I have an 80 FXS, I have been having trouble with the electric start, brand new high torques starter/housing. About 70% of the time the starter engages and fires up no problem the other 30% is does not engage the clutch basket and spins off, I did no do the work on the starter housing/drive but it is new and should be installed correctly where should I start any suggestions. I have heard these suggestion so far

1) possibly the wrong inner primary (too thick)
2) maybe the wrong clutch basket

There is also a new starter solenoid and the bike kicks just fine, any suggestions should I buy the hitachi starter drive/housing rebuild kit or is it likely a different issue?

CHJ

 

solenoid not working?

 

Hard to diagnose from someones description,but it sounds like your starter drive/clutch is going bad...not too expensive or hard to replace...the only problem is finding a quality one...lots of made in china crap out there.

http://www.buy.com/prod/new-harley-d...ngId=247231882

 

I think I'll start by checking the solenoid, I've tried two different ones, but am not sure the condition of either of them. I'll guess I'll move onto the entire starter/drive/housing rebuild kit after that.....

 

Your bendix gear is shot not the solenoid all that does is pull it in . When the bendix or starter clutch starts going bad it will do what your describing and make a hashing banging noise like it's not engaging . It is but the clutch rollers inside are hit & miss .

Spend the bucks and get a US made one don't waste you time on the $20 - $25 dollar import junk they will be gone in 6 months . Amazon has the All ***** bendix's for about $45 .

My bikes 93" @ just under 12-1 comp , it's rough on the starting system I've been all down the road your on a few times .

 

+1. Sprag clutch sounds bad.

 

I replaced the starter solenoid with a high performance one this weekend, that did not do the trick, the backside of the teeth on the clutchbasket are beat to hell, so I think the intermittent problem is happening, cause some of the teeth are better than others, I was using the kick shaft to turn the motor to try and get a better spot, does anyone know of where I should shop for a new clutch basket, I need the belt drive 8mm 1 1/2". Thanks

 

You can get just a ring gear and try replacing the starter clutch.

This is what it did to my ring gear.

 

What brand is the belt drive ? Contact them the ring gears are all replaceable on belt systems you don't have to get a complete unit , just need to know who made it to get the right one .

 

Well after removing the old clutch basket, no one could tell me what brand it was. I just ponied up the cash and got a whole new primary drive. I got the 8mm, 1.5" belt drive system from LTD. When I installed the new one, I noticed the starter drive does not have to kick out nearly as far as the old one. I believe my old man had the wrong year clutch basket on. I hit the start button, now and PLUM! fires right up. Thanks for all your suggestions.