Hey everybody....I know I posted a concern regarding which starter to use on a 76 Ironhead, ut after contacting all the resourses I can think of and using the forum up till this point I have yet to find out the right answer. It turns out the Hitachi style starter has two through-bolts that not only don't line up perfectly with the holes in the starter housing, but also are no where near long enough to go through the housing itself with any substantial length. I guess my question is....is the Prestolite the right one after all? I bought this as a basket and am trying to peice together something with no references other than a useless Harley manual. Thanks, Tid Bit

 

I replied to you in the newmebers forum but I'll add to that:

As far as the thru-bolts not lining up correctly, I really can't answer.
As for the bolts being too short. Make sure the starter is pushed all the way into the housing on the motor. Mine took a little bit of pressure to get it in tight.

 

Gino, got to looking at a Clymers manual I had on 59-85 Sportsters. It shows the Hitachi were used on 1974-early 1976 and the Prestolite from 1967-1980. What I'm thinking is you problably have a late model 76 being that the holes do not line up properly.

 

Thank you for the responses.... I think the next bet is to try a Prestolite instead of the Hitachi....no big deal....I'll let you guys know how it all shakes down.
Later

 

hi i have a 76 and it is a late 76 lt has a Prestolite starter on it..