85 fxst will not start
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Stage III
Joined: May 2010
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85 fxst will not start
I have a 1985 softail, that will not start. All it does is click at the start relay that is located in front of the rear tire. This relay is a 3 wire relay, I have been able to jump the small terminal to the larger terminal and I get the same clicking noise from the relay.
When I turn the ignition swith to (center console swith) to on w/out lights I get the clicking, when I switch it to lights, my lights do not come on, nor start the bike in that position.
I changed the switch on the console, and have the same results. My battery charge is good, When I attempt start, the voltage drops from full 12.7-9 to anywhere in the 11's.
There is a starter solinoid motor at the stop of the primary, that I am not sure how to test. At what point should I see power at that solinoid?
I have a new relay on order, but I think that I might need a starter. I think this because, when i jump the wire on the relay, the starter should turn over I would think, not just click., click, click. But, I want to figure out how to test the starter solinoid. may the 30 amp relay fuse is no good. How can I test that?
I appreciate any assistance and direction on this issue,
Mark
When I turn the ignition swith to (center console swith) to on w/out lights I get the clicking, when I switch it to lights, my lights do not come on, nor start the bike in that position.
I changed the switch on the console, and have the same results. My battery charge is good, When I attempt start, the voltage drops from full 12.7-9 to anywhere in the 11's.
There is a starter solinoid motor at the stop of the primary, that I am not sure how to test. At what point should I see power at that solinoid?
I have a new relay on order, but I think that I might need a starter. I think this because, when i jump the wire on the relay, the starter should turn over I would think, not just click., click, click. But, I want to figure out how to test the starter solinoid. may the 30 amp relay fuse is no good. How can I test that?
I appreciate any assistance and direction on this issue,
Mark
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,269
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From: NJ
I also have a 85 Fxst. Sounds like the relay to me. Mine went years ago and i would get the same click 4 0ut of 5 times i tried to start. Theres a huge set of contacts in that relay and if ther'e black and burnt the power wont flow to your solonoid on top of your primary. It's easier to change if you pull the wheel
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Farmington ,MS
If you short the top terminal (from the battery) to the small terminal,( from the starter relay) on the starter solenoid that is on the primary...the starter should engage...if it doesn't... it could be the solenoid, or the arm inside the primary that engages the Bendix gear.
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Stage III
Joined: May 2010
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I have a relay on its way. The solenoid that is on top of the primary does nothing at all. I assume that if the relay was no good, this would not allow the solenoid to enage. Is there a way I can bench test the solenoid?
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From: NJ
Yes, on the bench......ground the unit to a 12 v batt and supply power to the small stud, the solonoid should snap shut and all studs should have power
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From: Farmington ,MS
I would test it on the primary...if any of the linkage is binding, and not allowing the plunger to fully retract it will not make electrical contact for the starter. I just reread the original post and the more I think about it...I believe you have you have a low voltage problem...since you have checked voltage drop with a meter...you really need to double check all battery connections...ground to the frame etc...one corroded or loose connection could cause this.
Last edited by Tom84FXST; May 16, 2010 at 11:18 AM.
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: NJ
When you said "bench Test" I thought you ment you were testing it off the bike, your better off testing it on the bike
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Stage III
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Well, I replaced the relay, no better just clicking, i also changed the solonoid, and that didn't help either. When I changed the solonoid am i suppose to position the plunger ? I notice that is moved in and out.
I have checked wires and connections all over the bike.
I tend to agree about the low voltage, while I attempt to start the bike, I place a test light on the solonoid, and the light harley lights up. I have made new cables going to the relay from the solonoid, and regrounded the relay. I have noticed most recently, when I decided to place the battery charger on the bike, I noticed that my lights comes on and horn work, when attempting to start, the clicking is much more rapid. Without the charger on the battery, he horm bairly works now, and when attempting to start, the relay clicks once and thats about it. When I place a voltage test on the battery, it goes from 12.49 to 7.89 through 9's when when I turn the key on and try to start or hit the horn. When I put the charger on it, balances around 14.39, but Still will not turn over, just keep clicking.
The battery I think is 2years old, something I bought from J&P Cycles. Is an 18amp battery. I am next going to test the load on my battery. I will need to bring it to a parts store for that.
Running out of options,
Any other advice is greatly appreciated....
I have checked wires and connections all over the bike.
I tend to agree about the low voltage, while I attempt to start the bike, I place a test light on the solonoid, and the light harley lights up. I have made new cables going to the relay from the solonoid, and regrounded the relay. I have noticed most recently, when I decided to place the battery charger on the bike, I noticed that my lights comes on and horn work, when attempting to start, the clicking is much more rapid. Without the charger on the battery, he horm bairly works now, and when attempting to start, the relay clicks once and thats about it. When I place a voltage test on the battery, it goes from 12.49 to 7.89 through 9's when when I turn the key on and try to start or hit the horn. When I put the charger on it, balances around 14.39, but Still will not turn over, just keep clicking.
The battery I think is 2years old, something I bought from J&P Cycles. Is an 18amp battery. I am next going to test the load on my battery. I will need to bring it to a parts store for that.
Running out of options,
Any other advice is greatly appreciated....
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