points head ache
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,894
Likes: 8,002
From: poway
Key off it not important. Switch off is because it isolates the coil from the rest of the ignition circuit.
Chances are that you twisted something in playing with the points so that the points circuit is grounding out..
Chances are that you twisted something in playing with the points so that the points circuit is grounding out..
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 146
Likes: 48
From: Louisville, Ky
I agree with isolating the coil because I was just trying to isolate the continuity. I guess there is a chance that I shorted out the points. They are kind of old and I ordered some new ones today from eHarkleypart.com. They had some in the original bag.
All it takes is a small smudge of grease to short the points out. I always make sure my hands are clean and wipe down/clean points and plate after touching this area. In school we would f*ck with each other by using a soft lead pencil to draw a 'lead' line on the points to short them out. Then stand back and see how long it took the other guy to figure it out. They did it to me twice before I figured it out.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 146
Likes: 48
From: Louisville, Ky
I did take that precaution. I took some 600 grit and pulled it between the contacts to clean off whatever junk got caught between there. My points are a few years old so i''m getting some new ones. Thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,894
Likes: 8,002
From: poway
After you use the 600, you need to pull a piece of heavy paper or non glossy business card between the contacts to clean the grit..
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 146
Likes: 48
From: Louisville, Ky
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
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
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 146
Likes: 48
From: Louisville, Ky
I had to run a new wire because it was worn and grounding against the case hole. I replaced it with a new wire with added shrink tubing to assist with the insulation. I found out this evening that the coil is shot. No ohm reading between the two ports where the spark plug goes in.