Starter doesn't engage

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Oct 17, 2011 | 07:26 PM

customsoftail200

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 1,200

Likes: 3

From: Simpsonville, SC

Starter doesn't engage

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???

Oct 17, 2011 | 08:00 PM

JDB

Cruiser

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 130

Likes: 1

From: West Virginia

Is your battery good.

Oct 17, 2011 | 08:37 PM

z71_fourwheelin

Road Captain

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 732

Likes: 2

From: SE Alabama

Had this happen to a friends bike, he needed his starter rebuilt. But make sure you have good voltage first.

Oct 17, 2011 | 08:41 PM

Lonewolf176

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 2,452

Likes: 666

From: Vancouver Island B.C.

Starter clutch.

Oct 17, 2011 | 08:47 PM

smithbrl

Road Warrior

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 1,692

Likes: 22

From: Denham Springs, La

I know practically nothing about a starter clutch but if the gear is engaging and the motor is spinning, I'd think the clutch was slipping.

Oct 17, 2011 | 08:47 PM

Lowcountry Joe

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 4,928

Likes: 69

From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC

Can you hook up the starter to a battery in the garage just to see whether or not it works?

Oct 17, 2011 | 08:48 PM

smithbrl

Road Warrior

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 1,692

Likes: 22

From: Denham Springs, La

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lonewolf176

Starter clutch.

I guess I type too slow. lol

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Oct 17, 2011 | 09:05 PM

dawg

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 28,514

Likes: 3,951

From: Vermont

Quote:

Originally Posted by customsoftail200

Battery is good, voltage fine. Sounds like it may be a clutch if the motor spins but I get no output. Are clutches available separately or do I need a new starter?

If you go the HD route, 31516-94A $113. Can also get a Nippondenso for a 1998 Toyota Camry. Same thing.