87 FLHTC - Starting Issues
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 138
Likes: 5
From: Dublin, Ireland.
I had something similar last year and thought "oh no, starter", but it turned out to be the mechanical ignition switch.
Bike would not start when switch in second position, (lights on), but would start no problem in first position.
Just thought it might be worth a mention.
Cheers.
TC
Bike would not start when switch in second position, (lights on), but would start no problem in first position.
Just thought it might be worth a mention.
Cheers.
TC
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
I know you said your connections were cleaned, and your confident you have good connections ... I think you missed finding and cleaning some of the primary wiring connections that are not part of the solenoid, or starter connections.
It's often a ground lead to the frame that corrodes and gives you on and off issues. That puff of smoke was generated by a corroded connection being hit with high cranking amp draw.
Too many times it the connections on the battery .... did you take those off and clean them?
I would also consider having the battery load tested at a nearby auto parts store.
It may well be worn, or loosened windings in the starter, or the brushes (they will puff smoke too). Also when starters go bad they are worse creating a higher amount of resistance when heated.
I always start with the easy stuff so go trace down those hidden ground straps and clean any you hadn't done already.
Looking forward to hearing what it is so be certain to come back and tell us .... cause some don't.
It's often a ground lead to the frame that corrodes and gives you on and off issues. That puff of smoke was generated by a corroded connection being hit with high cranking amp draw.
Too many times it the connections on the battery .... did you take those off and clean them?
I would also consider having the battery load tested at a nearby auto parts store.
It may well be worn, or loosened windings in the starter, or the brushes (they will puff smoke too). Also when starters go bad they are worse creating a higher amount of resistance when heated.
I always start with the easy stuff so go trace down those hidden ground straps and clean any you hadn't done already.
Looking forward to hearing what it is so be certain to come back and tell us .... cause some don't.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Yep the battery has been load tested.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 138
Likes: 5
From: Dublin, Ireland.
If you take "dash" off you can see where the live comes in and also the output for the lights on position so just jump them.
Also, if your solenoid is same as mine,ie, it is on clutch side just above inspection cover pointing forward, remove end cover and jump the connections. I cannot remember which two terminals to jump, but trial and error will sort it out. This will confirm or eliminate starter trouble. I would do this before removing dash.
As johnnyc says, start with the simple stuff and work back..........
TC
Also, if your solenoid is same as mine,ie, it is on clutch side just above inspection cover pointing forward, remove end cover and jump the connections. I cannot remember which two terminals to jump, but trial and error will sort it out. This will confirm or eliminate starter trouble. I would do this before removing dash.
As johnnyc says, start with the simple stuff and work back..........
TC
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 957
Likes: 2
From: Carlsbad Springs Ontario
If i understand correctly ... you have a quarter of a million miles on this bike after a couple of rebuilds ??
If so i would suggest you pull the starter and service it .
The brushes alone would surely need replacing by now .!
If so i would suggest you pull the starter and service it .
The brushes alone would surely need replacing by now .!
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Out to the garage!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 11
From: Northern Ontario
Had to think about that for a bit, wow a quarter million miles. I would have loved to have had an evo brand new off the floor. I'm a true belleiver in a one owner vehicle, its such a world of differnce.Last year I picked up a 89 heritage softail for my wife ( I just ride it once in a while to make sure everything is ok ) and it was from a one owner that had traded it back in to the original shop that he bought it from.
Last edited by RidemyEVO; Mar 10, 2012 at 10:12 AM.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
So I started checking anc cleaning connections (AGAIN), and the problem seems to have temporarily gone away...
I hate issues like this.
Stay tuned. I will be ordering parts to rebuild starter and will be replacing all my battery cables again. The primary gasket is leaking anyway.. so what the hell!
-Lane
I hate issues like this.
Stay tuned. I will be ordering parts to rebuild starter and will be replacing all my battery cables again. The primary gasket is leaking anyway.. so what the hell!
-Lane
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Banned
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,098
Likes: 474
From: Location location.
I had a similar issue and tracked it down to the connection in the ignition switch on the tank. I've had other starter issues of course but most were a relay or a bad connection somwhere on a ground wire.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
Could it be as simple as corrosion in the handle bar switch? Granted it triggers the solenoid / relay but, corrosion there may mean intermittent contact causing intermittent relay engagement.
Just another passing thought. I know some have had issues with the kill button corroding too.
Just another passing thought. I know some have had issues with the kill button corroding too.