Won't start
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 505
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Won't start
Earlier this year I bought a lovely 77 XL - which both my wife and I ride.
It's electric start only - no kicker - but has always been a bit slow turning over but eventually would fire and run fine. Couple of weeks ago it wouldn't start (turned over slowly and irregularly) and I checked the battery which was quite old so bought a new one (expensive).
Fitted the new battery and it fired up fine but still wasn't turning over evenly when cranking. But now it won't start at all. The points have been replaced with an electronic ignition thing so I don't think the timing is the problem. It is otherwise standard apart from having an S&S carb rather than the Bendix.
Be really grateful for any thoughts or advice so I can focus onto the most likely areas this weekend.
Thanks in advance.
It's electric start only - no kicker - but has always been a bit slow turning over but eventually would fire and run fine. Couple of weeks ago it wouldn't start (turned over slowly and irregularly) and I checked the battery which was quite old so bought a new one (expensive).
Fitted the new battery and it fired up fine but still wasn't turning over evenly when cranking. But now it won't start at all. The points have been replaced with an electronic ignition thing so I don't think the timing is the problem. It is otherwise standard apart from having an S&S carb rather than the Bendix.
Be really grateful for any thoughts or advice so I can focus onto the most likely areas this weekend.
Thanks in advance.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,035
Likes: 17
From: Houston Texas
So when you say it will not start, are you saying the starter motor will not turn over?
Or the starter motor turns very slowly?
Or, it will not start because of some problem other than the starter circuit?
This kind of info will be very helpful to any of us who can provide an answer........ pg
Or the starter motor turns very slowly?
Or, it will not start because of some problem other than the starter circuit?
This kind of info will be very helpful to any of us who can provide an answer........ pg
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 505
Likes: 2
It does turn over but it kind of comes up against the compression and stops and then "pushes" through the compression and round again. That's why I thought the battery was weak.
Appreciate your interest
Appreciate your interest
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 505
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Apart from fitting the battery I've not checked anything else yet as I've not had time (death in the family) but now I'm at the weekend I can put some time in - I will be checking the connections tomorrow - it's a good point.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,035
Likes: 17
From: Houston Texas
After you are certain the battery is up and the connections are clean and tight...... if you still have a slow turning starter it is time to remove it and look at the brushes and commutator inside.
Turn on your headlights. Now crank the engine over. What do the headlights do? They should dim with (either/or) a low battery charge or dirty terminals.
Since you recently installed a new battery, it should be good. If it is not, then you need to look at the charging circuit........ pg
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Decatur, Alabama
I was adjusting the points on mine once and noticed that it was very hard to turn over when they were set a certain way. When we readjusted them it cranked easier and started right up. I noticed that you said you had electronic ignition so timing shouldn't be an issue. However; if all else fails you might give it a second look. You never know.
