Starter clutch woes

[Big T]

In the 46 years I've owned my 1000, I've had to reattach my starter clutch once or twice, but 2 years ago, it became a regular problem.

Finally, after the second time in 2 years, I took the parts to my machinist. I could tell the 3 bolts were making contact with the starter gear.
Measuring everything, it was found that the heads of the Allen bolts were .5-.7 mm longer than previous and stood proud of the starter clutch housing, allowing the heads to contact the starter gear and become loose.
A quick spin on his lathe and all is well.

Ace Hardware must have found a cheaper supplier of said bolts a few years back.

So, if you're reinstalling a starter clutch on your GS, be sure to drop the bolts into the starter clutch and confirm that the bolt heads do not protrude above the housing before assembly

[chuck hahn]

IF you find need to remove it again replace those spindly springs with springs from ink pens. They work the same and will not break like stock ones do.

[oldGSfan]

IF you find need to remove it again replace those spindly springs with springs from ink pens. They work the same and will not break like stock ones do.

Prepare for a scolding.

[Nessism]

I have a set of ink pens from Disneyland. Mickey, Minni, Donald, and Goofy. Would those springs work?

[chuck hahn]

whatever floats the boat Ed. Just got done pulling engine on my 75 goldwing to do clutch and starter clutch. I got a 3 pack at wally world for that job.