I wouid certainly have watched the 3 hour video of you tackling a unique problem it’s that particular information that only comes with experience and expertise and sometimes any one problem may only appear once in a career and the solution is often lost to time because the wrench who unravels the mystery never shared it . When I was an apprentice mechanic Charlie Zuraski the old timer who took me under his wing , showed me a problem that he’d seen with the Desoto clutch linkage . many years later, long after Desoto was defunct and Chalrlie was probably 20 or 30 years into his grave i used that knowledge to get a kids car back on the road and he didn’t have to empty his pockets in labor charges . We all love listening to you Mike so whatever the job I’ll bet most of us out here in TV land will watch for hours on end . - Jack
@@pacificmike9501 My great nephew and I watch your channel all the time , I taught his dad how to ride and repair motorcycles, and now that he’s discovered the automobile as a hobby and now has his M endorsement, I’m showing him the B side of ownership just like his dad . At my age I don’t remember as much in the moment you need to recall it so the kid found your channel and it saves me a lot of time looking through Service and factory manuals . he calls you the shop teacher . When the world did it’s impression of a Studebaker factory we spent hours under the lift watching you he already has become proficient on a full assembly of a Shovelhead. Keep up the good work and thanks for the help . -Jack
Hi mike, here in Australia we call it " beyond the black stump" when were in the middle of nowhere. Or lost in the "Never Never". LOL. Thanks for video.
There has to be a story that started an expression like, "Beyond the black stump." I gotta know. "Lost in the "Never Never" sounds like something from my hero, Peter Pan. But I "The black stump" sounds really mythical.
@@pacificmike9501 Hi mike, BEYOND THE BLACK STUMP saying Came from a novel by nevil shute. Its about oil exploration in the Western Australian out back. In a region called "The Lunatic". Sounds like a far out nowhere place. Lol. Regards greg.
My favorite channel on RUclips by far. Mike, if you ever find yourself back East, you might enjoy a visit to the Wheels Through Time museum in Maggie Valley North Carolina. A lot of old bikes and cars. They give away a restored bike every year. This year it’s a ‘48 Panhead. I’m hoping I’ll be riding it home!
Hi Mike. I was just replacing the starter drive on my 80 Sturgis. I had a new old stock from my dealership days. I also have the cut primary cover to check it in operation . Sorry you had to pull the clutch to replace yours . I never knew that the replacement aftermarket was a bigger diameter. Thanks for that . Just lucky I kept all my old parts when HD shut us down because they want car dealers not riders for dealers.
Well, this is a different time. I bought that "heavy duty" unit because it was there. Didn't notice it was larger 'til I went to install it. Remember when you'd stop in at every Harley dealership when you traveled? Every one of them was so different and interesting.
Kind of reminds me of a story when I moved up to PA from Florida. Everywhere in Florida goes north south east and west. When I used my GPS it was set up for "shortest distance". When I went on my first road trip in support of a missionary trip in PA I failed to change from "shortest distance" to "utilize highways". I started traveling along a gravel road and before long it turned into a nature trail! I started seeing people with the big backpacks on their backs and were utilizing walking sticks! I knew that was the beginning of a BIG problem LOL I asked them "where I was" and they laughed and said.. "you are in the middle of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon". It took me another two hours to Traverse my full-dress Harley-Davidson through muddy paths that have never been traveled before by any internally combusted anything. So I ended up coming out and when I did I saw a farmer on a tractor who gave me a double-take! LOL true story I can't make this up. I won the "pink pig" award for doing the most pathetic thing of the entire week. A Pink pig candidate typically walks through fresh concrete or builds something wrong etc 🤦🏻♂️
Mike is absolutely the best when it comes to tutorials. A big plus is the gray hair, so you know you can believe what he is telling you. Never steered me wrong. The modified primary cover for testing is a nice touch. Thanks Mike, keep the greasy side down.
I did this job on my 81 FLHC a couple of weeks ago. It was not as fun as I remember it being in my youth (I'm 71). The bike was purchased at an estate auction a few months ago (it had not been started in 29 years). I have rebuilt the brakes, the carburetor, the clutch, new tires, new hoses, etc. I took a most pleasant ride on Veterans Day which made all the work worth it. I am working on the jetting of the carburetor and have it just about dialed in. I named her Aurora (Sleeping Beauty). Thanks for taking the time to make your videos!
MIke, thanks for the demonstration and the cuationary warnings. Real sorry the scammers got you and took you down nasty trails but glad you guys enjoyed the day none-the less! I very much appreciate your content!
Thought...Next time there is advertisement for a car/bike/music show. Call the local Chamber of Commerce and they will verify. I hope the scammers get caught.....Good video Mike...Thanks
I don’t have a Harley Davidson never have but I really like your videos. I always feel like I’ve learned something by watching them . Someday if I get one I’ll no a little about it. Thanks for your help.
Everything happens for a reason Mike. You and the boys got to go on a cool adventure and meet some new friends along the way. Ive always found that every time you go out for a ride, it could be 20 minutes or 20 hours, you always remember it. And usually have a great story to tell. The cut Primary trick is awesome! Thank you as always for sharing your years of knowledge to us.
Oh the memories I have of the " jack shaft. " I could never get a brand of jack shaft to measure up right. Thus, not damage something. Eventually I did. But electrical gremlins forced me to walk away from my HD FatBoy. Constant issues. I fought the good fight for over 5 years. But I threw in the towel. White flag of defeat. Wallet wasted. I’ll never buy a vintage motorcycle ever again. It works well for many.( including you ) but not for me. Much respect sir. Carry on.
And I respect you and the things you've shared with me in the past. One of the things with a used motorcycle is what the last guys did that you have to live with. I get frustrated with bad electrical work. I usually get so frustrated that I rip it out and wire it "My Way." When you say "Fatboy," I have trouble thinking of it as old, but how many hands has it been through. I know it can get real difficult sorting it out.
Love the videos. I used to know the dirt roads and arroyos around Temecula well. Having worked in the area for a couple of years. Yeah, you can get really lost out there. Just have to keep an eye out for the smugglers trying to get around the checkpoints.
I had major problems with my starter drive system I learned if you change primary covers the distance between the washer and cover change and gives the starter shaft enough space to pull it self out of the starter gear cover and gear the starter will trash itself and other parts you have to measure and add a washer or two on different outer primary covers also the whole system is old school. I ended up using a utima starter and it improve it. It does away with the old and improves it with a new one piece starter mine is a 70 shovel. Checkout the Utima starters and you will see a major improved starter and drive. They are high rated starters. The plus is there chromed already'. It took 5 starters of different types. drive gears, shafts, solenoids and other parts and a lot of money for me to learn this lesson. I was very angry man every time I had to put more money in this old starting system. I'm a retired Master Machinist so you can imagine the frustration. So if you change your cover measure that distance or you be paying out the nose like I did.. All this happen was because I changed the outer primary cover for a new electric start belt drive cover and wasn't told it would take 3 copper washers to work right. I ended up making a copper spacer the thickness of 3 copper washers. Well that's the the end of a lesson learned the hard way. A 73 year old hard headed biker Dirty Joe
I get it. It's automatic for me, at this point, to look at the inside of the outer primary cover to see if that "bearing boss" is set deeper than the one I'm taking off. I don't remember when or why the change was there. I believe it was an aftermarket cover. But, I'm really not sure. I do remember stacking three of those copper thrust washers in there. Have you ever noticed when you order one of those thrust washers, they come two to a package?
