Starter shaft whole or half?

[73ironhead]

So, completed the frame-off in five months and took her home to free shop space and after three rides the battery is losing juice and starter will not start the bike. Now, I noticed the starter shaft on the part catalog (oem 31483-67) goes from bearing(starter housing) to bearing(primary cover): the one I have is two parts; one that holds starter drive and another part that goes into the primary cover. This is a '73 XLH and I wonder if that is a normal modification and if having the starter shaft in one piece only is better. 

[garyajaz]

sportsters have electric starters??

sign me up!

lol  sorry, not a clue here. 

drop some pix on us

[73ironhead]

I know, I'm an old man..it's a miracle my finger finds the button; I'll open the primary and starter side this week-end and send photos..thanks..L.

[garyajaz]

naw, pix of the bike.  can look in manual for your shaft....lol

[73ironhead]

salty I remember you nailing a few out for me; any idea on what I am talking about? gary dear you can sit this one out..

[Wicked]

Should be a 1 piece. Break where it is prolly had enuf support to spin, but should have been noisy....

Paul

[73ironhead]

thanks Paul.. just checked the other end and the crack is so even that's hard to detect; but yea it's broken in two..ordering a new one..cheers L.

[garyajaz]

yes, having the starter shaft in one piece is better.

(ducks)