soleniod problem

[golfindodge]

hey im new to this forum and new to the whole harley thing too. i just got a 72 sportster. I was told it is a 1100. it runs real good. but the starter hasnt worked. so i started to figure it out and the starter spins. so i went and got a soleniod for it. and i but the soleniod on and it still dont work. but then with i took the long spring out and it worked. but then the starter stayed engaged. i was wondering on what to do.
thanks

 

[glider]

Sounds more like the starter drive gone bad.

 

[golfindodge]

well when i take a hot wire from the battary and put it on the starter it spins. and when i take the long spring out everything works but it stays engaged. its almost like the spring is grounding it out.