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Turns over slow

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Old Nov 7, 2016 | 10:45 AM
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Default Turns over slow

My 85 FLTC turns over slow when starting. All the connections are good with dielectric on them. Is it any cheaper to have a starter rebuilt then to buy a new one?
 
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Old Nov 7, 2016 | 11:18 AM
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Load test the battery for free before you start to repair/replace the starter.
 
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Old Nov 7, 2016 | 12:53 PM
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How old is the battery? Get it fully charged and load tested. Check ground connections.

If things points to the starter, then buying a new one is cheaper than rebuild, unless you are doing it yourself. Most of the time, and rebuild of the solenoid is all that is needed. If you need to replace the clutch gear, or get deeper into the starter, it's best just to buy one.
 
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Old Nov 7, 2016 | 01:27 PM
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Originally Posted by WVICEMAN
My 85 FLTC turns over slow when starting. All the connections are good with dielectric on them. Is it any cheaper to have a starter rebuilt then to buy a new one?
Never throw parts at a problem without first conducting an investigation.
Turning slow could be caused by many things for example:
Battery
Connections
Incomplete/diminished voltage reaching starter
Note that many people forget that dielectric grease is non-conductive so it can actually REDUCE contact.
How does it turn over when you take disconnect the headlight and tail light bulb ?
 
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Old Nov 7, 2016 | 03:28 PM
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Slow starter suggests it isn't getting enough power, which could easily be poor circuitry. Your bike is over 30 years old. One of our number recently discovered his battery cables were badly corroded inside the insulation, which may be a problem with your bike. Are the connectors at both ends of your battery cables clean and tight?
 
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Old Nov 7, 2016 | 04:14 PM
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Originally Posted by grbrown
Slow starter suggests it isn't getting enough power, which could easily be poor circuitry. Your bike is over 30 years old. One of our number recently discovered his battery cables were badly corroded inside the insulation, which may be a problem with your bike. Are the connectors at both ends of your battery cables clean and tight?
Since I have it up for the winter I'll put in a new relay and cables and trouble shoot from there. It has a new battery and I keep it on a tender so I know it is good. She's a good old EVO just needs some attention paid to details that have been ignored prior to me getting it and I have all winter to make it all right.
 
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Old Nov 7, 2016 | 04:18 PM
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While it is admirable that you wish to change-out parts, it would be wiser to test components before replacement.
It will allow you to spend money on required parts first.
Sometimes parts were already changed by a previous owner.
 
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Old Nov 7, 2016 | 05:23 PM
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Originally Posted by WVICEMAN
It has a new battery and I keep it on a tender so I know it is good.
I've found that assuming an electric component is good just because it is new can be a mistake. Load test that battery.
 
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Old Nov 8, 2016 | 06:12 AM
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Originally Posted by WVICEMAN
Since I have it up for the winter I'll put in a new relay and cables and trouble shoot from there. It has a new battery and I keep it on a tender so I know it is good. She's a good old EVO just needs some attention paid to details that have been ignored prior to me getting it and I have all winter to make it all right.
My brother had two new batteries fail within 2~ months last year.
Not wallyworld batteries and no other problems. Never assume a battery is good without load testing it.

Years ago I spent hours chasing a problem that didn't exist because i didn't follow this procedure.
 
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Old Nov 8, 2016 | 10:48 AM
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Good advice, get that battery load tested. The battery was the first thing I thought about reading your post.

I learned my lesson many, many moons ago. Came home shut down the bike went in the house for a few minutes went back out and hit the starter, nothing not even a click. The batter had just been replaced 2 months prior. I spent the next few days t/s the electrical system only to finally have the battery load tested and find it was bad. Replaced the battery and all was well. As been said above when it comes to electric's NEVER assume they are good not matter how new they are!
 
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