Starter doesn't engage

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Oct 17, 2011 | 09:09 PM

#11

customsoftail200

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Dec 2006

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From: Simpsonville, SC

Thanks Dawg, those part numbers are for the clutches?

Oct 17, 2011 | 09:15 PM

#12

dawg

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From: Vermont

Quote:

Originally Posted by customsoftail200

Thanks Dawg, those part numbers are for the clutches?

Yes, starter clutch

Oct 17, 2011 | 09:29 PM

#13

checkers

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From: East Tn Foot of The Dragon

Quote:

Originally Posted by customsoftail200

This past weekend my starter was giving me trouble and now it doesn't engage at all. I took the primary cover off, the jack shaft comes out and engages the clutch gear bu it doesn't turn it. I hear the electric motor spinning but no movement. I then took the starter out of the bike and started disassembling, I have it apart and have the gears out but I don't see anything wrong. Any ideas???

I would have cleaned and tighten battery cables first, common problem and your symptons

Oct 18, 2011 | 04:06 AM

#14

grbrown

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From: Bedford UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by checkers

I would have cleaned and tighten battery cables first, common problem and your symptons

That's a good idea, but his starter clutch has gone! Mine has too in the last couple of weeks. My starter is over 20 years old, so I may well replace the whole thing, but customsoftail200's bike is much newer. I would dismantle the starter and clean it up inside, make sure all is fine, and fit a new clutch. They are available on Ebay.

Oct 18, 2011 | 10:33 AM

#15

customsoftail200

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From: Simpsonville, SC

Is it common for these clutches to go? I do have a higher compression 95" in it

Oct 18, 2011 | 10:44 AM

#16

grbrown

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From: Bedford UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by customsoftail200

Is it common for these clutches to go? I do have a higher compression 95" in it

They are readily available, which might suggest they do, but in over 20 years mine has packed up twice. However that is an early Evo starter, not as high power or robust as later bikes like yours. Also mine has done many years service with a tuned stroker, now an S&S 107", so I reckon it has probably earned retirement!

There are 1.4kW and 1.7kW starters available, that are alternatives I am considering. It's worth checking what power rating yours is and upgrading.

Oct 18, 2011 | 10:44 AM

#17

thenewrage

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Joined: Oct 2010

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From: Minnesota

Quote:

Originally Posted by customsoftail200

Is it common for these clutches to go? I do have a higher compression 95" in it

Do you have manual compression releases ?

Oct 18, 2011 | 04:06 PM

#18

customsoftail200

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From: Simpsonville, SC

Yes I have manual compression releases. I always use them when the engine is warm but I am going to start using them all the time.. I dropped the starter off to our local starter/alternator rebuilder today, he said it should be all set tomorrow. I would've done it myself but I had to go there to show him the clutch so he could order the right one. He said he would lube it all up and put it back together so I said why not.