05 Road King won't start
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Outstanding HDF Member
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From: Ontario East
05 Road King won't start
My battery reads 16+ volts. Turn on and fuel pump does its thing, oil light on, check engine light on, red key light on. Wait until Check engine light and red key light shut off. Hit starter and there is a clunk like the starter engaging but engine doesn't turn over, but sometimes it will start to crank, then stops like the cylinders are pressured up and stopping the engine from turning over. I wait a few seconds and try again and it sounds like something is turning, maybe the starter, but nothing happens except a bit of a whining sound. If I leave it sit for a while, It will repeat the symptoms. Where should I start my operation on the iron steed? Pull the plugs and see if the engine turns over? Check plugs while they are out for cleanliness and spark? Do I need to have the rear plug in to get spark? Pull the coil wires and check ohms? The last time it did this I put the charger on the battery thinking it was low and left it on trickle charge (2amp) for about an hour. Hit the starter and it roared to life. Went for a 6 hour tour and parked in the garage where it sat for a week. Tried yesterday and same thing. Threw the meter on it and it read 19V. Tried to start and voltage in battery dropped to 16+. I even tried a brand new battery today and I get the same results so I know it's not the battery.
Last edited by arcticharleyman; Sep 3, 2020 at 07:45 PM. Reason: phat phingers got tangled up. spelling correction.
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Your DC voltages are off.
Perhaps it is the meter or perhaps it is the battery is bad.
I would remove battery and take it to a shop for testing.
It is possible to have significant voltage but low amps when battery is bad.
Perhaps it is the meter or perhaps it is the battery is bad.
I would remove battery and take it to a shop for testing.
It is possible to have significant voltage but low amps when battery is bad.
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Outstanding HDF Member
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From: Ontario East
Thanks im, I'll double check my meter and readings. I'll also slow charge (2amp) the new battery and then check the full charge reading. I'll also dig out my other meter and check to campare meter readings.
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From: Ontario East
Thank you Ed. I'm not sure what you mean by using the meter properly. I started using meters for building and servicing electronic entertainment systems back about 1976 so I think I know how to use a meter properly. I will check the original battery again to see what it reads while disconnected to the bike and when I activate the starter. I will also reconnect the brand new and fully charged battery that I tried yesterday and see what happens.
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Please consider having battery tested.
Some auto parts stores will check battery for free if you bring battery to counter.
Taking battery out is not too difficult if you use a couple of tie wraps zipped to posts (use as pullers) once cables are removed.
I would hate for a fellow rider to be using a battery that is compromised because the stator and regulator get beat-up when trying to charge a bad battery while riding.
Some auto parts stores will check battery for free if you bring battery to counter.
Taking battery out is not too difficult if you use a couple of tie wraps zipped to posts (use as pullers) once cables are removed.
I would hate for a fellow rider to be using a battery that is compromised because the stator and regulator get beat-up when trying to charge a bad battery while riding.
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Joined: Apr 2018
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From: No. Brunswick, NJ
My understanding about motorcycle batteries says you have 2.2 volts per cell fully charged. How on earth do you get 19 volts out of a 6 cell battery? Even new, from the dealer, mine read somewhere around 12. something. While on the bike with a good charging system, somewhere around 13.5 to 14.5 volts while revving slightly.
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From: Ontario East
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Came to the conclusion my battery is toast. Amazon (ca) has the Deka ETX30L 12V 400cca for $396.78. Motorcycle Innovations sells the same for $190 and is on my route to Toronto on Tuesday and return Wednesday. Guess where I will be stopping to get my girl a new battery. Thanks for your help to the responders. Ride safe....or not at all.
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From: poway
My understanding about motorcycle batteries says you have 2.2 volts per cell fully charged. How on earth do you get 19 volts out of a 6 cell battery? Even new, from the dealer, mine read somewhere around 12. something. While on the bike with a good charging system, somewhere around 13.5 to 14.5 volts while revving slightly.
FWIW 2.2 volts is really a desired float voltage. Static with no not help should be about 2.15.. 12.8-12.9 are good readings on a 6 cell battery that has been charged and allowed to sit for a few minutes.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: poway
Came to the conclusion my battery is toast. Amazon (ca) has the Deka ETX30L 12V 400cca for $396.78. Motorcycle Innovations sells the same for $190 and is on my route to Toronto on Tuesday and return Wednesday. Guess where I will be stopping to get my girl a new battery. Thanks for your help to the responders. Ride safe....or not at all.