Mk3 Starter parts wanted

Larry Kahn said:

I modded my MK3 30 years ago and did away with the starter and associated components. Did not keep the parts in my middle-age arrogance that I'd never need it. Now my early-old-age knee says otherwise. So looking for those components including an inner primary case. (I removed the starter wart) Would also like to hear any upgrading suggestions. The CNW Mk3 upgrade kit is out of stock and I'm not aware of other options so "Whaddya got?"

Click to expand...

Larry Kahn said:

I modded my MK3 30 years ago and did away with the starter and associated components. Did not keep the parts in my middle-age arrogance that I'd never need it. Now my early-old-age knee says otherwise. So looking for those components including an inner primary case. (I removed the starter wart) Would also like to hear any upgrading suggestions. The CNW Mk3 upgrade kit is out of stock and I'm not aware of other options so "Whaddya got?"

Click to expand...

baz said:

https://ebay.us/m/yavTI2
This little bundle is for sale in the UK
I've no Idea if it's a good price or if it'd be cost prohibited to post to the US

Click to expand...

marshg246 said:

A lot of what you need depends on how you did it. Is still left-shift? Does it stall have the original chain, sprocket, and chain tensioner? It would probably be better to say what parts you need.

Click to expand...

Deets55 said:

Due to possible wear on used parts I would (and just recently did) buy all new parts from AN, except the sprag. I suggest the Aliexpress unit for that.
Two notes:
1) I did order the AN sprag originally, it lasted about 5 test starts before a "roller" got cocked in the race
2) I had a Aliexpress sprag on the shelf and immediately installed it. Knock wood, it seems to be working fine. As a side note, check the Chinese sprag carefully before installing. After I got my bike up and running I ordered 2 more sprags from Aliexpress. They had the same part number but a slightly larger box. Both were not suitable for use, they had severely pitted "rollers" and races. I order 2 more, these came in the smaller box and appear to be perfectly fine.

The crazy part is, the AN sprag looks to be a higher grade product, it just does not seem to work correctly. This is just my experience, so take it with a grain of salt.

Click to expand...

maaseyracer said:

Upgrade to the dyno dave starter motor. The stock starter is a bottleneck, also while you are at it get a heavier gauge wire for the starter, battery, and solenoid. Once I went to the dyno dave starter, electronic ignition, and ditched the amal carbs I had a fairly reliable daily rider, and I have not kick started this bike in years.

Click to expand...

dobba99 said:

You have a choice of starter motors available and depending on your skill set and availability of bits you can put together a very dependable starter system. It all hinges on how deep your pockets are and do you want the bike still look good. If you can get hold of an original Prestolite starter, they can be made to work better than new and turn the engine over like a Jap bike. Plus they don't look like a washing machine motor (The DD starter and its clones look like this, they work well, but they look terrible). CNW advertise a 5780BN based starter (the harley prestolite replacement) Looks far better (just like the original prestolite but with a smooth end cap not the fluted one) but they have been out of stock for ages. I have modified loads of 5780BN starters to Mk3 spec. Indeed 5780BN parts can be used to upgrade/repair old Mk3 prestolites
I have written up the overhaul and upgrade procedure for the prestolite starter. The upgrade does require the use of a lathe and good metalworking skills.

Click to expand...

dobba99 said:

You have a choice of starter motors available and depending on your skill set and availability of bits you can put together a very dependable starter system. It all hinges on how deep your pockets are and do you want the bike still look good. If you can get hold of an original Prestolite starter, they can be made to work better than new and turn the engine over like a Jap bike. Plus they don't look like a washing machine motor (The DD starter and its clones look like this, they work well, but they look terrible). CNW advertise a 5780BN based starter (the harley prestolite replacement) Looks far better (just like the original prestolite but with a smooth end cap not the fluted one) but they have been out of stock for ages. I have modified loads of 5780BN starters to Mk3 spec. Indeed 5780BN parts can be used to upgrade/repair old Mk3 prestolites
I have written up the overhaul and upgrade procedure for the prestolite starter. The upgrade does require the use of a lathe and good metalworking skills.

Click to expand...

Deets55 said:

dodda99,
I am interested in reading your upgrade/conversion procedure of the 5780BN starter. Is there a link you can send or possibly a copy of it available?
Thanks,
Pete

Click to expand...

dobba99 said:

Converting the 5780BN requires a new pinion to suit the commando drive train as the Harley pinion is too big, This entails cutting the pinion off the harley rotor. Making a new pinion and fitting it to the harley rotor. So gear cutting facility's needed. A new end plate is required. machined to fit a 6203 2RS bearing and the rotor turning down to 17mm to fit the 6203. Like i said, good metal working skills needed or know someone who has them. The overhaul procedure is for the original two pole (or four pole) prestolite. Needs lathe skills.
Pm me if you want a copy

Click to expand...

Deets55 said:

Thanks for that info. Kinda figured that was what it entailed. I was hoping you came up with a “simple “ solution. Have a good New Year

Click to expand...

nortonmargie said:

Email the INOA. There is someone that is making starter motors for Nortons. It's a direct bolt on for Mark III and works very well. I don't remember the name of the person, but I reached them through the INOA

Click to expand...