@@pacificmike9501 Yes I have I've gotten extras washers but never understood why till now. I tried every starter made thinking that was the problem only to find it was the thrust washer spacing.. Also I don't work for Ultima it's just a good starter. DJ
Very informative. In the late 1970s I had a 1973 Shovel FL Police Special former Indianapolis City Police bike. I had troubles with the starter over and over again. We had swap meets at the State fairgrounds often then. I got me an open belt primary kit and a kicker kit. I eliminated that damn starter. Then I could run a smaller battery too. Then got a "battery in the oil tank." Had a very clean look.
I've had the joy of replacing a couple of these on my 68 ironhead. Timing is critical. Only left hand nut on the bike. Also able to sneak mine out from right side . Leaving my primary cover on. Also thanks for talking to my buddy Tim Bowers about his late father's panheads, ect, and parts. Funny cause I mentioned he should watch your channel and he told me you talked to him on the phone.. he lives right around the corner from me.
In a perfect world, I could ride around and just visit people. It's always cool to introduce people to other people. It's good for all of us. Thank You.
Great video Mike & Mike, If you put out a 3 hour video.....I am pretty sure nun of us would have any problem watching it :). Thank you for sharing your motorcycle knowledge with us, your videos have helped us all. Ride safe my friend.
Thanks for this video... this is exactly what I need to do on my 68FLH over the winter months. Getting ready to store it in the garage tomorrow after a nice ride. Around here (Rochester NY) get salt on the roads if it's snowy or icy and that's gonna be happening soon. Ofcourse if I get a nice clear day with not too much salt down I'll take her out for a nice winter ride. My favorite is riding on Jan 1st if possible. Then I have to wash her down and put her back away.
Thanks Mike, a request if you haven't done it yet. When finished with the Pan, how about a little class on Magnetos and the duel plugs and coil set-up? I think the audience would appreciate it.. TTFN
I just ordered myself a new bendix for my shovel and thanks for this video. It did take me a few minutes to realize the end of the shaft is left hand threads.
Well since I am currently building my 77 shovelhead, you can make these videos on yours six hours long and I would watch every minute of it. This one is very helpful Mike because I am about to install the starter and assembly here soon. I usually watch your videos three or four times. Thanks Mike.
One of the 1st repairs I did on my '74 XLH during mid 70's & the bike was not that old at the time...IIRC the 2 flat side nut on end of starter shaft that indexes in support bearing is left hand thread...??? ... XL models solenoid = parallel to starter vs 90 deg to starter.(viewer info as I'm sure you have worked on many Sportsters over the years)... I roll started that bike for almost a month waiting for AMF era HD dealer to get the part...No kick starter on XLH but almost added one to it at the time...>> Big Rock-a-billy fan myself ...> Damn "interweb" scammers!
Thanks Mike, funny thing that I don't remember ever having a starter problem with any of my Shovels . Bought an Evo in '99 and had to replace starter within a year. Bought a 2cam in '04 and had to replace starter 2 years later. Anyway, glad you had a great ride.
I certainly believe that. My starter drive clutch wore out. I'm sure I've replaced it before. I've had the bike for 43 years and over 400 thousand miles. I just don't remember when. When I put the bike up this time, I replaced the original starter (it had gotten brushes at 100K). I felt it was time.
Moin. Yeah Mike! That sthe video I always needed!! I knew a few things about Japanese bikes but in this case, they are different. So My '71 FLH E- Glide has a bad behaviour. If I press the starter button and the Motor will not come to life for some reason, the starter will rotate as long as the battery is not going down. Shure, the starterbutton is not pressed during that time! What I do is, I normaly use the kickstarter (I like it that way ;-) ) and seldom I like to use the electric starter. If I used, I make shure to have the right sice of Socket wrench with me, to disconnect the battery if the Starter runs wild. Thats now the past!!! I dont have the "Tool" you use, to see if the starter behaves right, so I' am not able to see what is going on under the Primarycover. I did a lot to find out whats wrong, my Bibel, the Original HD- Partsbook says only: Starter drive gear unit. Ok mine looks different but ok old bike lots of owners.... . if I talked to mechanics, they did not understand my problem. But now I know! My bike has not a Clutch at the Starter drive! There is something solid, if the Motor starts, the Drive Gear will be retrackted and everytihing is fine, but if not, I start to hast and take of the cable at the Battery! For any reason, someone has installed this solid thing in the past. Now I will order some parts because you showed me without knowing whats wrong on my Bike! Thank you VERY MUCH!!!! WOW THANK YOU!!! I' am so lucky!!
I'm gonna try here. No. 1, the solenoid is "voltage sensitive." Unless the battery is well charged (very well), don't even try. The solenoid will not make a good solid contact and it will just fry itself. Or, it will stick and burn itself up. The whole starting system must be in good shape to work properly and not destroy itself. Hands clear. Disconnect the battery before getting in there. I will eat you.
Really appreciate you doing these videos. I am trying to learn how to wrench on my own Shovelhead and you passing your knowledge on through these videos is very helpful. Thanks and appreciate you sharing your time with your knowledge to help others learn.
I got my EVO primary case opened up to unbolt the old lower end....thought I'd not be rebuilding the clutch...but when the friction discs started coming out.....they were used and abused.....always something...at least the starter is decent.
Normally, with the battery disconnected, and the primary cover and solenoid removed, hold the arm back, reach in and pull it out. However, the "heavy duty" unit I installed took too much room to do that and the primary drive had to be slid back out of the way for clearance to install it.
Hi Mike, thank you for mentioning that the heavy-duty one-way gear does not fit w/out taking off the clutch basket. I need to replace that gear on my 81 WG and luckily I watched your video first, since I'd rather not disassemble the primary right now. Thanks again!
I haven't had that problem yet on my shovel, but thanks for the advice. Do NOT stick yer finger in while the solenoid is still hooked up!! It CAN bite you,and GOOD LUCK keepin all your fingers or whatever you shoved in there!!! Ride safe my friend,see ya on the roads. Peace.
I was really surprised. I'm sure I've replaced it before. I bought the bike new. I've ridden it a bunch. I don't remember the last time I replaced it. It was just plain worn out. It didn't break. We cut into it and found it just plain worn out.
Well... that was spectacularly interesting and educational. I am about to tackle this job on a '76 FLH, that is both my first big twin and first Harley (well, I do own Buell XB but that is a whole other animal). Thank you so much for this video. Excellent.
As always I enjoyed the video. Did learn something from it. Hopefully I'll remember it if I ever have to change the starter drive on my shovelhead. Thank you sir.
my finger made a pass through those ..back in the 70s trying to see how it worked luckily no cover holding starter gear in place ..I learned the hard way with my brother laughing sayin it says disconnect batter right in front of you
Well now, this was no rush job. One does not rush ones work on ones own ride come Hell or high water.(For high water we'll push start it and bug out). Thus 3 hours sound like normal to me and good on you!
Thanx. Just a starter drive clutch, and I got a hand push at my buddy's place and rode home. Something about the combination I came up with in that Shovel. Lots of cylinder pressure. I was known for being able to kickstart big strokers. But this thing? Not so much.
We just hadn't planned on it. Our bikes were all clean and shiny. I was riding my 52 Panhead with a tank shift and foot clutch. Mostly 1st gear though.
Greetings from The Greenwood . . . now dressed in Autumn brown - but not for long. Ah, the shovel starter clutch - 'wot spins yuh motor round' . . . (along with various fingers, wrist bones, radius, ulna, not to mention the leg that then flies overhead & hits the bench) Strange but true . . . should your HD starter sprag clutch not be available, try a local Cessna dealer, you'll pay three times as much for the same thing, but you'll also enjoy taking it 'low flying' for many years. (Please don't ask me how I know : )
I didn't know that. I replaced a lot of them back in the day. Funny, mine just lasted and lasted. Set the timing right, and the motor won't ask that thing to go backward, destroying itself. I bought a "heavy duty" unit this time. I thought that sounded good. But, for fun, I'll check with my buddy the airplane wrench, and see what's up with the one you're speaking of. Good to hear from you. We're almost into Winter here. Still warm and sunny.
