I have a 2001 electra glide that the starter engages but won't turn it over. Put 3 different starters on it. Just about everything inside is new. It will engage and turn over with the primary cover off. But as soon as you put the cover on (yes making sure it goes in the hole) it just makes the zinging noise. Any help would be great.

 

When referring to everything inside is new, what are you referring to? What work has been done, and was it working prior to the recent work? Some pics and descriptions might help.

 

Everything but the jackdrive and gear in the primary case is new. It broke the snap ring once but that was replaced. Other than the snap ring breaking it was working fine prior. The guy helping me has never had this happen with a bike before and is puzzled.

 

I would say you have the starter coupling sleeve reversed. I had same problem on my 2000 roadking. it's a sleeve that the shaft which goes in and out to engage clutch basket and spin engine engages with. One way will make starter spin and not engage and the other way will engage the bike will start. . Its slightly deeper machined one way over the other. Small item, huge difference.

 

If it helps. Go to Ronnies Harley Davidson online parts micro fiche and look up 2001 electraglide. starter assembly. Part 45 (coupling) is in backwards. Trust me it makes a difference.

 

Welll how did you make out???