Shovelhead A place to talk about Shovelheads.

Grounding problem

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 25, 2010 | 06:58 AM
  #1  
Gypsy Ann 77FXE's Avatar
Gypsy Ann 77FXE
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
Default Grounding problem

I recently had a problem with my 77 shovel, found silinoid may have been part of it. When changed, my electric did what it was s'pose to do. Now... I have charged battery twice since then (brand new - & I am aware batteries aren't all they're s'pose to be @ times!!! ) Anyways, now 3-4 days later after a full charge, it's as though the battery is getting discharged. I think it may be the small grounding wire under the starter relay that may be connected or not connecting correctly, possibly?

Hey guys/gals - thanks again.

Gypsy / WI
 
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2010 | 08:08 AM
  #2  
frog13's Avatar
frog13
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 17
From: Wisconsin
Default

One quick way to confirm and begin troubleshooting ...... Hook a test light between the battery terminal and the ground strap, in other words, make the light part of the ground strap. I use any brake light bulb or such with wires soldered to each terminal on the bulb. If the light comes on when all switches are off, you have a drain. You can go around and try disconnecting some items, like the starter relay wires, when the light goes off you know your culprit is in that circuit.
 
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2010 | 09:17 AM
  #3  
Gypsy Ann 77FXE's Avatar
Gypsy Ann 77FXE
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
Default

Thanx Frog I know one of these days i should just locate my manual but lately I just haven't had the time to do 'crap'! Father-Nursing home - ?? Guardianship.....Blaa Blaa. Anyways I really appreciate your help, AGAIN! Have a good one and ride hard, ride fast,......oh what a minute - thinking of something else.... Ride free! Gypsy
 
Reply
Old Aug 26, 2010 | 08:31 PM
  #4  
flh80's Avatar
flh80
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 234
Likes: 1
From: Sawdust City
Default

Yeah, if it's not all original wires someone may have hooked something that is on all the time, like Frog says take off the ground either at the batt or the frame and hook a 12 volt light between and with everything off the light should not light but if there is a draw it will light, then start disconnecting things till it does go out.
 
Reply
Old Aug 27, 2010 | 01:55 AM
  #5  
TwiZted Biker's Avatar
TwiZted Biker
Club Member
15 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 10
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,094
Likes: 51,354
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Default

You may have crossed the heavy cables reinstalling them on the solenoid . Getting them switched will drain the battery over a couple of days . Battery or " hot " to the top post , lower post to starter . Common , done it myself not paying attention .
 
Reply
Old Aug 27, 2010 | 12:09 PM
  #6  
shovelheadgreg's Avatar
shovelheadgreg
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 92
Likes: 4
Default

Also, pull your stator plug, clean and reseat...
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
GoldenPony
Electrical/Lighting/Alarm
1
Jun 28, 2015 01:01 PM
86Drifter
General Topics/Tech Tips
2
Aug 20, 2014 03:02 AM
2tonepig
Shovelhead
1
Aug 25, 2012 06:59 PM
Kadorja
General Harley Davidson Chat
3
Oct 31, 2010 11:44 PM
Vahoagie
Touring Models
6
Jan 24, 2009 06:50 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:14 AM.

story-0
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-2
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-3
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-4
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-5
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE
story-8
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

Slideshow: Graeme Billington's left-hand-drive Shovelhead is as much about problem-solving as it is about classic Harley form.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-30 11:27:08


VIEW MORE
story-9
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025

Slideshow: A clear-eyed look at what actually worked for Harley this year, and what quietly undermined its progress.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-29 17:10:48


VIEW MORE