[80XLH96FLHT]

Hey fellas,

I picked up this 1969 XLH classic sportster that has a beautiful paint job that (as far as i can tell) is from the early 70's. I bought this bike in Detroit over the weekend and I can't get over how wonderfully its been maintained.

It has a car alternator in lew of a generator which, as I understand, was an old hack these guys did. All the chrome is in fantastic shape, the paint is flaking here and there (especially on the bottom of the frame) but how should i protect this "original" paint job?

I am having a starting issue...I bought a new battery 12amp 260cca, put a new starter motor on, and when i turn the ignition...the starter motor spins without turning the engine. The headlight dims so much in this process that it completely goes out...?

The engine and gearing is not seized as i can put it in fourth gear on the lift and it turns easily. Last night I took the primary cover off and inspected the starter clutch wheel and it looked good. see pic. I could turn it clockwise, but couldnt budge it counterclockwise. Also when I took the primary cover off I noticed that someone had recently been in there and added new parts, the whole bike has been well maintained. No leaks, all new gaskets.

So what should my next steps be? I think that the most obvious place is the starter clutch wheel, but it looks new with teeth that are in good shape. Could it be possible I have the wrong battery? Solenoid?

Thanks old timers.

 

[80XLH96FLHT]

i created my first youtube shorts video so you can here the attempted start: Attempted Start

 

[VR6]

You can hear it not kicking out, it's not a starter clutch setup. It's basic starter drive, bendix not working. It spins no outward kick. New one I bet you be good. Nice bike love old school metal flake flames, very cool.

 

[80XLH96FLHT]

awesome i appreciate you taking the time to help me figure that out! ill keep you posted after i order the parts and get it installed

 

[80XLH96FLHT]

here are some better shots of the old paint job on the tank and frame 👍

 

[VR6]

Great paint! You can double check since you have the cover off, bump starter button and watch the drive not engaging the ring gear on clutch basket to start bike. Obviously if it were to start shut off quickly. Gl. Very cool bike.

 

[80XLH96FLHT]

thanks VR6, trying that today

 

[SCHMIDTY]

A couple things; remove the spark plugs prior to cranking the engine, place a pan under the engine breather tube area to catch the sumped engine oil, don't add oil to the oil tank until after evacuating the sumped crankcase oil. Keep your fingers away from the starter drive, use a wood dowel or something to manually actuate the starter drive. Good thing the bike came with that CV carb !

 

[JLR]

Good thing the bike came with that CV carb !

I noticed that right off and thought the same thing!

 

[VR6]

Yes I forgot to say disconnect plug, plug wires, I said bump it not start it. As far as keeping fingers our of primary, I never thought one would have em in there! Even if it made 1 revolution its not going to hurt motor. Doubt it going to make one.

 

[candyman1340]

The starter solenoid needs to get power to pull in , forcing the bendix gear engage with the clutch ring gear.

 

[VR6]

If it's spinning it has power and should engage.

 

[Dustdevil]

Sweet ride! Have you checked your grounds in the starting system. Doesn't your bike need at least 270cca? Hope you get that beauty ironed out shortly.

 

[rocket rick]

I have seen starter motors rebuilt with new brushes wired backwards causing starter motor to spin the wrong direction. when this happens the starter drive will not kick out to ring gear. double check starter motor rotation

 

[80XLH96FLHT]

Ok i just tried to start her up with the primary off. here is the video: Another Attempted Start ....perhaps it spins wildly because the needle sprocket in the cover is missing but it looks like the bendex gear is operating properly. i noticed the drive gear popped out with the shaft.

should i remove the clutch basket and disassemble the drive to see what the heck is goin on?

*note: im using a CLYMER repair manual to assist and im quite sure they dont use the correct terminology on the exploded parts diagram so forgive the inconsistencies.

 

[80XLH96FLHT]

yea i was thinking that perhaps the battery is too light to crank it, but it sounds like the whole assembly is loose.

 

[VR6]

It's loose, disconnect battery, and look to see what's f- up. It's definitely kicking out and I see the ring gears getting beat. Starter works, just not attached correctly.

 

[80XLH96FLHT]

i think i need a partial primary cover like ive seen Pacific Mike use to hold all that in place

 

[80XLH96FLHT]

thanks VR6, im headed to Texas early tomorrow for the weekend so ill get back to it next week and keep you posted. i owe you a beer or coffee when this thing is runnin'

 

[VR6]

thanks VR6, im headed to Texas early tomorrow for the weekend so ill get back to it next week and keep you posted. i owe you a beer or coffee when this thing is runnin'

You doing the video made it easy, seeing is everything. Have safe trip be well.