Starter System Issue

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Mar 8, 2020 | 05:03 PM

ezridermn

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Joined: Apr 2009

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From: Forest Lake, MN

Starter System Issue

I have an 84 FXRT (early model). It has run perfectly fine in the past. In fact, I rode the bike from April to August last year with no problems what so ever. In August I parked the bike and it sat unstarted for three months while I turned my attention to another ride. When I tried to start the FXRT after three months it acted a bit possessed. When I hit the starter button, the starter turned over and wouldn't stop running even when I released the starter button. It just kept grinding away. Then the ground wire at the battery became super hot and the only way to break the circuit was to undo the ground. Note: even when it was turning over it never turned over at the rate it would take to start the bike. The way it turned over sounded like the battery was on its way out. So I charged the battery and had it tested with a professional meter. It too looked to be in good shape. So not a battery issue either.

Then I thought huh, I got a starter system issue somewhere. In fact, I thought it was a bad solenoid that wouldn't disengage. Anyhow, I pulled the starter and the solenoid and tested them both and they appeared to be fine. But since I had everything apart I decided to put in both a new starter and a new solenoid. Yah, you know the end of this story...got them installed, hit the starter button and the same thing happened. (ugh) Then on second thought, maybe it was, in fact, the battery so I jumped the bike from another battery...same thing.

Now I don't know what to think. If you have any suggestions I would appreciate hearing them. Thanks!

Mar 8, 2020 | 05:16 PM

EVOrider

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Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 2,558

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From: Russellville, Arkansas

I wish I could help on your problem.....

But, Could you post a picture of the FXRT. I had a 1984 FXRT years ago and it was my most favorite bike I ever had. I still regret letting it go....

Thanks

Mar 8, 2020 | 05:49 PM

86glider

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Joined: Apr 2016

Posts: 1,528

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From: Long Island

Sounds like a stuck starter relay

Mar 8, 2020 | 07:29 PM

ezridermn

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Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 54

Likes: 1

From: Forest Lake, MN

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Quote:

Originally Posted by EVOrider

I wish I could help on your problem.....

But, Could you post a picture of the FXRT. I had a 1984 FXRT years ago and it was my most favorite bike I ever had. I still regret letting it go....

Thanks

Hi EVOrider. I sent you a private message. Did you get it?

Mar 8, 2020 | 07:30 PM

98hotrodfatboy

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 21,092

Likes: 7,618

From: Poolville

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86glider

Sounds like a stuck starter relay

Mar 15, 2020 | 05:31 PM

Dan89FLSTC

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 21,135

Likes: 12,696

From: South Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by ezridermn

The way it turned over sounded like the battery was on its way out. So I charged the battery and had it tested with a professional meter. It too looked to be in good shape. So not a battery issue either.

What does tested with a professional meter mean?

How old is this battery?

If the starter is cranking slow, it is usually a sign of insufficient current to the starter, either due a weak battery or a poor electrical connection.

Either of these problems can cause a starter to "run on", due to the configuration of the solenoid on these old systems.