1988 softail classic
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 21
Likes: 20
From: Michigan
1988 softail classic
Hello !!! I wondering if somebody can help me? I just bought a 88 (softail) FXSTC. On the way home it died on me. as I sat there wondering what to do I tried to start it a few times, it would almost start but not. I called a couple dealerships in my area and I was told to drill out the rivets on the crank or cam sensor positioning switch inside the cam cover.. and I did. The sensor was a bit melted at the bottom. I ordered a new one, put it in today.. it fired up and ran great, I was SO happy! I let it run for about 4 or 5 minutes. Shut it off, ran to the store to get a tail light bulb came back, went to start it and its doing the same thing as when it first died on me. The new crank or cam sensor switch may have failed again? It kind of looked like it may have got hot at the bottom again? (bummer). Any help would be greatly appreciated !!!!!!
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 21
Likes: 20
From: Michigan
Hello !!! I wondering if somebody can help me? I just bought a 88 (softail) FXSTC. On the way home it died on me. as I sat there wondering what to do I tried to start it a few times, it would almost start but not. I called a couple dealerships in my area and I was told to drill out the rivets on the crank or cam sensor positioning switch inside the cam cover.. and I did. The sensor was a bit melted at the bottom. I ordered a new one, put it in today.. it fired up and ran great, I was SO happy! I let it run for about 4 or 5 minutes. Shut it off, ran to the store to get a tail light bulb came back, went to start it and its doing the same thing as when it first died on me. The new crank or cam sensor switch may have failed again? It kind of looked like it may have got hot at the bottom again? (bummer). Any help would be greatly appreciated !!!!!!
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 598
Likes: 376
From: Sweden
Coils could have an intermitent fault.
Do you know someone with a proven working coil that you can borrow the coil from?
It has to be a "central" fault as both front and rear cylinders cut out.
Fuel filter in the petcock clogged?
Fuel tank liner starting to flake off obstructing the fuel delivery?
Corrosion in a electrical connection?
The EVO got improved electrical connectors but I think it was a few years after 1988.
By the way, the new cam position sensors are improved compared to the old OEM type.
Are you sure that the new one is also failing?
Do you know someone with a proven working coil that you can borrow the coil from?
It has to be a "central" fault as both front and rear cylinders cut out.
Fuel filter in the petcock clogged?
Fuel tank liner starting to flake off obstructing the fuel delivery?
Corrosion in a electrical connection?
The EVO got improved electrical connectors but I think it was a few years after 1988.
By the way, the new cam position sensors are improved compared to the old OEM type.
Are you sure that the new one is also failing?
Last edited by K. Lindberg; May 10, 2022 at 03:46 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,006
Likes: 7,541
From: Poolville
I Doubt the new cps failed again. The coil is supposed to be 2.6-3.0 ohm. Anything over could heat up the coil and cause it to fail.. Do you know what your charging system is putting out.? Here's a short video I made to test your ignition system.. Follow the same procedure I outlined.. If you have power to the coil and still don't have spark it's the coil.. if you are still using the OEM dual fire ignition, remove the pink wire and connect your momentary switch to that terminal. Make sure you have power to the coil on the white wire with key on and spark plug removed from cylinder head but still grounded on head.. When you hit and release the momentary switch you should see spark at the plug, if not the coil is no good..
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; May 10, 2022 at 06:25 AM.
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 21
Likes: 20
From: Michigan
Coils could have an intermitent fault.
Do you know someone with a proven working coil that you can borrow the coil from?
It has to be a "central" fault as both front and rear cylinders cut out.
Fuel filter in the petcock clogged?
Fuel tank liner starting to flake off obstructing the fuel delivery?
Corrosion in a electrical connection?
The EVO got improved electrical connectors but I think it was a few years after 1988.
By the way, the new cam position sensors are improved compared to the old OEM type.
Are you sure that the new one is also failing?
Do you know someone with a proven working coil that you can borrow the coil from?
It has to be a "central" fault as both front and rear cylinders cut out.
Fuel filter in the petcock clogged?
Fuel tank liner starting to flake off obstructing the fuel delivery?
Corrosion in a electrical connection?
The EVO got improved electrical connectors but I think it was a few years after 1988.
By the way, the new cam position sensors are improved compared to the old OEM type.
Are you sure that the new one is also failing?
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,006
Likes: 7,541
From: Poolville
If you got the proper CPS for the proper year bike it should have the proper blades or connectors to plug into your connectors. I believe the one for that year is the mc-spa1..
What CPS did you get?
What CPS did you get?
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 21
Likes: 20
From: Michigan
Hello,
yes.. SPA1 was the CPS that I purchased. Three wires. Red Black Green. The new ones come with the three wires with connectors on them. You have to push out the old connectors and push in the new into the old rubber (male) plug. I just think its a 'flimsy' connector! I was thinking of cutting the plug from the bike and soldering the three leads.. taped and shrink wrapped for a more solid connection. A friend is bringing over a stock coil today... so hopefully this will be the chicken dinner winner.. ? ..Lol. I'm also going to do a 'spark' check just to see if the coil in it now has spark. I have power to the + side of the coil,, its just not sparking. I REALLY thank you and everybody so far that has posted to help me!!! I will post an update later tonight.
yes.. SPA1 was the CPS that I purchased. Three wires. Red Black Green. The new ones come with the three wires with connectors on them. You have to push out the old connectors and push in the new into the old rubber (male) plug. I just think its a 'flimsy' connector! I was thinking of cutting the plug from the bike and soldering the three leads.. taped and shrink wrapped for a more solid connection. A friend is bringing over a stock coil today... so hopefully this will be the chicken dinner winner.. ? ..Lol. I'm also going to do a 'spark' check just to see if the coil in it now has spark. I have power to the + side of the coil,, its just not sparking. I REALLY thank you and everybody so far that has posted to help me!!! I will post an update later tonight.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 2,570
From: NC USA
Don't solder those wires yet. If the coil doesn't fix it, you'll need that connection point to troubleshoot the ignition module. I'll wait for that outcome before typing out how to check the module, hopefully I won't have to.
Always remember - just because a coil "ohms" good, doesn't guarantee it will spark, or continue to spark after it's heated up.
Always remember - just because a coil "ohms" good, doesn't guarantee it will spark, or continue to spark after it's heated up.