Motorcycle Repair: 1998 FLSTC Starter Problem, boat mechanic, starter clutch

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1998 FLSTC EVO. The starter spins but does not engage, the battery is fully charged. The problem was intermittent for about a month or two but now has become permanent, the starter will not engage at all. A local mechanic was going to fix it until I showed up discovered he was disassembling the starter itself, removing the internals while still on the bike. I am an experienced boat mechanic and so feel I could handle the repair if I had some direction as to how to actually troubleshoot the problem and how to proceed with replacement of the necessary parts. After reading a couple of your answers on twin cam models I wonder, could this be a starter clutch problem?

ANSWER: First thing you need to determine is if the jackshaft is moving when you hit the starter button. remove the cover at the back of the primary cover with the bike sitting upright. Looking upward and somebody hitting the starter button, is the jackshaft sliding out and hitting the starter gear?
Mike

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

QUESTION: Wow.. thanks so much for the quick response. I followed your recommendation and after re-assembling the starter motor and solenoid that my local "Hey I can do that for you" mechanic so graciously tore apart, I went ahead and looked at the action of the jackshaft. When you engage the starter button the jackshaft does pop out and engage the starter gear. The starter spins, but not he gear? I want to thank you again for your help with this problem... Tod

Answer
If the jackshaft pops out then the jackshaft might be bad. What you would have to do is pull the primary, clutch assembly and motor sprocket and then take out the jackshaft. Check the inner hub on the jackshaft to make sure its not damaged. That is what the starter engages to. If it is ok, then you are going to have to pull the starter and take it apart. Your clutch has probably gone out of it.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike