New electrical problem
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
New electrical problem
Finally got to ride my beast today when she stop running mid stride and now she won't start. She turns over just fine but shes not getting any spark and i'm not sure why any advice would be helpful, thanks.
When you say not getting any spark, did you test by looking for spark? or is this your impression by the way it is not starting?
I check for spark in the shop with the lights off. Remove plugs and wires, install plugs in back in wires, set on cylinder heads, crank engine and look.
If no spark check the wires to the coil - the white wire [usually wrapped in a black sheath] should be 12 volts with the key on.
The other wire to the coil comes from the ignition. I don't know off hand any tests except to check it for looseness etc.
There are resistance tests in the manual for the coil, but the best test is to replace it with a known good one. It is useful to have a spare coil on hand for this purpose. Other useful spares are regulator, plug wires, new plugs, generator.
I check for spark in the shop with the lights off. Remove plugs and wires, install plugs in back in wires, set on cylinder heads, crank engine and look.
If no spark check the wires to the coil - the white wire [usually wrapped in a black sheath] should be 12 volts with the key on.
The other wire to the coil comes from the ignition. I don't know off hand any tests except to check it for looseness etc.
There are resistance tests in the manual for the coil, but the best test is to replace it with a known good one. It is useful to have a spare coil on hand for this purpose. Other useful spares are regulator, plug wires, new plugs, generator.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
I got a spark plug tester. No spark. It's this thing with an adjustable gap and a ground wire.
When I checked connections the rear jug plug was not tight. tightening didn't help.
When I checked connections the rear jug plug was not tight. tightening didn't help.
Last edited by EvilWayz; Sep 4, 2010 at 12:02 PM. Reason: add picture
Electronic ignition or points?
For EI the resistance across the coil electrical terminals should be about 3 ohms; for points about 5 ohms. The resistance across the plug wire terminal connections should be between 16000 and 20000 ohms.
For EI the resistance across the coil electrical terminals should be about 3 ohms; for points about 5 ohms. The resistance across the plug wire terminal connections should be between 16000 and 20000 ohms.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
Trending Topics
No spark but the coil tests good and it is getting 12 volts. Could replace the spark plugs with new - but would both go bad at the same time?
What ignition is in there? Points or electronic? I do not know how to troubleshoot points; EI you really need to replace with a known good unit to know.
What ignition is in there? Points or electronic? I do not know how to troubleshoot points; EI you really need to replace with a known good unit to know.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Western PA
As far as points situation, (IF YOU HAVE POINTS..) the little round canister thing thats inside with your points setup, known as the condensor, is known to go bad alotta times. this little canister is only a few bucks and will cause you alot of grief! I think it does something to the signal wire that fires the coil. My buddy that helped with fixing my bike up stopped at auto parts on the way to my house that evening and bought one. he said HERE, put this in before the current one gives you problems. ALSO, another note on the points thing, the gentleman who was helping me said that the points are the same as the old chevy 6 cylinder motors? he didnt say what particular motor though?..
ALso, points gap oughta be around .018 to .020. TYPICALLY, the cover of a matchbook is roughly the same thickness as the 18-20 thousandths feeler guages. (thats for at the gas station type repairs..lol, on the fly in other words..)
Dunno if any of this did any good, but hopefully someone will get ya slicked up!
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
i've got a electronic ignition, and i can confirm its working because timing led works. plugs are gapped at .35. well i guess i'm going to have to make me a friend and do the dark test. but there was oil i there when i opened up the cover would that confuse the electronic ignition?