'71 Harley Model D Starter

[Harley Fan]

My '71 Harley Model D needs a Starter. I believe the Starter and Generator are all in one, but I'm just starting to learn about it. Let me know if that would be correct.

Trying to figure out the best way to achieve it.

-Order a new one (it looks like they are not cheap)

-Have it rebuilt at a local shop

-Rebuild it myself (need guidance)

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Lochlin]

Those starter / gens are extremely common and were used on a lot of different machines of that era to include quite a numbers of different brands of golf carts. Aftermarket ones can be had for about $120 with this being an example:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/30312979142...hoCuVMQAvD_BwE

I am not saying to get that one. I am only saying that the aftermarket ones shouldn't be all that expensive. Just google "Harley Cart Starter Generator (or Par Car Starter Generator) and you will get a lot of hits.

Really, those starter / gens don't suffer fatal failures all that often but they will occasionally short out in the windings somewhere. If that's the case, it's easier to get a new one as finding a short in the windings is next to impossible.

With regard to things you can do yourself in lieu of getting a new one:

Worn brushes / bad brush springs are the most common fail points with these starters. You can replace brushes / springs independently. Personally, I prefer to just acquire and replace the entire top assembly with one of these:

https://www.dbelectrical.com/product...E&gclsrc=aw.ds


That will get you new brushes, springs, and installation is very easy. Chances are that this simple change will renew your starter.

Note that I am not endorsing this particular supplier. I am posting as an example. If you google "Harley Cart Starter Brush Holder" or something like that you will get some hits. Match up the photos to make sure that you are getting the right one.

[Harley Fan]

Great info, thanks. I called DB, but they could not find any parts for me by the application or my serial numbers. Next step will be to take it out and look for the numbers on the Starter/Generator itself.

I believe mine may just need Brushes, but I will see what kind of kit they may have for me. My Cart was hard starting and kept getting worse and worse until it would not start anymore without going through a lot of trouble.

Thanks again.