starter shaft alignment

[Kiwi]

have fitted an aftermarket thunderfire starter motor to my shovel

it appears that the shaft that goes thru the primary to engage the gear onto the back of the clutch does not line up too cleverly, 9 times out of 10 the starter gear does not engage and when it does it binds on and the starter doesn't disengage

any body had any similar problems or any cures to this before I strip everything apart

[panheadpete]

Hi Kiwi
Not that I know anything about thunderfire starters but if the starter motor mounts are the same and the shaft fits the outer primary without binding then I'd think it's more likely the gear not mating with the ring gear. Have you an undamaged HD starter you can compare it with for things like throw, chamfering of teeth etc?
Cheers,
Pete

[Kiwi]

its defineatley the ring gear not mating with the gear on the shaft

however its the old shaft and gear which engaged with the original starter motor

therefore it appears that the alignment has been altered

[panheadpete]

Sorry Kiwi, I didn't put that very well did I?
What I was trying to say was, what's changed, but you've answered that so I'm no help 'cos that 's only happened to me when I've fitted something that's turned out to be not exactly the same. I suppose the solenoid/bendix is a possibility but that's just guessing. Hope it's something nice and simple.
Cheers,
Pete

[nickb]

had a very similiar problem with my FLH, there was a spacer missing which goes between the primary cover bearing and the shaft when you put the cover on.

but i would definitly try changing the solenoid as chilly and i spent ages trying everything then jim at REBS gave us a second hand solenoid and bingo job done!!...