Expert: Mike Wells - 12/11/2008

Question
I have a shovel inner/outer primary setup, and have a problem when going to fire the bike up. Solenoid is working, and the starter seems to work fine, but when going to startit the jackshaft/bendix gear hit the clutch housing and dont always engage in the clutch (gets hung up behind because the cogs dont line up).  Also some times when it does engage sounds like the starter just spins and doesnt get the jackshaft going.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

Answer
Check the bearing in the primary where the jackshaft goes to make sure it good. I would also check the jackshaft where to attaches to the starter gear for wear. If it is engaging but just spinning then the starter gear on the jackshaft is bad.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike