Motorcycle Repair: 1974 Sportster starter probem, starter shaft, clutch gear

Question
QUESTION: I have 1974 electric start only sportster, my bike has the Hitachi starter.  The starter shaft broke last year and I replaced it, then burt up my starter, I was fed up with the bike and let it sit until this year, I installed a new starter and now it seems like the starter motor gear and the gear it turns are binding up. when the starter is loose or off the bike both gears spin freely. I have the primary cover off so I can see what is going on. Help Please.
Thanks

ANSWER: Is the jackshaft sliding freely in and out and meashing with the gear on the clutch?
Mike

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

QUESTION: If the starter is out or loose yes but if the starter is bolted down the gear that the solinoid moves will engage with the clutch gear but cannot disengage because the shaft it is on will not turn (either way).

Answer
If you are trying this with the primary cover off it will not work, because the end of the jackshaft has to go in the bearing to stay straight.
I would check the starter to make sure the shaft is straight. Check the starter and gear without the jackshaft installed and see if it binds. Then install the jackshaft, with out the starter gear, and just hold the cover on and try it. If it turns freely then its the starter gear. If it doesnt, then check both bearings that the jackshaft rides in
Good luck and happy riding
Mike