@@pacificmike9501 - One of the wood elves told me, under torture naturally, to try a 'Prest-o-lite'(?) clutch from the Conti 0-200 (3.3 liter 4 banger) as fitted to some early C150's; but, as she lives on re-fried acorns & mead, you might want to check that out first : )
I know that part as Bendix. Back in 1975 my 1974 Sportster started going wirrrrr instead of chuga chuga. I bought an aftermarket bendix and put it in. A couple weeks later same thing wirrrr. Again new aftermarket bendix. Few weeks later again. By now I’m p.o.I went to Lower Hd in Leesburg Va and talked to them. I was told the aftermarket bendix has weaker steel and they don’t hold up. I bought OEM and put that in and it’s still in there working fine.
I need three of those thrust washers in order for the starter to work on my shovelhead (took my a while to figure that out). Maybe the outer primary cover is from a later year, or for an Evo? It’s aftermarket for sure, although I have no clue what brand. Love your videos, Mike
I've dealt with this before. It has happened with aftermarket covers, but I'm not sure if it's intentional or not. I have gotten in the habit of checking them against each other. If you look inside the outer primary cover and measure the depth from the inner edge of the cover to the edge of the "bearing boss," and compare it to the one that the bike came with, you'll find the difference in the measurement is about the equivalent to the thickness of your three thrust washers. Maddening, but I never figured out what model required that.
Check out my post above I made a copper spacer the width of 3 washers. if you don't do this the starter shaft pulls itself out of the drive and trashes it self along with other parts'
I have a 1982 wide glide and the starter has been giving me problems for a year. I think this is the problem but mine is intermittent. Every time I pull primary apart and go back together it works fine for two days and then starts back acting up. I just kickstart but having a starter would be nice.
The best thing is the "process of elimination." Get a piece of insulated 14 gauge electrical wire. The longest stud on the solenoid should have your battery cable attached to it. Make sure you are in neutral. Be careful not to touch bare wire and that the motorcycle is not turned on. Short across from the largest post to the little post on the solenoid. If the motor spins over well, then the problem is either the starter button or the starter relay. This is assuming the battery is fully charged. Look up other stuff we've shown on Shovelhead starters. I do show eliminating the button and the relay. My starter systems last way longer that way.
Great video, as usual, Mike and Mike. I noticed that inside your primary there are a few "non-stock" items, ie: no compensator, no 3 finger hub, etc. Maybe you could do a video on that?...Just a suggestion.
I haven't decided if it's easier to remove the clutch or remove the oil tank hardware to replace the starter clutch . The manual says to remove battery and oil tank hardware to reach the pivot bolt for the solenoid. What a pain
@@pacificmike9501 I just pulled the starter clutch past the ring gear after removing the pivot bolt . I have tried it with removing the pivot and I ended up bending the arm
Mike... do you run a stock starter? I just ordered a stock Hitachi for my flood damaged 78. There were some expensive high torque units available. But I figured for a stock 74" thats never been apart the stocker was fine. Over the years the bendix has been the only starter part needing replacement. I could be wrong. But I think my starter is the original from March of 1978.
Quite possibly it is the original. I ran my original for many many miles and many many years. I replaced the starter when I put the whole bike together this time. I had an accident and it required a major rebuild of the bike. Anything I felt was well worn, I replaced. It was quite a project. It's covered a lot on our channel. I put a more powerful unit on than the original, but, I'm asking it to do a lot. She's got a lot of compression and "stuff." The starter clutch was fine. So, after many years, it gave up now. No complaints. I got more than my money's worth out of it.
WOW...bummer...no rock a Billy show....that sux...i wanted to hear how you enjoyed that....as the band ..THE WHO..said...we won't be FOOLED AGIN...no no no..👍😎
Question. I see the shift linkage on your shovel and It looks like it has an fx Arm on the trans. That said Just your bike shift one up And three down, or do you Have a 5spd trans? Just Curious.
Great video Mike. Too bad the world is so full of " scamtsers" hard to trust anyone anymore,so sad. Well I,m glad you had made the best of it anyway. Like the old saying goes " so far out in the woods that you have to come out to hunt" Keep your rubber on the road.
All your videos are great, super informative, and have helped me immensely. Your no BS explanation is most appreciated. It's all as clear as a bell after you finish up, whether I agree or not. Maybe at some point could you give us your take on exhaust? I got a 78 FLH and am constantly hearing about backpressure, true duals, cross-over duals, straight pipes, top-end power vs low-end grunt and now something called a reversion cone (?). I'd really like to get a straight shooter's perspective. I know the motor has to breathe and in cars the easier it breathes the better, is it similar on Shovelheads? Is it all just fluff? Does it matter enough to spill ink or shoot tape over it? Is it just folks obsessing over the molehills in the world? Thanks. Oh yeah, I agree with Mike Clark. Come out east sometime. Maggie Valley is beautiful and WTT is a treasure. And Mike can't possibly be riding that '48 home because I have a really good feeling it'll find a home in my garage :)
Good stuff! Exhaust pipes are like picking a camshaft. What do you want it to do at what point? The more air and fuel you get into it and out of it, the more power you make. I ran 1 3/4" straight drag pipes on my 80" Shovel for years. I built an identical motor for a buddy of mine I used to ride with. He ran a long pair of "true duals" with fishtails clear out back. I was the tuner on both bikes. Cams and carburetors, ignition, all identical. Every time we raced he beat me by a bunch up to 70 mph, at which point I ran off from him. We did this repeatedly.
Almost everything on my bike has been there a long time. I used it for my "test vehicle" for many years. I worked on the M6 with an old friend of mine who owned the company. Anything on my bike is there 'cause I like it. I think it works rather well.
exellent video mike maybe you could make a vid describing how you have that starter button hooked up near the petcock i want to do the same on my 76 flh i have been kick starting it since day one of ownership 1989 and im now in my 60s so i want to get my electric leg back to its former glory thanks
Run a wire from the button to the battery. Run a wire from the button to the smallest post on the solenoid. Now the wiring is done. Use a 20 amp automotive (or boat) two wire starter button. Remember, it will spin the starter whether or not the ignition switch is on. You can eliminate the starter button from the bars. You can eliminate the starter relay.
Mike, do you have a video on complete electric start system install for a 1980 FXEF or similar. I took my electric start system off 30 years ago for kick only. I bought the V-twin kit and have no instructions. Thanks for your video's.
It's all in the service manual. I've gone through it in several sections. Go to our RUclips homepage. Click on the word videos. There are over 200 videos and easy to go through the pictures and descriptions in a matter of a few minutes.
@@pacificmike9501 Thanks for reply Mike. Service manual very little help. All's I have is just a exposed view. I just haven't been able to find anything video/pictures on the complete installation. Can you direct me to something specific to go to? thanks again for any help.
I'm afraid your best bet would be to break it down in sections for yourself. Make your own headings, then look them up in the manual. You'll need a 1980 FX service manual. Look up the starter parts to be installed in the inner primary. Then look up the installation of the inner primary. Then look up installation of the starter. Then, it' electrical, same deal.
You can find them, but, look in Drag Specialties. They have a hotter, smaller, way better, starter available and I put one on my Shovelhead. I'm way pleased with it.
Thank you for sharing your experience with all of us. Mike I see a starter button on your shovel. I know assume it's a 2-wire button. Where on the cylinoid does the 2nd wire go. Are using a fuse?
