Ironhead Starter leak

timnealey
Aug 19, 2015
2 min read

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The bike has always had a leak towards the back of the engine. The starter died and grinded the starter pinion.

I decided to dig in and see

what was happening. I removed the starter and solenoid. The starter has no forseable gasket. Only and inner ring that sits inside the case with nothing to hold it in place. It was probably pressed in before. Found this one broken. I tried to start the bike without the ring and oil dumped everywhere. LOL. It

still sits there cracked. I left the starter in for now as just fixed the Ratchet plate.

I account some of the leak do to the starter ring. I believe there is another leak from the solenoid as well. I don't understand why there is nothing on the right side of the solenoid to hold it to the bike. Over time it seems to have developeed a leak. Even tho tightened down can still see the solenoid flex. I haven't gotten to look into this part of the bike yet and I stand at a cross roads.

To remove the starter and solenoid, cap it off. Or to put a new starter and new solenoid in place. I think I could put an aircraft hose clamp around the starter to pull the solenoid toward the case better over the long run.

I've got to say the thill of kicking is getting old quick. Naw I still love it!!! Would be nice to have both. I don't think this generator can keep up with the mishaps of leaving the bike on or running accessories (cranking). When the bike was running with the starter motor working, I found I had to be vigile with the battery. I have since solidified more of the wiring so may still keep the starter and replace the starter ring. Then to get the guts of another starter or to get a new one. It is a shell of a bike any more. Just keeping this dirty lady shake, rattle, and rolling. With a fill a, fill a, fill a seriously a cap or so a week in the primary. The main has held true. Some grub on the lower lines. Never seen the foo foo spit. I feel the bike is at the end of an evolution. This bike was loved at one point. Then covered over almost as if i'm helping the iron shedding it skin as it kicks all the old parts off. It's an honor.