Single cyl in the rain
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,699
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From: Qualicum Beach, B.C. CAN
AND there is something about riding one...the 'bond' when she is running great, the 'help me' when there is a problem.
I dunno. I like it. Going to work, in the rain, and the problem! Yet she still limped in, a few bucks spent, and home like nothing ever happened.
Wonder if the fuel injection guys get that kinda enjoyment?
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: NW AR
The Screaming Eagle ignitions, at least the older ones, were not single fire. They were waste spark, like the original modules, just with different advance curves.
As everyone has mentioned, probably wires or the coil. And get a seal for the cone cover.
My favorite way of checking for bad wires is to ground a screwdriver (plastic handle) with an aligator clip lead. Hold the handle and run the metal shaft over the plug wire with the motor running. If it arcs through the wire's insulation, the wire is bad. The other method of finding bad wires is (with the motor running) to grab the plug wire with your bare hand. If it knocks you across the shop, that wire is bad. I use this method occasionally by accident.
As everyone has mentioned, probably wires or the coil. And get a seal for the cone cover.
My favorite way of checking for bad wires is to ground a screwdriver (plastic handle) with an aligator clip lead. Hold the handle and run the metal shaft over the plug wire with the motor running. If it arcs through the wire's insulation, the wire is bad. The other method of finding bad wires is (with the motor running) to grab the plug wire with your bare hand. If it knocks you across the shop, that wire is bad. I use this method occasionally by accident.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,699
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From: Qualicum Beach, B.C. CAN
Tried that once with my truck's coil wire. Yup, there was a short.
Once was all the learning I needed on that subject.
Changed the plug wires and she ran great home and to work this morning, in the pouring rain. Problem solved for now.
Is there an OEM seal on the points cover? I have a shiny chromey cover on there, and don't rember any seal or o-ring.
Once was all the learning I needed on that subject.
Changed the plug wires and she ran great home and to work this morning, in the pouring rain. Problem solved for now.
Is there an OEM seal on the points cover? I have a shiny chromey cover on there, and don't rember any seal or o-ring.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Qualicum Beach, B.C. CAN
Timing cover, I guess it's called.
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From: Western South Dakota
One thing that has not been mentioned in this thread is the fact of when riding in the rain is the spark plugs them selves can get wet if there is not a good seal between the boot and the plug. You'd be surprised at where water can get to. You need to put some electrical grease on the tips of your coil wires and definitely on the spark plug boots, or any electrical connection when ever you change out the part. It seals the part and lubricates the metal connection any time it is exposed to moisture, protecting it.
Same thing happened to me a few years ago, was ridin' in the rain, front cylinder kept cutting out. Next day checked the front cylinder spark plug boot and it was wet.
Put in some electrical grease/sealer and no more issues.
Ofcourse I avoid ridin' in the rain too I hate that sheit..LOLOL!!
Same thing happened to me a few years ago, was ridin' in the rain, front cylinder kept cutting out. Next day checked the front cylinder spark plug boot and it was wet.
Put in some electrical grease/sealer and no more issues.
Ofcourse I avoid ridin' in the rain too I hate that sheit..LOLOL!!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Qualicum Beach, B.C. CAN
Never thought of that. Will grease things up this week this week.
It surprising the thing runs at all in the rain, considering at 50 mph all the rain is being funnelled by my left leg into the spark plug, coil area.
I'm not crazy about the rain either, but the riding season would be way too short around here if I waited for sunny days.
It surprising the thing runs at all in the rain, considering at 50 mph all the rain is being funnelled by my left leg into the spark plug, coil area.
I'm not crazy about the rain either, but the riding season would be way too short around here if I waited for sunny days.