It is a "Genuine Fischer Vibration Damper." I don't think they are being made anymore. I tested so much stuff on this bike in the last 43 years, things have come and gone. But, I certainly like the unit.
Mike -- Once again you come through in the "clutch" -- tried to start my 68FLH rebuild for the first time yesterday...sounded like i had engagement but then just rapid "whirring" sound. drained the primary, took off the cover to discover the starter drive spins just prior to engagement, but once engaged, the shaft keeps on spinning but the drive gear stays static. bad starter clutch seems to be the issue. in your experienced opinion, should i try to get away with just a new clutch/drive component (and hope i don't damage the shaft during disassembly) or just cobble together a whole new starter shaft assembly for $100 more so everything is fresh? YOU ARE THE BEST!
Thank You. Take the shaft apart and replace the drive clutch. Remember, "The nut on the end of the shaft is round with two flats for your wrench. That nut is a "left-hand" thread. Take it slow. Make sure before you start any of this operation, you disconnect the battery. That thing can eat you. Never run the starter without supporting the end of the jackshaft either with the tool I show or the outer primary cover.
If you don't mind, I have a couple of questions for you Mike... Ever had any dealings with aftermarket Electric Starts for open Belt Drives, like BDL, etcetera ??? Also, have you done a video on the SU Carb on your ShovelHead ??? I have a Rivera SU [in pieces...] that I was thinking of running on my '74 ShovelHead... Thanks again, from Perth, W.Aust; for your excellent videos...
Thank You. Go to our RUclips Homepage and click on the word "videos." Then, contact Ben Kudon at American Prime Manufacturing. He can most likely help you with an instruction sheet and a few other things on SU's. His no. is:(562)-889-8665.
There are worse places to land accidentally than Old Town Temecula on a weekend. Beer and Wine Garden with live music and a parking lot full of bikes ain't so bad. But the shovel electric starter mechanism really is a puzzle of a lot of pieces.
Hi Mike! Great video, as usual. I am refreshing the starting system on my 1973 FLH - start switch/solenoid/starter drive - because I hear a gear clashing and the drive seems to disengage prematurely. The ridiculously tiny button head start switch was intermittent so I soldered in a replacement; all good there. My question is about installing the standard sized (not heavy duty with the larger body) starter drive. How it it affixed to the shaft? There's a keyway of some sort I'd guess, is the drive a simple slide on/off affair? I'm loving my first Shovel (with a sidecar) and enjoy watching your videos.
There is a nut on the end of the shaft. It's round with two flats on it. I believe they are 5/8" and a "left hand" thread. I've been very disappointed with those puny little starter buttons. I use a 20 amp automotive starter button, eliminate the starter relay, and my whole starting system lasts way longer. You have to put the starter button where people don't notice it. One wire from it to the solenoid and one wire from it to the battery. It will spin without the ignition on, but you'll love it. Congrats on that bike with a sidecar. Going to work on my sidecar any minute now.
@@pacificmike9501 My normal looking starter relay is mysteriously wired with the wires that should be on the small studs affixed, instead, to the large studs along with the large battery/starter wires. The small studs are empty! I can't imagine how this even works but somehow it does. I certainly have more investigation to do... Thanks for your helpful reply.
Trying to remove my inner primary on my shovelhead...i got the 2 bolts on top for the starter out but it acts like there is a third bolt that i cant find
I hope you have a service manual (Model Specific, I don't know what year or model you have). Someimes it is difficult to get that starter loose. Not knowing what year or model gets even more difficult.
Kind of depends on where it's coming from. We've got boats stacked up outside L.A. Harbor here. People will ship me what they have on this continent, but, if it's coming from "elseware,"...
I wouid certainly have watched the 3 hour video of you tackling a unique problem it’s that particular information that only comes with experience and expertise and sometimes any one problem may only appear once in a career and the solution is often lost to time because the wrench who unravels the mystery never shared it . When I was an apprentice mechanic Charlie Zuraski the old timer who took me under his wing , showed me a problem that he’d seen with the Desoto clutch linkage . many years later, long after Desoto was defunct and Chalrlie was probably 20 or 30 years into his grave i used that knowledge to get a kids car back on the road and he didn’t have to empty his pockets in labor charges . We all love listening to you Mike so whatever the job I’ll bet most of us out here in TV land will watch for hours on end .
- Jack
Thank You Jack. I really do try not to keep "secrets." Maybe a couple here and there as to where the extra horsepower might have come from.
@@pacificmike9501
My great nephew and I watch your channel all the time , I taught his dad how to ride and repair motorcycles, and now that he’s discovered the automobile as a hobby and now has his M endorsement, I’m showing him the B side of ownership just like his dad . At my age I don’t remember as much in the moment you need to recall it so the kid found your channel and it saves me a lot of time looking through Service and factory manuals . he calls you the shop teacher . When the world did it’s impression of a Studebaker factory we spent hours under the lift watching you he already has become proficient on a full assembly of a Shovelhead. Keep up the good work and thanks for the help .
-Jack
As usual expertise... thank you sir, very helpful... love the old bikes.
These two Mikes, aint they the shit. Every movie they make is a gem.
Thank You.
👍🙂
Hi mike, here in Australia we call it
" beyond the black stump" when were in the middle of nowhere. Or lost in the "Never Never". LOL.
Thanks for video.
There has to be a story that started an expression like, "Beyond the black stump." I gotta know. "Lost in the "Never Never" sounds like something from my hero, Peter Pan. But I "The black stump" sounds really mythical.
@@pacificmike9501 Hi mike,
BEYOND THE BLACK STUMP saying
Came from a novel by nevil shute.
Its about oil exploration in the Western Australian out back. In a region called
"The Lunatic". Sounds like a far out nowhere place. Lol.
Regards greg.
My favorite channel on RUclips by far.
Mike, if you ever find yourself back East, you might enjoy a visit to the Wheels Through Time museum in Maggie Valley North Carolina. A lot of old bikes and cars. They give away a restored bike every year. This year it’s a ‘48 Panhead. I’m hoping I’ll be riding it home!
I wish you good luck on that one. Yes, I've wanted to visit there for quite a while.
Hi Mike. I was just replacing the starter drive on my 80 Sturgis. I had a new old stock from my dealership days. I also have the cut primary cover to check it in operation . Sorry you had to pull the clutch to replace yours . I never knew that the replacement aftermarket was a bigger diameter. Thanks for that . Just lucky I kept all my old parts when HD shut us down because they want car dealers not riders for dealers.
Well, this is a different time. I bought that "heavy duty" unit because it was there. Didn't notice it was larger 'til I went to install it. Remember when you'd stop in at every Harley dealership when you traveled? Every one of them was so different and interesting.
Robert Longley, the car dealership thing is happening in Canada as well.
You should be on the radio. What a great voice.
Thank You.
Kind of reminds me of a story when I moved up to PA from Florida. Everywhere in Florida goes north south east and west. When I used my GPS it was set up for "shortest distance". When I went on my first road trip in support of a missionary trip in PA I failed to change from "shortest distance" to "utilize highways". I started traveling along a gravel road and before long it turned into a nature trail! I started seeing people with the big backpacks on their backs and were utilizing walking sticks! I knew that was the beginning of a BIG problem LOL I asked them "where I was" and they laughed and said.. "you are in the middle of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon". It took me another two hours to Traverse my full-dress Harley-Davidson through muddy paths that have never been traveled before by any internally combusted anything. So I ended up coming out and when I did I saw a farmer on a tractor who gave me a double-take! LOL true story I can't make this up. I won the "pink pig" award for doing the most pathetic thing of the entire week. A Pink pig candidate typically walks through fresh concrete or builds something wrong etc 🤦🏻♂️
Great story. Thank You
Mike is absolutely the best when it comes to tutorials. A big plus is the gray hair, so you know you can believe what he is telling you. Never steered me wrong. The modified primary cover for testing is a nice touch. Thanks Mike, keep the greasy side down.
