1949 WL - Starter Issue

[1962300]

Hello,

I have been experiencing the dreaded "ratcheting" with the starter crank for many years.
Recently I had my transmission rebuilt.

We replaced the following items for the Starting parts:
- Starter Clutch (NOS)
- (2) Tripper Bolts

What I did not replace was the:
- Countershaft Cluster Gear

Since it is still "ratcheting / slipping"....
- Is the Countershaft Cluster Gear the last remaining item that CAN create the ratcheting / slipping?
- Is there an adjustment for the Tripper Bolts that might cause this? ( I though they just helped release the starter gear at the end of the kick stroke )
- Any other reasons this could still be going on?

Thanks!

[1962300]

PS - If I DO need to obtain a new Countershaft Cluster Gear....
How hard is it to find an NOS one?
Or are the reproductions good quality?
Thanks

[RUBONE]

Is the system timed correctly? The tripper bolts only hold the gear back if it is in the right location.
Is the small diameter stiff spring installed correctly in the shaft end? It is needed to push the countershaft towards the end cover and away from the kicker gear.

[1962300]

The timing is fine as the Gear is splined to the shaft; 1 spline wider than the others.

The Spring - Can only go in the hole 1-way; right?

Or am I not thinking about this correctly?

(My assumption was the cluster gear splines, where the starter gear meets it)

[1962300]

PS - We did notice minor wear on the blushing side that the stiff spring rests on

[RUBONE]

The timing is fine as the Gear is splined to the shaft; 1 spline wider than the others.

The Spring - Can only go in the hole 1-way; right?

Or am I not thinking about this correctly?

(My assumption was the cluster gear splines, where the starter gear meets it)

I am talking about the timing of the kicker arm to shaft, aftermarket shafts can be off in that respect allowing the kicker gear to not fully engage the tripper bolts.
the spring is the same on both ends and is merely inserted in the shaft, it is often left out or is broken, compressed.

[RUBONE]

PS - We did notice minor wear on the blushing side that the stiff spring rests on

That is normal as the spring usually rotates with the shaft when the kicker is used.

[1962300]

The timing of the kicker shaft....

Are you saying that the Countershaft (if a reproduction - I am sure it would be in my bikes case; ha) may have been machined slightly off where the Kicker Arm slides on to it & thus engages things NOT in the correct position? I think that may be what you are saying?

My friends 1935 VL has starter timing marks; but his '52 Panhead does not.
We have read through every manual we can find and do not see any reference to timing for the 45.

Sorry...Just still a bit confused .
Thanks!