Starter issues
The only way you can get that reading is if the engine/trans/inner assembly is not properly grounded... period!
You need to go back over your ground connections (with the positive disconnected) and I'm not familiar with the exact locations on the model, but it's something like - battery (-) to starter mounting bolt, another cable or strap from inner primary to frame. They HAVE to be clean and tight.
When you get all in order and if you get a spark reconnecting the battery terminal, disconnect the main cable from the starter and try again.
Last edited by t150vej; Sep 18, 2020 at 02:16 PM.
The only way you can get that reading is if the engine/trans/inner assembly is not properly grounded... period!
You need to go back over your ground connections (with the positive disconnected) and I'm not familiar with the exact locations on the model, but it's something like - battery (-) to starter mounting bolt, another cable or strap from inner primary to frame.
When you get all in order and if you get a spark reconnecting the battery terminal, disconnect the main cable from the starter and try again.
Still, no way you can get a voltage reading on the engine/trans/inner from the battery negative unless the assembly is not grounded. Trust me!
Checking continuity won't get you where you need be on those connections. You can get a good, low ohm reading but when under load, they will go away.
It could be a bad cable, rather than a bad connection. They can and will break/corrode inside the insulation, usually at or near an end terminal. Heck, your entire problem could simply be a bad cable and nothing more.
If you have some jumper cables, connect one of them from the battery negative to somewhere on the engine (where ever you can) or a heavy wire from a bolt to the battery negative just to check. Be aware, anything smaller than a 8 gauge will get real hot, real quick if you operate the starter.
Try that..........
Yeah, the inner primary should not read +12v. Sounds like the ground is missing. Disconnect the battery. Measure the resistance between the negative battery cable and the primary. Should be very low.
Last edited by Dr.Hess; Sep 18, 2020 at 02:44 PM.
I advised against that meter mainly out of envy - I don't have one
... yet.Yeah, the inner primary should not read +12v. Sounds like the ground is missing. Disconnect the battery. Measure the resistance between the negative battery cable and the primary. Should be very low.
I also am known to have a spending problem when it comes to my bikes and tools, needless to say I just got home from harbor freight and now I gotta learn how to use this thing
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
Solenoid wire disconnected, start button pressed, relay clicks (normal)
Solenoid wire connected, start button pressed, bike power drops.
Defect in starter solenoid body or motor, or the battery has no poop.