Wow. Thank You. I didn't invent that tool. But, since it has helped me, I thought it might help other people.
I did this job on my 81 FLHC a couple of weeks ago. It was not as fun as I remember it being in my youth (I'm 71). The bike was purchased at an estate auction a few months ago (it had not been started in 29 years). I have rebuilt the brakes, the carburetor, the clutch, new tires, new hoses, etc. I took a most pleasant ride on Veterans Day which made all the work worth it. I am working on the jetting of the carburetor and have it just about dialed in. I named her Aurora (Sleeping Beauty). Thanks for taking the time to make your videos!
Great story! That is a true success story.
Mike it's so awesome that you turned being scammed into a positive experience. Most people would be raging for a long time.
Beautiful day, good friends, motorcycle running perfect, I could try to get mad, but it wouldn't last long.
MIke, thanks for the demonstration and the cuationary warnings. Real sorry the scammers got you and took you down nasty trails but glad you guys enjoyed the day none-the less! I very much appreciate your content!
Thank You
Love your positive attitude Mike.
Thank You
Thought...Next time there is advertisement for a car/bike/music show. Call the local Chamber of Commerce and they will verify. I hope the scammers get caught.....Good video Mike...Thanks
Good Idea. Thank You
I don’t have a Harley Davidson never have but I really like your videos. I always feel like I’ve learned something by watching them . Someday if I get one I’ll no a little about it. Thanks for your help.
Thank You. I appreciate that a bunch.
Hello Mike great to see you my friend love you shows keep up the great work and Gods blessings for you all
And the best to you and yours.
👍🙂
@@cameramanmike2072 happy thanksgiving and Gods blessings for and don’t eat to much
Everything happens for a reason Mike. You and the boys got to go on a cool adventure and meet some new friends along the way. Ive always found that every time you go out for a ride, it could be 20 minutes or 20 hours, you always remember it. And usually have a great story to tell. The cut Primary trick is awesome! Thank you as always for sharing your years of knowledge to us.
Thank you. And you're right. It's always an adventure.
Oh the memories I have of the " jack shaft. " I could never get a brand of jack shaft to measure up right. Thus, not damage something. Eventually I did. But electrical gremlins forced me to walk away from my HD FatBoy. Constant issues. I fought the good fight for over 5 years. But I threw in the towel. White flag of defeat. Wallet wasted. I’ll never buy a vintage motorcycle ever again. It works well for many.( including you ) but not for me. Much respect sir. Carry on.
And I respect you and the things you've shared with me in the past. One of the things with a used motorcycle is what the last guys did that you have to live with. I get frustrated with bad electrical work. I usually get so frustrated that I rip it out and wire it "My Way." When you say "Fatboy," I have trouble thinking of it as old, but how many hands has it been through. I know it can get real difficult sorting it out.
@@pacificmike9501 thank you sir. My Fatboy is a 1997. Obviously, it had a rough life. But I'll never sell it.
Love the videos. I used to know the dirt roads and arroyos around Temecula well. Having worked in the area for a couple of years. Yeah, you can get really lost out there. Just have to keep an eye out for the smugglers trying to get around the checkpoints.
It's sure pretty out there.
Good morning Mike. Thank you for this video.
Good morning! You are quite welcome.
I had major problems with my starter drive system I learned if you change primary covers the distance between the washer and cover change and gives the starter shaft enough space to pull it self out of the starter gear cover and gear the starter will trash itself and other parts you have to measure and add a washer or two on different outer primary covers also the whole system is old school. I ended up using a utima starter and it improve it. It does away with the old and improves it with a new one piece starter mine is a 70 shovel. Checkout the Utima starters and you will see a major improved starter and drive. They are high rated starters. The plus is there chromed already'. It took 5 starters of different types. drive gears, shafts, solenoids and other parts and a lot of money for me to learn this lesson. I was very angry man every time I had to put more money in this old starting system. I'm a retired Master Machinist so you can imagine the frustration. So if you change your cover measure that distance or you be paying out the nose like I did.. All this happen was because I changed the outer primary cover for a new electric start belt drive cover and wasn't told it would take 3 copper washers to work right. I ended up making a copper spacer the thickness of 3 copper washers. Well that's the the end of a lesson learned the hard way. A 73 year old hard headed biker Dirty Joe
I get it. It's automatic for me, at this point, to look at the inside of the outer primary cover to see if that "bearing boss" is set deeper than the one I'm taking off. I don't remember when or why the change was there. I believe it was an aftermarket cover. But, I'm really not sure. I do remember stacking three of those copper thrust washers in there. Have you ever noticed when you order one of those thrust washers, they come two to a package?
@@pacificmike9501 Yes I have I've gotten extras washers but never understood why till now. I tried every starter made thinking that was the problem only to find it was the thrust washer spacing.. Also I don't work for Ultima it's just a good starter. DJ
I appreciate what you have to say. Thank You.
Very informative. In the late 1970s I had a 1973 Shovel FL Police Special former Indianapolis City Police bike. I had troubles with the starter over and over again. We had swap meets at the State fairgrounds often then. I got me an open belt primary kit and a kicker kit. I eliminated that damn starter. Then I could run a smaller battery too. Then got a "battery in the oil tank." Had a very clean look.
A lot of people did that. Certainly is a solution. And it certainly does look good.
I've had the joy of replacing a couple of these on my 68 ironhead. Timing is critical. Only left hand nut on the bike. Also able to sneak mine out from right side . Leaving my primary cover on.
Also thanks for talking to my buddy Tim Bowers about his late father's panheads, ect, and parts. Funny cause I mentioned he should watch your channel and he told me you talked to him on the phone.. he lives right around the corner from me.
In a perfect world, I could ride around and just visit people. It's always cool to introduce people to other people. It's good for all of us. Thank You.
I could listen to you talk shop all day brother..
Thanks. I'm glad you enjoy it.
Great video Mike & Mike, If you put out a 3 hour video.....I am pretty sure nun of us would have any problem watching it :). Thank you for sharing your motorcycle knowledge with us, your videos have helped us all. Ride safe my friend.
Wow, thanks! You know, I don't want to listen to me for three hours.
Lol 😂
👍🙂
Great lesson on electric starter dynamics. Always looking foreword to the 48 pan project. Thanks.
Thank You. Just waiting for small parts on the Pan. They'll be here in the next few days.
Thanks for this video... this is exactly what I need to do on my 68FLH over the winter months. Getting ready to store it in the garage tomorrow after a nice ride. Around here (Rochester NY) get salt on the roads if it's snowy or icy and that's gonna be happening soon. Ofcourse if I get a nice clear day with not too much salt down I'll take her out for a nice winter ride. My favorite is riding on Jan 1st if possible. Then I have to wash her down and put her back away.
I get it. I wish you many warm sunny days.
Thanks Mike, a request if you haven't done it yet. When finished with the Pan, how about a little class on Magnetos and the duel plugs and coil set-up? I think the audience would appreciate it.. TTFN
The Flathead will have a magneto. We've talked about dual plugs. We'll probably get into them again, when it comes up.
I just ordered myself a new bendix for my shovel and thanks for this video. It did take me a few minutes to realize the end of the shaft is left hand threads.
Excellent!
Well since I am currently building my 77 shovelhead, you can make these videos on yours six hours long and I would watch every minute of it. This one is very helpful Mike because I am about to install the starter and assembly here soon. I usually watch your videos three or four times. Thanks Mike.
