I'm on the road
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Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 61
Likes: 108
From: out there
I had another relay that I replaced it with, and it seemed ok. After that sometimes I would hit the button and get zero. Then it did the same as before I would turn the ignition on, and it would crank the engine over.
I got the original relay and using a points file I dressed the points and reinstalled it. Same result motor turns over by itself. So now I smack the relay and the starter solenoid with a rawhide mallet and the motor still turns over by itself.
I did what Johnjzjz said and found juice to the starter solenoid term. Next stop was the starter button. Took that apart and didn't see anything out of line and put it back together. Tested everything and now it seems to work as it should.
I did notice that when you work on something and don't get it finished and let a lot of time go by it is easy to forget about things. I didn't tighten the mounting screws enough on the battery box and maybe the ground wasn't correct???
Sorry for the long-winded post. Electrical problems can be a pain in the ****. Welcome to the world of old Harley Davidsons Thankyou Johnjzjz
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,191
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Its hard sometimes to stay on task with all the distractions, grandkids, people dropping by, phone calls. I try to complete a task before stopping. And if not, leave a post it note on the bike where I left off.
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Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 57
Likes: 43
From: Ohio
I had trouble with the relay under the battery box a while ago. It would not let the starter disengage even when the ignition switch was turned off. the only way to stop it from cranking the motor was to disconnect the battery.
I had another relay that I replaced it with, and it seemed ok. After that sometimes I would hit the button and get zero. Then it did the same as before I would turn the ignition on, and it would crank the engine over.
I got the original relay and using a points file I dressed the points and reinstalled it. Same result motor turns over by itself. So now I smack the relay and the starter solenoid with a rawhide mallet and the motor still turns over by itself.
I did what Johnjzjz said and found juice to the starter solenoid term. Next stop was the starter button. Took that apart and didn't see anything out of line and put it back together. Tested everything and now it seems to work as it should.
I did notice that when you work on something and don't get it finished and let a lot of time go by it is easy to forget about things. I didn't tighten the mounting screws enough on the battery box and maybe the ground wasn't correct???
Sorry for the long-winded post. Electrical problems can be a pain in the ****. Welcome to the world of old Harley Davidsons Thankyou Johnjzjz
I had another relay that I replaced it with, and it seemed ok. After that sometimes I would hit the button and get zero. Then it did the same as before I would turn the ignition on, and it would crank the engine over.
I got the original relay and using a points file I dressed the points and reinstalled it. Same result motor turns over by itself. So now I smack the relay and the starter solenoid with a rawhide mallet and the motor still turns over by itself.
I did what Johnjzjz said and found juice to the starter solenoid term. Next stop was the starter button. Took that apart and didn't see anything out of line and put it back together. Tested everything and now it seems to work as it should.
I did notice that when you work on something and don't get it finished and let a lot of time go by it is easy to forget about things. I didn't tighten the mounting screws enough on the battery box and maybe the ground wasn't correct???
Sorry for the long-winded post. Electrical problems can be a pain in the ****. Welcome to the world of old Harley Davidsons Thankyou Johnjzjz
Another relay had gotten loose at the rivets and died. My starter drive went out and I kicked it all summer, but thats another story.
The only time Ive had the relay stick on was when I had a low battery charge.
I think I have a V-Twin relay on it now and havent had any problems with it.
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Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 61
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From: out there
Yesterday I went on my first long shake down ride to a good friend's house who is a Vietnam vet and was a Harley Dealer mechanic for 41 years. He has been riding since 1964 the year I was born and still rides to this day his '46 Knuckle Head. He didn't know it was on the road so when I got there it was a total surprise. He helped me out in many ways with the knowledge he had on these old machines. One day he came to my house, and I got a good lesson on the adjustment of the mouse trap. I think it made his day to finally see it on the road and not be a piece of garage furniture.
It was a good day even though it was hot as hell here on Long Island. The whole round trip was about 50 miles and I have to say I'm very happy as to how the bike ran. I made it there and back without any problems I am impressed that a 58-year-old motorcycle that I have been working on and off for eight years performed beautifully.
It was a good day even though it was hot as hell here on Long Island. The whole round trip was about 50 miles and I have to say I'm very happy as to how the bike ran. I made it there and back without any problems I am impressed that a 58-year-old motorcycle that I have been working on and off for eight years performed beautifully.
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Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 83
Likes: 53
From: Kentucky
I hate the starter buttons on Shovels , intermittently work then don’t work . I installed a waterproof button the sides of my dashes . Both have never had one issue since doing it . Seems as a stupid thing to say but check battery and ground cable connections , tight and clean .