Need some help, 1986 flhtc, driving in a consistent to heavy rain for almost 90 miles (fun) and about 30 miles away from home I run into an accident, slow down and she dies. Wait awhile and she fires up, was hesitating before this happened.
After i cranked on it for awhile I noticed the starter would engage while running (not good) and the way I finally got her home was to disconnect the signal wire to the solenoid.
After everything dried out she seems to be working fine. I am suspecting I MAY have shorted the solenoid by cranking on it for awhile but at the current moment everything is working.
Is the switch getting soaked a possible culprit? I am a bit worried about riding her without sourcing this issue.

 

I hate electrical stuff....you may have just had some arcing due to moisture buildup around the contacts. slowing down may have allowed it to pool instead of blowing away. I'd hope that's all it is.

 

Solenoid is a possibility, also check the starter relay,mine filled with water one time up at Laconia where it always rains. They are not sealed well to keep out the rain, they need to face down to let it run off, mine was not and got destroyed. Now have a quality Bosch facing down ward and all has been well.

 

I strongly suspect the relay as well. If the solenoid sticks, disconnecting the signal wire won't stop it from cranking.

 

Next time u change the relay put them in a ballon. Wire tie end. Relay and wires weather tight

 

Hey! That sounds like flood proofing!

 

Great idea!!! Do they have them in chrome ???