Wow, thanks!
Thanks Mike, I'm looking forward 😃👍
Me too.
Greatly appreciate the video Mike have a great day
Thank You
One of the 1st repairs I did on my '74 XLH during mid 70's & the bike was not that old at the time...IIRC the 2 flat side nut on end of starter shaft that indexes in support bearing is left hand thread...??? ... XL models solenoid = parallel to starter vs 90 deg to starter.(viewer info as I'm sure you have worked on many Sportsters over the years)... I roll started that bike for almost a month waiting for AMF era HD dealer to get the part...No kick starter on XLH but almost added one to it at the time...>> Big Rock-a-billy fan myself ...> Damn "interweb" scammers!
Thank You. And, in spite of those guys, it was still a great day.
Thanks Mike, funny thing that I don't remember ever having a starter problem with any of my Shovels . Bought an Evo in '99 and had to replace starter within a year. Bought a 2cam in '04 and had to replace starter 2 years later.
Anyway, glad you had a great ride.
I certainly believe that. My starter drive clutch wore out. I'm sure I've replaced it before. I've had the bike for 43 years and over 400 thousand miles. I just don't remember when. When I put the bike up this time, I replaced the original starter (it had gotten brushes at 100K). I felt it was time.
This guy is the Bob Ross of motorcycles
Thank You.
Moin. Yeah Mike! That sthe video I always needed!! I knew a few things about Japanese bikes but in this case, they are different. So My '71 FLH E- Glide has a bad behaviour. If I press the starter button and the Motor will not come to life for some reason, the starter will rotate as long as the battery is not going down. Shure, the starterbutton is not pressed during that time! What I do is, I normaly use the kickstarter (I like it that way ;-) ) and seldom I like to use the electric starter. If I used, I make shure to have the right sice of Socket wrench with me, to disconnect the battery if the Starter runs wild. Thats now the past!!! I dont have the "Tool" you use, to see if the starter behaves right, so I' am not able to see what is going on under the Primarycover. I did a lot to find out whats wrong, my Bibel, the Original HD- Partsbook says only: Starter drive gear unit. Ok mine looks different but ok old bike lots of owners.... . if I talked to mechanics, they did not understand my problem. But now I know! My bike has not a Clutch at the Starter drive! There is something solid, if the Motor starts, the Drive Gear will be retrackted and everytihing is fine, but if not, I start to hast and take of the cable at the Battery! For any reason, someone has installed this solid thing in the past. Now I will order some parts because you showed me without knowing whats wrong on my Bike! Thank you VERY MUCH!!!! WOW THANK YOU!!! I' am so lucky!!
I'm gonna try here. No. 1, the solenoid is "voltage sensitive." Unless the battery is well charged (very well), don't even try. The solenoid will not make a good solid contact and it will just fry itself. Or, it will stick and burn itself up. The whole starting system must be in good shape to work properly and not destroy itself. Hands clear. Disconnect the battery before getting in there. I will eat you.
Really appreciate you doing these videos. I am trying to learn how to wrench on my own Shovelhead and you passing your knowledge on through these videos is very helpful. Thanks and appreciate you sharing your time with your knowledge to help others learn.
Glad to help. Thank You.
Thanks for the videos. I love your tools and tips. You’re the man!
Thank You
I got my EVO primary case opened up to unbolt the old lower end....thought I'd not be rebuilding the clutch...but when the friction discs started coming out.....they were used and abused.....always something...at least the starter is decent.
Better to deal with it now than on the road.
@@pacificmike9501 yep got the parts ordered and the new compensator is in hand!
Would love to see an actual removal and replacement of that starter shaft, to include the spacing required to operate correctly.
Normally, with the battery disconnected, and the primary cover and solenoid removed, hold the arm back, reach in and pull it out. However, the "heavy duty" unit I installed took too much room to do that and the primary drive had to be slid back out of the way for clearance to install it.
Great story and video!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank You.
Hi Mike, thank you for mentioning that the heavy-duty one-way gear does not fit w/out taking off the clutch basket. I need to replace that gear on my 81 WG and luckily I watched your video first, since I'd rather not disassemble the primary right now. Thanks again!
Glad to help
Hey Mike. If you like rockabilly, check out Reverend Horton Heat. they're based out of Texas. But they travel around a lot.
And they've been around quite a while. Good stuff.
Thanks for showing us the tricks of the trade!
Our pleasure!
Always wonderful info Mike. Thank you!
Thank You
I haven't had that problem yet on my shovel, but thanks for the advice. Do NOT stick yer finger in while the solenoid is still hooked up!! It CAN bite you,and GOOD LUCK keepin all your fingers or whatever you shoved in there!!! Ride safe my friend,see ya on the roads. Peace.
Thank You.
Another informative video! We appreciate you taking the time to show us this stuff! Thank you sir
Glad you enjoy it. Go to our RUclips Homepage and click on "videos." Over 300 will come up.
Thanks for the lessons professor Mike! Glad you made a great adventure out of what could have been just a disappointment.😎
Yes Sir, I'm here for a good time. Sometimes you have to look for it, but I'll find it.
replaced 1 last winter on my 79 ironhead!
🤘😎🤘
I was really surprised. I'm sure I've replaced it before. I bought the bike new. I've ridden it a bunch. I don't remember the last time I replaced it. It was just plain worn out. It didn't break. We cut into it and found it just plain worn out.
@@pacificmike9501 same with mine. the new topend was just to much for it!
✌
Youre freaking awesome and it's very educational !
👍🙂
Cool. Thank You
@@cameramanmike2072
You are very valuable to work with Pacific Mike too ! You are doing very well as a cameraman !
Thanks for showing how that works Mike. 👍
Thank You. Glad you like it.
Well... that was spectacularly interesting and educational. I am about to tackle this job on a '76 FLH, that is both my first big twin and first Harley (well, I do own Buell XB but that is a whole other animal). Thank you so much for this video. Excellent.
Glad it was helpful!
As always I enjoyed the video. Did learn something from it. Hopefully I'll remember it if I ever have to change the starter drive on my shovelhead. Thank you sir.
Thank You.
@@pacificmike9501 You're welcome. Hope you enjoy the holiday weekend. 🇺🇸
my finger made a pass through those ..back in the 70s trying to see how it worked luckily no cover holding starter gear in place ..I learned the hard way with my brother laughing sayin it says disconnect batter right in front of you
Tough lessons.
Thank you
Thank You
Love that speed wrench
Thank You. Me too.
Well now, this was no rush job. One does not rush ones work on ones own ride come Hell or high water.(For high water we'll push start it and bug out). Thus 3 hours sound like normal to me and good on you!
Thanx. Just a starter drive clutch, and I got a hand push at my buddy's place and rode home. Something about the combination I came up with in that Shovel. Lots of cylinder pressure. I was known for being able to kickstart big strokers. But this thing? Not so much.
Thank you for sharing. Enjoyed.
Glad you enjoyed it
My first time riding was on a road like that. I live in West Virginia on a gravel road so that's no big deal.
We just hadn't planned on it. Our bikes were all clean and shiny. I was riding my 52 Panhead with a tank shift and foot clutch. Mostly 1st gear though.
If your 10 minute video turns into 3 hours I’ll just grab a extra cup of coffee and enjoy some shop time Have a good evening
Kid words. Thank You
Excuse me. That was supposed to read "kind" words.
@@pacificmike9501 It happens. No worries. 👍
Great video! Good instructions.
Glad you enjoyed it
Sub'd. I like the way you explain things. Its makes it pretty easy to soak up the info. Will be binge watching some shovelhead stuff. Thanks
Thanks and welcome
It's been a long time since I've been here. Just saying thanks for the videos.
