MC won't start

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Apr 9, 2017 | 11:00 AM

#21

hd4evr2008

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 3,983

Likes: 2,144

From: Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustOneDean

I hope you're being sarcastic. Unless something's already wrong with the engine, nothing's going to be damaged by letting it idle for 15 minutes.

I hope YOU'RE being sarcastic! You let an air cooled engine, especially a Harley, SIT AND IDLE for FIFTEEN MINUTES, and that thing will be so hot you could probably light your cigarette on the cylinder fins! Oh yea "nothing's going to be damaged" from that. Seriously?? Heat is an engine's worst enemy. Remind me to never buy one of your old bikes.

Last edited by hd4evr2008; Apr 9, 2017 at 11:05 AM.

Apr 9, 2017 | 11:16 AM

#22

NORTY FLATZ

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2015

Posts: 16,013

Likes: 7,137

From: Sandy Eggo's North County

Quote:

Originally Posted by hd4evr2008

And, he's in Phoenix! Maybe the heat has already got to him.

Apr 9, 2017 | 01:55 PM

#23

seniorsuperglideE8

Supporter

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 15,788

Likes: 5,625

From: along the shore of Mishigami

If you are expecting the battery to be charged by letting it idle in the driveway for 15 minutes, that's not a good idea. You take more energy from the battery starting than expecting a charge by letting it idle. All you have done is put a "surface" charge on the battery. If you are doing short duration rides (15-30 minutes), you aren't charging that battery. Need to get out for about an hour. Wish you the best of luck.

Apr 9, 2017 | 09:09 PM

#24

JustOneDean

Road Warrior

Joined: Jun 2012

Posts: 1,832

Likes: 67

From: Phoenix

Quote:

Originally Posted by hd4evr2008

You're underestimating how much abuse these engines can take. They're not strictly air-cooled, they're oil-cooled. It's a dry sump system, so the oil carries heat away from the engine into the oil pan. In the oil pan, it has to work its way through a baffle plate before it's thrown back into the engine, giving it time to shed some heat. Harley uses the Chrysler Proving Grounds in Yucca, AZ to test their bikes in extreme heat. One of the tests involves running the motorcycle in a "hot box," four metal walls the size of a parking space, for an extended period. I forget how long exactly, but it's several hours at least. I want to say at least 24 hours, but I could be wrong. This is done in an area that routinely reaches 100 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, in a parking-space-sized oven, using the stock EPA-compliant lean air/fuel mixture. I'm not suggesting you should do it routinely, but your bike should handle 15 minutes in an open driveway in Ohio without a hiccup.

Apr 10, 2017 | 06:47 AM

#25

hd4evr2008

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 3,983

Likes: 2,144

From: Ohio

^^^^^ Like I said.............remind me to never buy a used bike from you!

Apr 10, 2017 | 08:10 AM

#26

tar_snake

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 3,117

Likes: 1,145

From: Directly above the center of the Earth

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iarecobra

Good way to fry your battery. Or fry your electrical system.

In 30+ years of riding I've yet to see anything like that happen. As long as it's a 12 volt system, it'll be fine.

Apr 10, 2017 | 06:14 PM

#27

oct1949

Club Member

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 145,895

Likes: 821

From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..

Quote:

Originally Posted by seniorsuperglideE8

If that's the original battery you are on borrowed time, start saving your pennies for a new one. Clean the connections on the battery cables and to the grounds if you can get to them. Switchology can jump up and bite in the **** also, remember check run/stop in run. If you use the engine stop switch don't forget to turn off the key. If you don't ride often maybe invest in a smart tender jr. to keep the battery charge at max voltage.

that was probably your problem to begin with... AND make sure your bolts and nuts are tight at you cable connections ALSO..... That was the only prob I've ever had with a start issue on my 07...