would work best when I get to replacing the compensator.
Thanks,
John.
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
Have ACR's too in the heads.. Next time the change I will just go with a heavy duty starter as I believe this to be a better route to go.