Thanks for watching!
I wish I had a neighbor like you
We have the "Internet." It's the best thing we've got. Thank You.
Thanks Mike.
I hope it helped a little.
What a great voice.
Thank You.
Greetings from The Greenwood . . . now dressed in Autumn brown - but not for long.
Ah, the shovel starter clutch - 'wot spins yuh motor round' . . .
(along with various fingers, wrist bones, radius, ulna, not to mention the leg that then flies overhead & hits the bench)
Strange but true . . . should your HD starter sprag clutch not be available, try a local Cessna dealer, you'll pay three times as much for the same thing, but you'll also enjoy taking it 'low flying' for many years. (Please don't ask me how I know : )
I didn't know that. I replaced a lot of them back in the day. Funny, mine just lasted and lasted. Set the timing right, and the motor won't ask that thing to go backward, destroying itself. I bought a "heavy duty" unit this time. I thought that sounded good. But, for fun, I'll check with my buddy the airplane wrench, and see what's up with the one you're speaking of. Good to hear from you. We're almost into Winter here. Still warm and sunny.
@@pacificmike9501 - One of the wood elves told me, under torture naturally, to try a 'Prest-o-lite'(?) clutch from the Conti 0-200 (3.3 liter 4 banger) as fitted to some early C150's; but, as she lives on re-fried acorns & mead, you might want to check that out first : )
👍🙂
I know that part as Bendix. Back in 1975 my 1974 Sportster started going wirrrrr instead of chuga chuga. I bought an aftermarket bendix and put it in. A couple weeks later same thing wirrrr. Again new aftermarket bendix. Few weeks later again. By now I’m p.o.I went to Lower Hd in Leesburg Va and talked to them. I was told the aftermarket bendix has weaker steel and they don’t hold up. I bought OEM and put that in and it’s still in there working fine.
Interesting!
I need three of those thrust washers in order for the starter to work on my shovelhead (took my a while to figure that out). Maybe the outer primary cover is from a later year, or for an Evo? It’s aftermarket for sure, although I have no clue what brand. Love your videos, Mike
I've dealt with this before. It has happened with aftermarket covers, but I'm not sure if it's intentional or not. I have gotten in the habit of checking them against each other. If you look inside the outer primary cover and measure the depth from the inner edge of the cover to the edge of the "bearing boss," and compare it to the one that the bike came with, you'll find the difference in the measurement is about the equivalent to the thickness of your three thrust washers. Maddening, but I never figured out what model required that.
@@pacificmike9501 A friend just gave me an OEM primary cover - I’m going to measure and compare them. It’ll be interesting
Check out my post above I made a copper spacer the width of 3 washers. if you don't do this the starter shaft pulls itself out of the drive and trashes it self along with other parts'
Thanks. Informative and personable!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank You.
I have a 1982 wide glide and the starter has been giving me problems for a year. I think this is the problem but mine is intermittent. Every time I pull primary apart and go back together it works fine for two days and then starts back acting up. I just kickstart but having a starter would be nice.
The best thing is the "process of elimination." Get a piece of insulated 14 gauge electrical wire. The longest stud on the solenoid should have your battery cable attached to it. Make sure you are in neutral. Be careful not to touch bare wire and that the motorcycle is not turned on. Short across from the largest post to the little post on the solenoid. If the motor spins over well, then the problem is either the starter button or the starter relay. This is assuming the battery is fully charged. Look up other stuff we've shown on Shovelhead starters. I do show eliminating the button and the relay. My starter systems last way longer that way.
Great video, as usual, Mike and Mike. I noticed that inside your primary there are a few "non-stock" items, ie: no compensator, no 3 finger hub, etc. Maybe you could do a video on that?...Just a suggestion.
I've shown it on previous videos. I'm sure we'll visit it again. Go to our RUclips homepage and click on "videos."
👍🙂
I haven't decided if it's easier to remove the clutch or remove the oil tank hardware to replace the starter clutch . The manual says to remove battery and oil tank hardware to reach the pivot bolt for the solenoid. What a pain
Why remove the pivot bolt?
Be sure the battery is disconnected first.
@@pacificmike9501 I just pulled the starter clutch past the ring gear after removing the pivot bolt . I have tried it with removing the pivot and I ended up bending the arm
@@pacificmike9501 I pulled battery, battery tray, all the oil tank mounts just to get a flathead on that pivot bolt . Took me a few hours
Again, it is not necessary to remove the pivot bolt to remove anything else. Why remove the pivot bolt?
Mike... do you run a stock starter?
I just ordered a stock Hitachi for my flood damaged 78. There were some expensive high torque units available. But I figured for a stock 74" thats never been apart the stocker was fine.
Over the years the bendix has been the only starter part needing replacement. I could be wrong. But I think my starter is the original from March of 1978.
Quite possibly it is the original. I ran my original for many many miles and many many years. I replaced the starter when I put the whole bike together this time. I had an accident and it required a major rebuild of the bike. Anything I felt was well worn, I replaced. It was quite a project. It's covered a lot on our channel. I put a more powerful unit on than the original, but, I'm asking it to do a lot. She's got a lot of compression and "stuff." The starter clutch was fine. So, after many years, it gave up now. No complaints. I got more than my money's worth out of it.
OK you got a laugh out of me. Thank you
👍🙂
And I thank you.
Great vid Mike!… so my jack shaft doesn’t disengage and makes a terrible noise.. idea on what’s worn out?
Most likely, the solenoid is sticking. Usually happens from damage due to low voltage. Hard to diagnose from here, but there's my first suggestion.
WOW...bummer...no rock a Billy show....that sux...i wanted to hear how you enjoyed that....as the band ..THE WHO..said...we won't be FOOLED AGIN...no no no..👍😎
Yes, The Who said stuff very well.
Mike don't sweat the small stuff.
That's why I put in a bigger one.
@@pacificmike9501 I meant getting scammed and still making a good day out of it.
Sorry, I was back on the starter clutch. You're right.
Question. I see the shift linkage on your shovel and
It looks like it has an fx
Arm on the trans. That said
Just your bike shift one up
And three down, or do you
Have a 5spd trans? Just
Curious.
It is a Baker 6 speed. One down, five up. Look at our RUclips homepage. Click on the word, "videos." My Shovelhead appears a lot.
Great video Mike. Too bad the world is so full of " scamtsers" hard to trust anyone anymore,so sad. Well I,m glad you had made the best of it anyway. Like the old saying goes " so far out in the woods that you have to come out to hunt" Keep your rubber on the road.
I like that, good saying. Thank You.
Shovel. Time from Mike & Mike.
👍🙂
And then, they went for a ride.
All your videos are great, super informative, and have helped me immensely. Your no BS explanation is most appreciated. It's all as clear as a bell after you finish up, whether I agree or not. Maybe at some point could you give us your take on exhaust? I got a 78 FLH and am constantly hearing about backpressure, true duals, cross-over duals, straight pipes, top-end power vs low-end grunt and now something called a reversion cone (?). I'd really like to get a straight shooter's perspective. I know the motor has to breathe and in cars the easier it breathes the better, is it similar on Shovelheads? Is it all just fluff? Does it matter enough to spill ink or shoot tape over it? Is it just folks obsessing over the molehills in the world? Thanks. Oh yeah, I agree with Mike Clark. Come out east sometime. Maggie Valley is beautiful and WTT is a treasure. And Mike can't possibly be riding that '48 home because I have a really good feeling it'll find a home in my garage :)
Good stuff! Exhaust pipes are like picking a camshaft. What do you want it to do at what point? The more air and fuel you get into it and out of it, the more power you make. I ran 1 3/4" straight drag pipes on my 80" Shovel for years. I built an identical motor for a buddy of mine I used to ride with. He ran a long pair of "true duals" with fishtails clear out back. I was the tuner on both bikes. Cams and carburetors, ignition, all identical. Every time we raced he beat me by a bunch up to 70 mph, at which point I ran off from him. We did this repeatedly.
