I have a 1980 FLH Electra Glide that has been running great for years. It was purchased as a basket case. I recently pulled all the sheet metal and had some paint and minor metal work done. Custom solo seat re covered and I re laced the rear wheel. New brakes and made her look better than new. I had her down for about two months. When I went back to start her she cranked for some time before the battery just got weak. I then popped off the lower end of the carburetor and cleaned out the float stop. Blew out and cleaned up everything I could. This is generally what I do when it has sit for a while. Put her on my charger. When I went back to start it up, it only clicks.
My question is, Because the starter solenoid is the original part. Can my excessive cranking have put to much strain and heat on my starter solenoid and burned it up? The battery is good because I just swapped out from another bike and the results are the same. The other bike fires right up and the FLH I am restoring is still just a click.
At any rate I have ordered a new starter solenoid based on its age alone. I did get the high performance starter solenoid from JP due to the fact I am running a high compression SS 95ci stroker motor.
Thanks, Steve.

 

change the solenoid

 

That is what I am thinking. I did the test on the relay and it checks out fine. My Starter solenoid on this bike must have finally died.
Thanks.

 

Not very difficult to jump between the long stud and the Small [trigger] stud on the solenoid...
if it works...it works...
I have a Friend who has been starting his FXR for 3 years with a Quarter!!!!

 

yep .... been there and done that :>)

 

You might try pulling the plastic end off the solenoid and cleaning the contacts with carb cleaner. Don't have to remove the solenoid to do this. Be sure to disconnect your ground cable.

 

???
**** on the carb cleaner
use sandpaper or a file if you take it apart, and turn the washer to a new spot too...[or you can remove and flip the Washer], and/or buy a new cover from NAPA!!!

 

Yes you can do all that. I have too. In my case the inside of the solenoid had oil in it and the carb cleaner cured it. Sorry you didn't like my response.

 

If your experience was oil/trash inside the Solenoid...then the response was "right on".
I have seen quite a few and never found anything inside of a solenoid but carbon and Rust, generally a very dry environment!!
If you found oil etc in there...Your cure, tho uncommon from my experience, is appropriate!!!
I wasn't pissin on yer response...just the cleaner!!! Once in there...I guess we all need to make a Decision what to do!!!

 

As everyone has given good suggestions I have found that the older the bikes get I have had to add more ground cables to the engine and the frame , over the years corrosion has set in especially if it's been setting