Removing the starter from a 2001 softtail - 2001 Harley Davidson FXSTD - FXSTDI Deuce

To remove the starter from your Big Twin, first disconnect the negative battery cable and drain the oil from the primary. Remove the outer primary cover and take the small bolt out of the starter jackshaft. You don't necessarily have to remove the starter gear and the jackshaft but you may be able to work it out without moving the clutch assembly out. If you want to move the clutch assembly out, take the snap ring out of the clutch adjuster screw plate in the front of the assembly. Inside the hole is the mainshaft nut. It has LEFT-HANDED THREADS. You can get the nut off if you have an air wrench or a primary locking bar to keep the engine from turning while trying to get the nut off. The nut torques to 60-80 foot pounds of torque. Once you get the nut off, you can slide the clutch assembly outwards enough to get the starter jackshaft and gear off without having to remove the primary chain or the engine sprocket.
Go to the other side of the bike and take part or all of the exhaust system off to allow you to get the starter out. In the case of a Softail, remove the top bolts and the rubber supports that hold the oil tank in. You do not have to disconnect any of the hoses. All you need to do it to raise the tank just a bit to get to bolts that hold the starter on and to get it out. Take the nut off that that connects the battery cable to the starter and unplug the small single wire from the back of the starter. The nut is a 14mm nut. Take the two large socket head bolts out that holds the starter on and remove the starter. There is a coupling that connects the starter to the jackshaft. Mark the coupling which way it goes or remember that the counter bored end goes toward the jackshaft.
If you want an exploded view of the starter and jackshaft, visit http://www.bikebandit.com and look up your bike or one close as the starters are the same.

Good Luck
Steve