Hi everyone , new member here.
I acquired my cousins 1999 Fat Boy who passed away last May. He had at some point , had a S&S 124 Engine installed. It’s has a number of issues that I’m slowly working through , bad wiring in handle bars , installing new harness for the handle bars , bad clutch cable, new cable on order etc. however the issue I’m trying to figure out is when I start the bike , as soon as I hit the start switch I get numerous electrical sparks from the side of the transmission outer case that rest next to the exhaust pipes ,to the top exhaust pipe. I’ve pulled the oil tank to check starter connections and to insure solenoid is not arching, I’ve checked the ground cable from Batt to frame and it appears ok but there is a crease in the cable beside the terminal that bolts to the frame. I can’t find any frayed wires anywhere. Does any of the Harley experts out there have any idea that I may have missed. I’ve wrenched on many cars and some motorcycles for a long long time ( had hair when I started &#128522 but this one has me stumped. Does anyone thing the terminal on the starter might be bleeding through the rubber boot that’s on their ?

thank you for any help you can offer
Gary D

 

Don't really have any help for you other than don't rely on visual inspection for health of ground wires or any wires for that matter. Get your multimeter out and check for continuity for ground wires and correct voltage for hot wires. Wires can be broken inside perfect looking sheathing. Seen it plenty. Good luck

 

Will do for sure