Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech squealy starter.

Just got my clutch cover gasket and put the primary cover back on. Went to fire the bike and the starter gears won't engage and it makes a horrible screeiching sound. (Just blipped it, the sound was instantly bad). Wondering what I could have moved out of whack with the cover off, the little wavy washer was in place on the starter shaft, and I tried not to touch anything but the clutch springs I was replacing in the firsyt place. The cover went back on without struggle, so I figured everything was lined up right still. Guess I have to pull the cover again and lose some of that very expensive Amsoil I just put in. I can hang the bike at an angle no problem, was just hoping that somebody might have some knowledge about what the issue could be.

Maybe lost the little wave washer on the starter drive gear?

Nah it's in place. Pulled the cover again to double check. The gasket was rubbing the gear so I trimmed that back and tried again, same deal. It's coming apart again tonight.

Found my stupidity guys, thanks for the help. And no it wasn't the wavy washer. The whole starter idler gear had moved because the shaft is captive between the block and the primary cover. I do remember now thinking I was just re-seating it when in fact it was out of its race.hopefully the minimal damage to the starter and idler gears doesn't get ugly in the future.