Harley Davidson Electra Glide. Service manual (1959 to 1969) — page 14

STARTER MOTOR
STARTER MOTOR

The starter motor is a 12-volt, series field 2-pole or 4-pole drive motor which engages the clutch ring gear through a Bendix type drive and a reduction gear unit. The two pole 2-brush type was used on early Servi-cars. The four pole 4-brush type is used on the Electra-Glide, Servi-car and Sportster models. A solenoid relay provides battery current directly to the motor. The solenoid is controlled by a button switch on the handle bar. On some models control circuit has a cut-out switch in the transmission cover. Switch plunger contacts a nub on the shifter can only when transmission is in neutral to complete the starting circuit. This prevents starter operation when transmission is in gear.

NOTE

Starter motor should never be operated continuously for more than 30 seconds without pausing to let it cool for at least two minutes.

The motor is not designed for continuous operation and serious damage may result.

LOCATING TROUBLES

The starter motor is designed to be corrosion resistant and requires very little maintenance. However, to insure satisfactory operation, periodic inspection of brushes and commutator should be made. In the event starter motor fails to operate satisfactorily, the following checks should be made before removing motor for inspection:

1. Wiring

Make sure the mounting and wiring connections are tight and in good condition. The solenoid switch should be firmly mounted and all wiring connections should be clean and tight. Also inspect the connections to the battery and return circuit, as loose or dirty connections anywhere in the circuit will cause high resistance and reduced motor efficiency.

2. Battery

If the connections and wiring are found to be satisfactory, the battery should be checked to determine its state of charge (See Section 5J, ’’Charging Battery”). If the battery is charged and battery voltage is reaching the motor without any excessive losses in wiring or connections, the trouble may be attributed to either the engine or the starter motor itself.

3. Switches

If the battery is charged but there is no current flow to motor at all, trouble is probably in handlebar button switch, transmission cutout switch or the sole-
noid switch. This can be determined by by-passing each switch with a heavy jumper (Refer to wiring diagram, Section 5B).

4. Engine

Excessive friction in the engine from tight bearings or pistons or from heavy oil obviously makes engine harder to crank. However, if engine is known to be in normal condition and the rest of the starting system is satisfactory, the starter motor should be removed for further checking.

NOTE: Electrical tests to locate cause of starting system failures can be made using the Sun VAT-26 Tester and applicable Service Bulletins.

REMOVING STARTER MOTOR AND DRIVE SERVI-CAR (Fig. 5L-5)

Disconnect solenoid and battery cables from starter motor. On 1964-65 model, remove motor thru bolt nuts and lockwashers (1), securing motor (2), until it can be removed as an assembly from starter shaft housing and transmission top cover flange (3). Remove starter motor end support bracket (not shown). On 1966 and later models, unscrew motor thru bolts (4) from transmission cover (ЗА).

NOTE: Late 1966 mounting flange has 2 sets

of holes for Delco Remy or Prestolite motor.

ELECTRA-GLIDE (Fig. 5L-6)

Disconnect solenoid cable from starter motor terminal. Remove attaching nuts and lockwashers (1) which fasten starter motor housing (3) to studs on chain housing. Remove starter motor end support plate (not shown) from transmission. It may be necessary to loosen and raise battery carrier to provide clearance. Remove starter motor (2) and starter shaft housing (3) from motorcycle as an assembly.

SPORTSTER (Fig. 5L-7)

Disconnect solenoid cable from starter motor terminal. Remove starter motor clamp bolt and lock-washer (1) from crankcase. Unscrew motor thru bolts (4) from starter shaft housing (3). Remove starter motor and clamp (2) as an assembly.

DELCO-REMY STARTER MOTOR SERVICE

DISASSEMBLING STARTER MOTOR

Delco-Remy 2-pole and 4-pole (Fig. 5L-8 and 5L-9)

Remove thru-bolts (1). Note that the bolt which passes near field coil connection has insulating sleeve (2). Remove commutator end frame (3) and drive end frame (4). Remove armature (5) from drive end of frame and field assembly (6).