Shovelhead starter solenoid problem
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3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Berkeley
Shovelhead starter solenoid problem
Hi folks,
This one is new to me. I have an '82 FXR and just finished putting it together. The engine and tranny were put in the frame by a local mechanic, and it ran fine. He returned it to me, and it sat for about a year. I then new wires to the battery, ground, starter solenoid, starter relay, and starter switch.
Here's the problem. When I energize the starter relay, the starter solenoid pulls in just fine, and the starter begins to turn. However, when I release the starter relay, the starter continues to turn. I had to disconnect the ground wire to the battery to stop it.
In the past, when I ran into a problem like this, It was because the starter solenoid was hanging up, and so if you reconnected the ground wire, the starter motor would start to turn again because the solenoid was still making contact. Banging on it with a hammer for a while not only got the solenoid to release, but worked out a lot of built-up frustration. <grin>
But every time I hook the ground lead back up, the starter motor doesn't spin unless I energize the solenoid.
I have checked and rechecked the starter solenoid wiring, and definitely have the starter motor wired to the short stud.
Any help would really be appreciated.
Geneeus
This one is new to me. I have an '82 FXR and just finished putting it together. The engine and tranny were put in the frame by a local mechanic, and it ran fine. He returned it to me, and it sat for about a year. I then new wires to the battery, ground, starter solenoid, starter relay, and starter switch.
Here's the problem. When I energize the starter relay, the starter solenoid pulls in just fine, and the starter begins to turn. However, when I release the starter relay, the starter continues to turn. I had to disconnect the ground wire to the battery to stop it.
In the past, when I ran into a problem like this, It was because the starter solenoid was hanging up, and so if you reconnected the ground wire, the starter motor would start to turn again because the solenoid was still making contact. Banging on it with a hammer for a while not only got the solenoid to release, but worked out a lot of built-up frustration. <grin>
But every time I hook the ground lead back up, the starter motor doesn't spin unless I energize the solenoid.
I have checked and rechecked the starter solenoid wiring, and definitely have the starter motor wired to the short stud.
Any help would really be appreciated.
Geneeus
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 146
Likes: 170
From: chicagoland
Are the spark plugs in the motor? With the plugs out the starter is more prone to not stopping. Also make sure the battery is fully charged, a low battery can contribute to starter run on.
Last edited by 84 Shovel; Mar 19, 2023 at 07:32 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 36
Likes: 8
From: Michigan
You said all new wires?
I would check that everything was wired correctly and half the time what was on the bike can be wrong to begin with. There was diagram posted on another thread that made a lot of sense and I remember it said something about preventing the starter stuck on
I would check that everything was wired correctly and half the time what was on the bike can be wrong to begin with. There was diagram posted on another thread that made a lot of sense and I remember it said something about preventing the starter stuck on
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 222
Likes: 77
From: Gulf Breeze
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 3,323
Likes: 2,114
From: Masshole
2 things,
Low battery, can actually cause the plates to essentially weld together and not release. Been there, done that.
Cables backwards on the solenoid. Long stud to the battery (or starter relay), short stud to the starter. Again, been there, done that!
Low battery, can actually cause the plates to essentially weld together and not release. Been there, done that.
Cables backwards on the solenoid. Long stud to the battery (or starter relay), short stud to the starter. Again, been there, done that!
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