Motorcycle Repair: 84 softail starter, clutch basket, gear teeth

Question
QUESTION: My '84 softail starter grinds when I use it. There are obviously some broken teeth somewhere. I know how to get the starter out to replace it. My question is how do I get at the mating 'starter' gear which I think is the one missing teeth? Do I have to take the transmission out or do I get at it from behind the primary cover? When I look in the repair manual that I have it seems ambiguous, like it could be either place. Thank you.

ANSWER: That gear you are refering to is pretty hard and probably doesnt have any broken teeth. I wuold be more inclined to belive that either the starter gear teeth, or the teeth on the clutch might be worn.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I would still like to check the gear that mates with the starter. Can you tell me how to get to it?

Answer
You have to pull the starter and behind the starter you will find a cover for the gear. It will have 2 bolts in it, holding it to the inner primary cover. remove the bolts and the cover will come out. You will also have to remove the primary cover, clutch basket and motor sproket. Then you will have to remove the jackshaft.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike