Starter Problems

[mask]

I have been reading threads lately about starters going bad and dreading the day... So i go for a short ride.I stop the bike at the half way point for a few minutes, I start up to leave then i see what looked like a nice background for a picture. I stop the bike and take a couple pics and then when i go to start it the bike is still in gear, I hold down the clutch and try to start it it turns over and jumps a little. I put it in neutral and it makes this whizzing noise but does not turn over. i wait a few minutes and try again, same result. I eventually get the bike towed home. The tow truck driver used straps that put scratches on the trees which i hope will buff out, he also clanged one of his ratchets on the front fender as he was unhooking the bike. At this point this is more of me venting than asking for directions. I am trying to get the extended warranty transfered from the previous owner. I am not mechanically inclined or technically knowledgeable at all. I was hoping to take small steps with my big dog.

 

[1BADK9]

Preye, sounds just like a broken jack shaft in your starter. If you can remove the starter take it to a altenator starter shop and let them rebuild it for you. Much less expensive than a new starter. As for the dings and scratches, I'd stomp the tow truck drivers ass into a mudhole.

Here read this thread.

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/technical/15631-starter-not-engaging.html

 

[mask]

thanks for the reply brooks, so I read the threads and found one that sounded like my issue. someone on the thread said to remove the primary cover to see if anything was broken. I started to and black oil started coming out from the bottom of the primary. I am famous for breaking things i attempt to fix and making simple problems worse.

 

[mask]

pic

 

[woodbutcher]

what you have is a wet clutch. that black goo is the oil that lubricates the primary chain and the clutch. just clean it up and go from there. you will need (1) qt. of oil to go back in it and probably an o-ring to put back in the groove around the outer primary cover. you didn't break anything.

if you look on the bottom of the outer primary cover about middle ways, you will find a drain plug with a allen socket, next time use that to drain most of the oil out.

you really need to get a service manual and read the shit out of it.

 

[BigDogBro1]

The oil BTW is an oil for V-twin engines available at a Harley dealer. You need an 2007 Service manual $115.00 from Bigdog Performance Parts.

Yours definately needs changing..........

 

[RRRUFF]

Sounds like a broken jackshaft. If you can't find a good rebuild shop you can get a new starter from this guy on eBay. $239, one year warranty, made by Accumax. I just put one in my bike but don't have alot of miles on it yet. Looks like a good deal to me though.

BIG DOG RSD STARTER 2005 & UP and W/BAKER DSSC NEW | eBay

 

[1BADK9]

Here ya go Chummy Dog, look through this thread it shows draining the primary fluid and replacing. Like butcher said, you haven't broke anything. That primary is full of oil. Drain plug near back edge on the bottom. NOTE after you refill the primary through the small square primary inspection refill cover, don't tighten those four little bolts too tight or you will break off the corners of the cover. GO FOR IT! Let us know if you find the gear end of your starter laying in there. :2thumbs:

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/how/10-how-service-your-big-dog.html

 

[mask]

Thanks for all the information, you guys were right the shaft is broken, I am working on removing the starter through the right side. I purchased the primary oil from the harley dealership but they did not have a replacement for the rubber ring that goes around the primary cover. Can I reuse the old one or do I definitely need to find a new one?

 

[1BADK9]

Yeah Preye, you can re-use the o-ring seal on the primary if there are no tears or damage to it. Read up and take your time and get that starter out of there and repaired, pay attention to detail and install it, and you will be on the road with the pride of knowing you fixed it yourself. Good job finding the problem.

 

[Dakotabos]

When I opened that picture a cold chill ran down my spine :bang:

 

[1BADK9]

When I opened that picture a cold chill ran down my spine :bang:

Yeah a bad memory for me too. I got so lucky because my dumb ass push started mine a road it home.. I was so lucky that I didn't tear up my chain or gears in th primary.

 

[Brew]

Sorry to see that it broke, but glad that you found it.

 

[mask]

i got the starter out with the help of my neighbor and the how to's on here it seemed like we need all four hands at times. I am a little overwhelmed with all the parts laying on towels and blankets. Everything should go back on how they came off the thing that makes me the most nervous is all the electrcal connections that i had to undo to get both the battery and the starter out. I did not mark anything. I attached a pic of the starter. i think i am going to have to buy a new one cause of the damage but i will see what the guys at the starter shop say tomorrow. Again thanks alot guys for the instructions and encouragement. I will be back for more in the next few days.

 

[mask]

one more

 

[mask]

local starter shop is charging $150 to rebuild the starter, he says he will epoxy the piece that is broken and he thinks it might hold up. I think it is a no brainer to go with the new one on ebay for $231 with one year warranty

 

[1BADK9]

Yeah Preye yours is a whole lot more toe-up than mine was, just the shaft was broken and I got a "new to me" shaft from a shop for $10 bucks. I would go ahead like you plan and get a fresh one and be done with it. Glued together parts ain't gonna last on our bikes. Let us know when you are rolling! :2thumbs:

 

[beagle man]

Dude i have went through 2 Big Dog starters ,i have 117 motor 11-1 compressoin motor work to the ass .I fix the problem useing a Tech 2.w starter and a Braille Battery 425 cca

 

[mask]

Yeah Preye yours is a whole lot more toe-up than mine was, just the shaft was broken and I got a "new to me" shaft from a shop for $10 bucks. I would go ahead like you plan and get a fresh one and be done with it. Glued together parts ain't gonna last on our bikes. Let us know when you are rolling! :2thumbs:

Yeah Brooks, I just ordered the shop manual and the starter. I am going to lowes to get a proper mecahnics tool set not the mix and match set i have been using that barely work. I am all in now past the point of no return. I will keep you guys posted.

 

[stlmikie]

I know that overwhelmed feeling Preye. We all have been there at one point or another. It sounds like you have it under control non the less. Good job thus far!