when starting my 88 evo i get a horrible noise like it is not engaging properly. any ideas?

starter gear not engaging the ring gear. Take the primary off and watch what happens when you try to start it. (Take out the plugs to make sure it doesn't start but still turns over.)

Im afraid AJ56 is spot on

Is it a costly thing to fix as my 03 Fatty does the "noise" that you refer to ashp but its once every 10th start (sounds like shit though)
I have always though iy=t would cost a bundle and if it only happens every say 10th start ..............put up with the noise as once I stop and restart - happy Days

Id be interested AJ56 in your thoughts repair wise

Might be as simple as a bad starter clutch. If so, an easy job.

sounds like starter clutch , ive had to replace mine a couple of times on my evo

If it is the starter clutch an easy fix to do it yourself rather than donate money to a dealer. Hopefully not much damage has been done to the ring gear. Not an expensive fix either if you do it yourself.

cant do that bro because there is a needle bearing in outer cover which supports starter shaft

 

 

can't do that bro there is a needle bearing in outer cover which supports starter shaft

Since when do thay run a needle bearing .? It should be a bearing bush in the outer cover In which the jackshaft slides in to when The starter is engaged

bush is 1987 &up models

 

That's what I thought he says it's a 88 softail , I thought the earlier shovel/evo and sportsters
had needel bearing in the primary

Bush in my 87 outer primary

Ditto on my 86 FXR... needle bearing to support the starter shaft is in the outer primary.