You got some nice stuff under that primary cover ,like to know your thoughts on that m6 .
Almost everything on my bike has been there a long time. I used it for my "test vehicle" for many years. I worked on the M6 with an old friend of mine who owned the company. Anything on my bike is there 'cause I like it. I think it works rather well.
exellent video mike maybe you could make a vid describing how you have that starter button hooked up near the petcock i want to do the same on my 76 flh i have been kick starting it since day one of ownership 1989 and im now in my 60s so i want to get my electric leg back to its former glory thanks
Run a wire from the button to the battery. Run a wire from the button to the smallest post on the solenoid. Now the wiring is done. Use a 20 amp automotive (or boat) two wire starter button. Remember, it will spin the starter whether or not the ignition switch is on. You can eliminate the starter button from the bars. You can eliminate the starter relay.
@@pacificmike9501 thanks mike sounds simple
thx mike for the video..but is it enough just to take solenoid and pull the shaft?no need to remove the spring loaded pusher on shaft??
Mike, do you have a video on complete electric start system install for a 1980 FXEF or similar. I took my electric start system off 30 years ago for kick only. I bought the V-twin kit and have no instructions. Thanks for your video's.
It's all in the service manual. I've gone through it in several sections. Go to our RUclips homepage. Click on the word videos. There are over 200 videos and easy to go through the pictures and descriptions in a matter of a few minutes.
@@pacificmike9501 Thanks for reply Mike. Service manual very little help. All's I have is just a exposed view. I just haven't been able to find anything video/pictures on the complete installation. Can you direct me to something specific to go to? thanks again for any help.
I'm afraid your best bet would be to break it down in sections for yourself. Make your own headings, then look them up in the manual. You'll need a 1980 FX service manual. Look up the starter parts to be installed in the inner primary. Then look up the installation of the inner primary. Then look up installation of the starter. Then, it' electrical, same deal.
@@pacificmike9501 can you take a few minutes and direct me to a video on installing the electric start kit on a shovelhead?
The housing for my P66A starter got all wallered out where the bearings go and I'll be darned if I can find a Prestolite starter housing anywhere.
You can find them, but, look in Drag Specialties. They have a hotter, smaller, way better, starter available and I put one on my Shovelhead. I'm way pleased with it.
Thank you for sharing your experience with all of us. Mike I see a starter button on your shovel. I know assume it's a 2-wire button. Where on the cylinoid does the 2nd wire go. Are using a fuse?
One wire goes to the little post on the solenoid. The other wire goes to the battery. I use a 20 amp fuse.
great video as always!
Thank You
👍
Thank You
Mike , your compensating sprocket doesn't look stock , can you tell us about it ?
It is a "Genuine Fischer Vibration Damper." I don't think they are being made anymore. I tested so much stuff on this bike in the last 43 years, things have come and gone. But, I certainly like the unit.
@@pacificmike9501 like these stories , thank you
Hi Mike, is that a Hayden primary chain tensioner? If so, have you had good service from it? Thanks, cb
Yes and yes. I like it.
Mike -- Once again you come through in the "clutch" -- tried to start my 68FLH rebuild for the first time yesterday...sounded like i had engagement but then just rapid "whirring" sound. drained the primary, took off the cover to discover the starter drive spins just prior to engagement, but once engaged, the shaft keeps on spinning but the drive gear stays static. bad starter clutch seems to be the issue. in your experienced opinion, should i try to get away with just a new clutch/drive component (and hope i don't damage the shaft during disassembly) or just cobble together a whole new starter shaft assembly for $100 more so everything is fresh? YOU ARE THE BEST!
Thank You. Take the shaft apart and replace the drive clutch. Remember, "The nut on the end of the shaft is round with two flats for your wrench. That nut is a "left-hand" thread. Take it slow. Make sure before you start any of this operation, you disconnect the battery. That thing can eat you. Never run the starter without supporting the end of the jackshaft either with the tool I show or the outer primary cover.
If you don't mind, I have a couple of questions for you Mike... Ever had any dealings with aftermarket Electric Starts for open Belt Drives, like BDL, etcetera ??? Also, have you done a video on the SU Carb on your ShovelHead ??? I have a Rivera SU [in pieces...] that I was thinking of running on my '74 ShovelHead... Thanks again, from Perth, W.Aust; for your excellent videos...
Thank You. Go to our RUclips Homepage and click on the word "videos." Then, contact Ben Kudon at American Prime Manufacturing. He can most likely help you with an instruction sheet and a few other things on SU's. His no. is:(562)-889-8665.
There are worse places to land accidentally than Old Town Temecula on a weekend. Beer and Wine Garden with live music and a parking lot full of bikes ain't so bad.
But the shovel electric starter mechanism really is a puzzle of a lot of pieces.
Nah, you'll get used to it. Once you understand it and its alignment and voltage, it won't give you problems any more.
Hi Mike! Great video, as usual. I am refreshing the starting system on my 1973 FLH - start switch/solenoid/starter drive - because I hear a gear clashing and the drive seems to disengage prematurely. The ridiculously tiny button head start switch was intermittent so I soldered in a replacement; all good there. My question is about installing the standard sized (not heavy duty with the larger body) starter drive. How it it affixed to the shaft? There's a keyway of some sort I'd guess, is the drive a simple slide on/off affair?
I'm loving my first Shovel (with a sidecar) and enjoy watching your videos.
There is a nut on the end of the shaft. It's round with two flats on it. I believe they are 5/8" and a "left hand" thread. I've been very disappointed with those puny little starter buttons. I use a 20 amp automotive starter button, eliminate the starter relay, and my whole starting system lasts way longer. You have to put the starter button where people don't notice it. One wire from it to the solenoid and one wire from it to the battery. It will spin without the ignition on, but you'll love it. Congrats on that bike with a sidecar. Going to work on my sidecar any minute now.
@@pacificmike9501 My normal looking starter relay is mysteriously wired with the wires that should be on the small studs affixed, instead, to the large studs along with the large battery/starter wires. The small studs are empty! I can't imagine how this even works but somehow it does. I certainly have more investigation to do... Thanks for your helpful reply.
Hi Mike, I don't suppose you did a video showing how you removed the starter clutch from the Jack shaft, as I may have missed it in the play list?
I remember doing it in the vise. I thought I showed it. Do it carefully in the vise. That strange nut is a left hand thread.
That's a great help. I've learnt so much from your channel, many thanks.
Cool video but I came to find out how to r&r the starter clutch. That didn't happen here.
Sorry about that
Great video as always. What drive gear did you use or recommended. Thanks
Just a good heavy duty aftermarket piece.
where did you order the starter drive from.
I believe it was ordered from Drag Specialties.
Trying to remove my inner primary on my shovelhead...i got the 2 bolts on top for the starter out but it acts like there is a third bolt that i cant find
I hope you have a service manual (Model Specific, I don't know what year or model you have). Someimes it is difficult to get that starter loose. Not knowing what year or model gets even more difficult.
@@pacificmike9501 no service manual...not sure of model or year it's on a custom frame and sputhe cases
Are you having any problems getting parts. We went from one week to two weeks and now it's we will call if and when parts ever show up
Kind of depends on where it's coming from. We've got boats stacked up outside L.A. Harbor here. People will ship me what they have on this continent, but, if it's coming from "elseware,"...