starter drive gear?

[victoryrd]

80 flt,... I've had issues with starting for a year now,...the most recent change has been a different cam, to release some of the compression. The starter engages the starter gear onto the ring gear, but spins and doesn't turn over the engine all the time. I have replaced the battery, cables, starter and even tried a used starter shaft and gear. Do you think the problem is the starter gear? is there a clutch in the starter gear like in the Evo's? Any help would be appreciated,...I'm getting to old to push. In the 70's my sporty would allow me to push quite frequently, until I finally figured out it was a circuit breaker.

[atrick]

replace the starter gear! It has a clutch assembly in it

[victoryrd]

Originally Posted by atrick

replace the starter gear! It has a clutch assembly in it

Thanks for the info! I'll give that a try tomorrow.....
seems like starting problems are like flat tires,....they always happen at the most inconvenient time.

[victoryrd]

Bingo! that worked,...thanks

[Billy Jack]

how does this starter drive clutch work and what do you have to do to replace it?

[tecra_1]

Originally Posted by Billy Jack

how does this starter drive clutch work and what do you have to do to replace it?

its a oneway clutch. engaged in the direction the started turns but turns freely in the other direction. that way when the motor starts it doesn't transfer to the starter.
when they start to go bad they slip in the direction there not suppose to.
item 60 on the diagram.
http://www.bikebandit.com/harley-dav...0-1979/o/m1471
to replace it, you remove the prime cover and the nut at the end of the jackshaft.
DISCONECT THE BATERY 1st !!!!!when you pull on the starter drive it can energize taking your fingers off.

[Billy Jack]

Ya know, I wish I'd know that $300 and half a stater sytem ago...
that's defineitly my prob. thanks!