Help STARTER PROBLEM
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2010
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Help STARTER PROBLEM
My battery died on my Fatboy about 3 days ago and ever since then my starter has done nothing but whine. I am able to push it off but when I hit 'start' it just whines. Would a new battery fix this?
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Yea I tried that as well. Starter just made that spinning noise. I have just never had any problems out of the starter before and then this battery thing (which was my fault, left the dang switch on) happened and all of a sudden starter just spins. I also put the battery on a trickle charge for a couple of hours and nothing, same spinning sounds. Thanks for your reply.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,661
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From: Monroe, Louisiana
If that is the original battery its probably time for a new one anyway. I think your better off with the OEM battery than one from Sears or Autozone. You might try charging over night with say 6 amps, but if thats an 03 like I'm guessing and original, then the battery is likely toast.
I left the radio playing on mine all night one time. Luckily it was new enough to charge and bring it back. I've had a tender on it ever since.
I left the radio playing on mine all night one time. Luckily it was new enough to charge and bring it back. I've had a tender on it ever since.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Driftless Area
If you hear the starter spinning, but the engine isn't turning over, the starter clutch is not engaging. A new battery won't help that. You may need a new starter clutch.
That job is a pain on a softail because with the oil tank, you have limited space to work. I think mine is getting ready to go soon too. Good luck to us.
That job is a pain on a softail because with the oil tank, you have limited space to work. I think mine is getting ready to go soon too. Good luck to us.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
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From:
Get a new battery.
BUT
Before installing it, verify WHY the old one died.
It was just old?
Is the regulator regulating?
Is the alternator alternating?
With engine at idle you should have about 14 dot something Volts at the battery leads.
Less than 12.8-13 volts, and your battery won't get recharged properly.
More than say 14.5-14.6 and you risk ruining it.
Current is also relevant, but testing for current requires proper equipment and procedures, so don't try it unless you are familiar with the procedure and its caveats (or you don't mind frying the occasional multimeter).
I don't understand exactly what you mean with "whine"? Does the engine turn properly and easy, or it just does a sound like it's trying to run but it hasn't got enough juice?
If the starter runs properly, but the doesn't engage the flywheel, then you have a mechanical problem.
Last edited by 99octane; Jul 8, 2010 at 05:47 PM.
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