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Old Aug 14, 2008 | 10:14 PM
  #1  
lafalot1's Avatar
lafalot1
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78 fx
New rebuilt engine, Hitachi starter, everything is new and all redone.
Elec start will not turn it over, kicker works.
My husband died and left this to be finished. Well since January it has been worked on by a certified HD mechanic but this bike is older than he is. I took it apart but I am not a bike builder. Any clues to getting it on the road for his memorial run would be greatly appreciated.
Belt to tight? tried 2 sizes. No I can not turn it 1/2 way. Old one was slotted but tore up by chain. Trying to figure out his intent (he was a builder)
I know this might sound ridiculous but I am trying to fulfill his last request.
"Take me for a ride with my friends" and the run is coming up fast.
The solenoid keeps frying. Been thru 4 of them. Help, Help, Help
Thanks
I am getting an awful feeling that this is all electrical!??
 

Last edited by lafalot1; Aug 14, 2008 at 10:27 PM. Reason: added last comment
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 08:46 AM
  #2  
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It's the Hitachi starter. They changed over to those (from the Prestolite) as a cost cutting move, not an improvement (I know, I know, hard to believe.)
I had an 84 Lowrider with the Hitachi. I took the starter to an automotive electrical shop that rebuilds generators, starters etc. They put a larger armature in it. I then made larger battery cables (larger in dia) The other thing you can do is, mount a remote starter button. It bascically jumps the solenoid, bypassing the relay and the little pinner button on the handlebar. I mounted mine by the shock on the LH side. There's a tab there if I recall, maybe the oil tank mounting. The handlebar switch would still work, but if the engine was hot & didn't want to crank, I had a back. Of course the ultimate backup was the kicker.
 
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