You sure it won't slide further back and expose the same circle clip as style I that retains it? It could look just like a raised radius on the shaft if it's a spring wire retainer.

 

Not sure what book y'all looking at. The only clip/lock ring on that shaft is the one holding the slider ring onto the back of the bendix.

 

Thank you all for your suggestions/tips/help.

@t150vej You are right, there is no clip that retains #15.

Could you detail more this paragraph of yours? "You'll have to remove the plug on top of the primary , swivel pin and fork regardless. If you pull the shaft out too far, have to remove the starter and gear reduction housing to get it back in."

What do you mean by "the plug" ?
​​​​​​Is it easier to go this way, or to remove the starter?

I've attached a picture of the whole primary.

 

That outer collar should slip off, probably a burr or something holding it. A small 2 jaw puller should do it easily. Most "fast food" parts stores will loan you one.

If you pull the entire clutch assembly, the bendix will slide off the shaft. Not a hard job to pull it if you have the tools and know how. You may have to loosen or remove the solenoid so the angle fork can swivel far enough that will allow the slider ring to clear the ears on the fork. Point about not pulling the shaft - if it pulls out too far, the reduction gear will drop and you'd have to pull the starter back several inches to put the gear back on the shaft. Not a hard thing, just more work.

If proceed by pulling the starter (with gear housing) without pulling the clutch, the shaft will come out that way BUT, you'd have to remove the fork to be able to weasel the bendix out of there sideways. To remove the fork, you'd have to remove the swivel pin. It's under a threaded plug on top of the inner primary which is under the oil tank. That would have you pulling the battery and oil tank. I don't like that option.

Assuming you have some sort of book, pulling the clutch isn't complicated but if you need help just ask. Just don't try to pull it with a jaw puller. You'll be needing $400. worth of parts if you do!

Just be glad you have the pre - '89 starter setup on your Softail, for too may reasons to list...

 

@t150vej Thanks a lot for your detailed help. I was able to pull the #15 with a puller. I think the material on the shaft moved towards the tip and accumulated there over the years. The surface on #15 that touch the shaft is very narrow, only about .150". I'll measure everything to make sure I'm in specs.

Thanks a lot!

 

Cool. Probable from the LH threaded nut and washer??