Just got her on Thursday. 2003 Road King . Need to put a new rear fender on and think I need to put a new start drive clutch in my starter (I think) I have got the issue where when I hit the starter it will just spin and not turn the motor over. After a few attempts it will eventually turn over and start.

If anybody has some pointers send them my way. The service manual came in the mail on Friday so I have been studying the starter section on how to remove it. Again any pointers please send them my way!

Couple of pics for fun.


You can see in the below image why I am replacing the rear fender.

 

I'd just replace the whole starter instead of trying to fix the old one. More headaches then it's worth. Real easy to replace. Remove the battery ground first, next the starter wires, clutch cover, starter gear bolt, housing bolts then remove starter. Good luck!

 

Thanks for the advice doc. I think I saw that the new starter for it was around $500. Is this correct? Or am I looking at the wrong one. (I hope).

Anyways made a little headway tonight. There is one bolt left to take the rear fender off that I can not get to. The tire is in the way. I tried deflating the tire to see if I could get enough space in there with no luck. Does anyone know a good way to get to this bolt without taking the rear tire off?

Here are some pics for fun.

 

1. you are going to want to drop the wheel anyway, there is wiring clipped to the underside of the fender you'll want to get at, give your self room.
if you disconnect the shock bolts at the swingarm, the wheels can drop down some-don't let it free-fall.
and that may be enough room- or it allows you to get at he axle bolt rather than pulling the exhaust pipes.

2. do not open up your primary until you have disconnected the battery.

with the battery connected, manipulating the starter drive ( in the primary) can cause the starter to spin-which can turn the clutch basket & the chain which can pluck your fingers off.
This can happen with the keys in the house, the ign. turn to lock...doesn't matter- if the battery is connected it is dangerous

3. I have more time than money- I';d rather be able to fix a starter than replace an assembly.
Your money, your choice. starters are easy to service.

4. does your lift have outriggers? straps? don't lift higher than you need to for a specific job.
and remember that if you pull parts off of it ( like the rear wheel) you change the balance point...with out tie down straps it is easy to have a bike tip forward as the wheel is dropped.

Mike

 

Mike

Thank you for all of the advice! Couple questions for you.

1. There is a plug towards the front of the fender for the wires that run under the fender. I disconnected this plug thinking that now the wiring that is ran under the fender is not connected to anything anymore, so when I remove the fender the wiring should come with it. Then I would just pull that wiring out and apply it to my new fender. Am I wrong for thinking this?

2. Battery was in the basement of my house on a tender for winter before I started tearing into it, and is still there. So there shouldn't be any juice going to anything.

3. Totally agree with your time statement.

4. Do have tie downs. If I do end up pulling the rear wheel I will tie her down.

Again thank you for your advice!

 

1. Yes wiring should come with. then you'll move to the new fender- inspect for rubs, Guys who lower the rear, sometimes rub the wires.

2. Just wanted to make sure that you'd be safe. One of techs at a local shop lost 3 fingers on left hand that way.

and that's a dandy looker, hope you got a good deal.

Think about Arizona Bike Week next year- you'll be ready to leave the snow-!

Mike

 

1. Will check for rubs etc. with wiring.
2. That sucks! Thank you for the heads up.

"and that's a dandy looker, hope you got a good deal."

Not sure if that is a compliment or not.?.?

but I like it.

Arizona bike week sounds great! I hate winter.

 

Compliment- !

It's new and it's yours- what could be better?

Mike

 

Thanks MK!

I have actually had the bike for few years now. Just got the new jack to do be able to do some needed work to the bike.

 

Love my J&S. Bought it about a month ago. It will work great for you.