Starter Solonoid issues
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Alberta Canada
Starter Solonoid issues
Just bought a 1994 Heritage Classic. Sometimes it starts and sometimes it doesn't. I can hear the solonoid click once when the starter button is pushed but no enagement or turn over. After several attempts it will start. The lights do not dim so I am assuming the battery must be okay. Does this sound like starter rely, Solonoid, or the starter itself. It is almost like a loose battery connection without the lights going dim.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 0
From: Southern California High Desert, here and there....
If all your cables are tight, no loose electrical connection, then you can usually work around this issue for a long while before the starter solenoid or starter motor needs to be replaced. If it's the original, it's about 17 years old and they do go bad in time. The easy work around for now is a simple push button starter solenoid cover, about $14 for a nice chrome one on ebay. In the meantime, you can remove the solenoid cover (3 screws), clean up the copper ring contact on the plunger, make sure the plunger is not sticking. Just pushing in on the plunger like with a screw driver should result in the starter motor engaging and kicking the engine over. The push button allows you this option without removing the cover for those times when the starter just goes "click" and nothing happens.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 684
Likes: 9
From: Indian Head, PA
Check THIS thread out in the Evo forum, it will get you completely up to speed on the starting issue that seems common to the Evos...
For me what worked was a combination of cleaning the solenoid contacts and ring really well, and cutting the jumper wire between the "Ign" and "Lights" positions on the key switch, so that I can start the bike without all the lights burning up the available current from the battery. I still get the dreaded click every once in a while, but it's pretty rare now and seems to only do it once when it does it...
For me what worked was a combination of cleaning the solenoid contacts and ring really well, and cutting the jumper wire between the "Ign" and "Lights" positions on the key switch, so that I can start the bike without all the lights burning up the available current from the battery. I still get the dreaded click every once in a while, but it's pretty rare now and seems to only do it once when it does it...
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,121
Likes: 300
From: New Mexico-No, you don't need a passport.
Check THIS thread out in the Evo forum, it will get you completely up to speed on the starting issue that seems common to the Evos...
For me what worked was a combination of cleaning the solenoid contacts and ring really well, and cutting the jumper wire between the "Ign" and "Lights" positions on the key switch, so that I can start the bike without all the lights burning up the available current from the battery. I still get the dreaded click every once in a while, but it's pretty rare now and seems to only do it once when it does it...
For me what worked was a combination of cleaning the solenoid contacts and ring really well, and cutting the jumper wire between the "Ign" and "Lights" positions on the key switch, so that I can start the bike without all the lights burning up the available current from the battery. I still get the dreaded click every once in a while, but it's pretty rare now and seems to only do it once when it does it...
Read that thread.
The addition of another relay with a direct route to the battery solved all of my starting problems.
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Alberta Canada
Many Thanks
Just wanted to give thanks for a little direction from you guys as to my starter solonoid issue. Instead of buying the push button cover to prolong the agony. I decided to buy a shop manual, Solonoid, and starter relay in hopes that its not the starter. If it turns out its just poor electrical contacts, I guess well at least I have peace of mind in knowing I won't be stranded 200 miles from home(I hope)
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,570
Likes: 45
yea i had a ba neg.batt. ground once and it made my bike start and run like it was on crack!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
chopper.stud
Ignition/Tuner/ECM/Fuel Injection
0
Sep 22, 2007 01:10 PM
