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Old May 21, 2008 | 04:28 PM
  #1  
bbhd76's Avatar
bbhd76
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Default starting problems

My 1979 electra glide won't start. It started this morning, but it went dead. Now it won't start or hit a lick. The battery is going dead, but I have it on the charger. ANY help would be appreciated !
 
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Old May 21, 2008 | 04:43 PM
  #2  
megawatt's Avatar
megawatt
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From: SoCal
Default RE: starting problems

You say it started this morning but it went dead. Do you mean it stalled and you couldn't restart it or you turned it off and couldn't restart it?
I am assuming you ran the battery down cranking the engine over. Before the battery started running down, did it sound like it was cranking the engine over okay?
Do you have fuel in the tank and is the petcock open?
If you have adequate fuel supply, check for spark at both of the spark plugs.
Check this stuff, answer my questions and we can go from there.

 
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Old May 21, 2008 | 05:15 PM
  #3  
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Rodney
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From: Central Oregon
Default RE: starting problems

Hope you checked that the battery is full of electrolyte and your using a motorcycle battery or low amp charger.
how old is the battery in your bike?

 
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Old May 22, 2008 | 08:11 AM
  #4  
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Rodney
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Default RE: starting problems

I was studying up on the 80 I'm rebuilding and found this that may help you out.
If the battery runs down when the motorcycle is not being used, the problem could be in the regulator/rectifier. With the ignition off,connect an ammeter between the regulator wire and the battery positive terminal. With the ignition switch and all of the accessories off maximum reading should be ONE milliamp. A higher reading indicates a defective regulator/rectifier which must then be replaced.
 
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Old May 23, 2008 | 09:43 PM
  #5  
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bbhd76
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Default RE: starting problems

The battery is holding 14.2 volts, after I recharged it. My starter doesn't work,( so I have to kick it), plenty of fuel, petcock open. I think that you may be right Rodney, the rectifier may be the problem. Thanks for the help!
 
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Old May 24, 2008 | 08:01 AM
  #6  
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Rodney
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From: Central Oregon
Default RE: starting problems

The regulator isn't going to cause your electric start not to work?
 
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