Ring gear replacement - Harley Forum

03fxst · #1 09-21-2008, 11:48 AM

Hey Guys
I've been thinking about a starter ring gear conversion kit from compu-fire or Rivera instead of the bigger starter for those times when the compression releases close too quickly and the grinding begins. I haven't looked beyond the derby cover yet to see how the stocck ring gear looks. I an expecting at least some excessive wear on the gear or the starter jack shaft pinion.
The conversion kits change the ratio and give 15% more torque to the stock starter. I figure that should do the job since the compression releases work 90% of the time now anyway.
I was looking through my shop manual today and cannot find the ring gear replacement instructions. Even in the exploded view of the clutch hub assembly the diagram does not list the ring gear as one of the parts. It's there but not numbered or named. I looked in the tranny section, primary section and clutch section..nothing. What section should those instructions be in. Ring gear or starter ring gear are not listed in the index at the back. Is there another name for it?
I am hoping to use the same money that would buy a bigger starter to add the ring gear conversion kit and put a Barnett clutch spring conversion kit in as recomended in Chris Maida's 101 perfromance projects book.

03FXST

frisco-rigid · #2 09-21-2008, 05:05 PM

Hey bud

Here's an option..

I don't recall which Comp Releases you got..

If you got the ones that you push down the tip then after starting they pop-up closed,, you might try this..

Un-screw and remove them.. Chuck them up in the drill press or vice and drill another "comp release" hole on another "flat" on the nut portion..
You must be slow and careful so as to not drill into the shaft itself.. I did drill a wee bit into the shaft but just a teeny bit and no harm done..
I actually had to drill 2 extra holes in both the 127" motors comp releases..
Tried one at first then realized they needed another..
Blow them out good and clean, re-install them and they won't close up until it actually starts.. Believe me --- they close up just fine afterwards..
About a 1/2 hour job and free,,, compared to what you're contemplating..

03fxst · #3 09-22-2008, 11:52 AM

Hey Frisco
Thanks. That sounds like a great idea. I can test it now without pulling the bike apart. My releases are the Screaming Eagle type that work exactly as you describe. What about increasing the bore of the original hole a little, will that do the same thing?
On the ring gear, I'd still like to know where those instructions are in the shop manual in case I see something ugly when the snow flies and I pull the outer primary for the Barnett kit install.

03FXST

frisco-rigid · #4 09-22-2008, 02:56 PM

Hey 03

Enlarging the hole/s may work but I don't think so..
The holes are about .116"..
You would not be able to enlarge BOTH holes enough to equal the .116" of just one new hole..
I ended up drilling 2 new holes.. But remember,, what works for Bob is not always going to work for Jack and vice-versa..

Now, with experimentation, you might be able to find the least amount to enlarge one or both holes to solve your prob but that means in & out perhaps several times..

I'll see if I can find more about the ring gear info you want..

Have a ball

lowrider01 · #5 09-23-2008, 09:20 AM

i changed my ring gear and pinion about a year ago...i am happy with it..i went with a 66 tooth ring gear,9 tooth pinion,1.4 kw all balls starter.wasn't that big of a deal.the original gear had some teeth missing,the bike has 10.5-1 comp....so the stock gears and starter had a hard time,startrs like a stock bike now.....

03fxst · #6 09-24-2008, 07:41 PM

That is the kind of starting I am looking for Lowrider. Stock-like starts in a high compression bike. Don't get me wrong I wouldn't go back to stock, I love the punch. I am going to pull the primary cover and look at te ring gear when the season ends. Might try Frisco's recipe before that and see how it works. But if the ring gear is worn or damaged I will replace it. And yes Frisco if you can find those instructions. I'm sitting here with the service manual now and I just can't find any reference to the ring gear/ I can see it in the clutch section but can't find any reference to changing it.

03FXST

frisco-rigid · #7 09-25-2008, 02:27 AM

Hey 03

Goll-dernit I don't see any instructions in my books about changing the ring gear either but since Lowrider did the same change-over he's prob got the answer..
I saw those set-ups in my catalogs but they do not include even a brief description of the job.. They prob include some instructions though..

I have several chain and belt clutch shells here, (not your year though) and they all fasten the ring gear with stout rivets and/or welds and a newer belt BDL that fastens with 12 bolts..

If there are no broken teeth or other probs, drilling new holes in the releases should cure your prob cuz then they'll stay open till the motor starts,, then they close.. Whatever your poison, have a ball..
I'll be here bud..

lowrider01 · #8 09-25-2008, 09:37 AM

won't find it in the manual.......easy change,actually did mine on the bike,but it is a whole lot easier off....the ring gear is riveted on the clutch basket,drill them out.the new gear comes with allen head bolts,use red loctite.the gear just pulls off the basket,away from bike,....simple really.

03fxst · #9 09-26-2008, 11:48 AM

Thanks Lowrider. The picture in the manual does show rivets. I'll see how mine looks inside when the snow flies. I know it is still slipping and grinding if those releases pop shut before it catches fire so either the pinion or the gear must be worn. Or could that be something inside the starter itself?

03FXST

lowrider01 · #10 09-26-2008, 02:38 PM

you ought to be able to see through the derby cover if you have ring gear teeth missing,i had 4 in a row that were on there way to nothing......i am happy with the way mine starts now....