We understand that your problem is: I just got my first harley, a 79 sportster, I think im having troubles with the whole ignition system, starter basically doesnt turn over at all, if anything the starter solenoid pings in a "off beat way" when the start button is depressed, and when so the headlight goes out. and also the solenoids relay clicks ridicuosly off snd on. So id really appreciate some feed back on, what this is most likely from, so i can make a smart investment on a starter motor, solenoid/relay, main breaker, ignition breaker, etc......

I don't think the '79 model had an oil filter. The '80 & '81 model had a bracket that had a filter between the rear cylinder and the oil tank. The 78 and earlier models had the drop in filter in the tank. I think you can put one on if you change the front engine brackets to '82 to early '84 models.

Good Luck
Steve

Contact this Clett Borgett at http://www.olddude.com/ . He may just have one in stock. OEM. The clutch release rod is actually two or more pieces in a Sportster.

I'm a bit confused here. The 1979 Sportster didn't have a distributor. I think 1969 was the last year that Sportsters had a distributor in them. On a '79 model, the first year that had the electronic ignition system, it was quite common to see them converted back to points type ignition. The original electronic system was unreliable and often failed. It was much more expensive to repair the electronic system than it was to replace it with an older points type system.

With that being said, most all the early Sportsters as well as the Big Twins had another weak point in their ignition system, the mechanical advance unit that is behind the breaker plate. The pivots for the fly wieghts will wear out and cause the ignition system not to return to it's proper retarded timing. It is best to simply replace the entire unit. Make sure you get one with the needle bearings in the flyweights. These will last a pretty good while. The standard unit will usually start to give problems within about two years if you ride very much. Before you take the breaker plate out of your bike, make sure you mark it so you can get it back in nearly the same position once you replace the mechanical advance unit. It would still be advisable to check the ignition timing once you get the point back in and set.

i would say in my opinion and im not exactly sure but the gear from the starter motor connecting to the flywheel is locking in place my best bet would be to check this gearing system out and try doing a service on your bike like fluid changes

If the starter is not externally mounted, yes. If not, you shouldn't need to pull the cover.