Starting problems
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,590
Likes: 444
From: Ohio
Sorry, you are SOL. ´90 or ´91 and up.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Pickerington, OH
I think this is the exact problem I have been encountering. At a complete full charge it turns over and starts. Sitting for a couple of days, it just clicks, clicks clicks. Last night it clicked 13 times and then started turning over like a champ. Put the charger on it, and it'll turn over the first time. Brand new battery, and tested the amount of voltage drain from the negative battery terminal to the battery, and was within spec. I think the solution will be to install the switch on the starter.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 7
From: North Atlanta Area, GA
I think this is the exact problem I have been encountering. At a complete full charge it turns over and starts. Sitting for a couple of days, it just clicks, clicks clicks. Last night it clicked 13 times and then started turning over like a champ. Put the charger on it, and it'll turn over the first time. Brand new battery, and tested the amount of voltage drain from the negative battery terminal to the battery, and was within spec. I think the solution will be to install the switch on the starter.
I think that over time the resistance builds in the solenoid windings until they just won't pull the plunger in reliably any longer. I wish you could replace just the solenoid, but you can't... you have to get a whole new starter/solenoid unit. They are a bit of a pain to install because you have to remove the outer primary. About a two hour job (longer if you have stock bagger exhausts because you have to remove them too, to get to the starter), a new primary gasket, and maybe a new jackshaft seal. Not too fun...
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Pa
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 7
From: North Atlanta Area, GA
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Pa
That's what I thought.
So if the bike is parked and someone came up and pushed the button
what would happen?
Woody
So if the bike is parked and someone came up and pushed the button
what would happen?
Woody
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 7
From: North Atlanta Area, GA
You'd have to break that connection in order to disable it so pushing that button wouldn't turn the starter motor with the ignition off. I don't worry about it tho... unless I'm working on the bike. That's why they tell you to disconnect the battery - esp when working in the primary and everything's exposed - so the starter motor can't accidentally become energized and hurt you!
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Pa
I read the manual on replacing the started and didn't know you have to take the primary cover off to do it.
That sure make the job a little harder.
I'm still thinking about the Ultima 1.4KW starter as my bike has 33,000 miles on it.
The starter does seem to work good and I've had the click a few times but would always start the next try except the other day when it sat for a month or two and it was cold when I tried.
It took some time but it did kick in and started right up.
Woody
That sure make the job a little harder.
I'm still thinking about the Ultima 1.4KW starter as my bike has 33,000 miles on it.
The starter does seem to work good and I've had the click a few times but would always start the next try except the other day when it sat for a month or two and it was cold when I tried.
It took some time but it did kick in and started right up.
Woody