Motorcycle Repair: HD Starter, pivot bolt, shovelhead

Question
When inspecting the jackshaft, what type of wear am I looking for?  How much play if any should there be in the bearing?  I have cleaned and looked at the shaft and only notice some polishing where the oil seal rides, the collar moves freely but the solenoid fork shows some flat wear marks at the collar contact.  I have ordered a replacement fork, collar, clip and pivot bolt as that also has a lot of play.  The Bendix is new from last season (when I thought I found the problem).  I am a pretty good wrench and this is my first Shovelhead so I really appreciate your help and this site for providing some direction.  I have no reference except the service manual to go by and I need Shovelhead experience to voice an opinion.  Thanks again.
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Followup To
Question -
I have a 1980 FXEF Shovelhead stock, bought as a rolling basket case.  Most parts are original but I have done work on the head and barrels, new carb, pipes, etc.  One problem is since I got it, the starter drags even with a new fully charged battery and start boost from a charger.  I have changed out the start switch, relay, solenoid (as it has fried a couple), re-wired the electrical with new breakers, borrowed a known working OEM starter and now moved up to a new 1.4kw starter (AllBalls) but it still drags and will only get 1-2 cranks then jams.  Other than starting, the bike is in top perfoming shape, runs perfect, lots of power, great mileage and clean plugs.  Now, a new problem has come up where the Bendix sticks into the ring gear and will push the plunger up to make continuous contact between the battery post and starter post and causes the starter to run on, even with the key off and out.  I cannot figure out what parts are causing the clutch to stick into the ring gear.  So, I guess thats two problems.  Massive drag on the starter motor and Bendix clutch sticking in the ring gear.  I have torn down the jack shaft and it is now in pieces on the garage floor as I am scratching my head and in need of some direction.
Ever heard of a Bendix sticking like that? Hope you can help.  Thanks.

Answer -
The draging in the starter an be caused from two problems. One is a bad starter solenoid and the other is a bad ground from the battery. When you canged the starter solenoid did you also change the spring? The spring needs to be good to forse the solenoid closed when you let off the button.
Your starter solenoid sticking problem. Check the jackshaft end for wear and also the bearing it rides in. If the jackshaft is bad then you need to change it as well as the bearing.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike

Answer
Look at the end of the jackshaft where it goes into the bearing. If it shows alot of wear then it needs replaced. There should be no sideways play in the bearing. SInce you are this far, and the jackshaft looks good I would replace the bearing. The collar and the  fork usually does have alot of play in them. Like I said before, replace the spring in the starter solenoid. If this spring is not strong enough it will not force the soleniod closed when you let off the button. You can take the solenoid apart and inspect it. There is a copper washer which the plunger moves. You can clean it with a piece of fine emery cloth. You will see on it where the post makes contact.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike