Charging issue, battery drain, short?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 112
From: Florida
I agree with Pitbull. 
You should also check you error codes. That might give you an indication of what's going on. Also, when you start your bike does the engine light stay on a little longer that usual? That's a sign of stator or regulator. It's obviously a charging problem and as you've found out on EFI bikes, no power no EFI and no go. I had my problem (same symptoms as yours) in the high plains of Colorado half way between hell and no where. 
Just one other note. I changed the stator and battery on my bike about a year ago. Recently it started chranking slow and I was wondering WTF.. Thing is it didn't do it consistenly, so when Harley had a look at it they said everything is fine. Well what it turned out to be was the battery terminals needed cleaning. To the eye they looked fine, but apparently there was just enough oxidation on them to create a problem. Cleaned them up and the bike cranks strong again.
You should also check you error codes. That might give you an indication of what's going on. Also, when you start your bike does the engine light stay on a little longer that usual? That's a sign of stator or regulator. It's obviously a charging problem and as you've found out on EFI bikes, no power no EFI and no go. I had my problem (same symptoms as yours) in the high plains of Colorado half way between hell and no where. Just one other note. I changed the stator and battery on my bike about a year ago. Recently it started chranking slow and I was wondering WTF.. Thing is it didn't do it consistenly, so when Harley had a look at it they said everything is fine. Well what it turned out to be was the battery terminals needed cleaning. To the eye they looked fine, but apparently there was just enough oxidation on them to create a problem. Cleaned them up and the bike cranks strong again.
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Lemoore, CA
Thanks all for the ideas. To answer a few of you. Codes: can i get those off a 94 big twin? It's carbed, so no EFI issues. The readings: i didn't have voltage off the stator when i changed it the first time. (Boy did it stink like hell!) Once changed, i did have 23 to 35 VAC at both pins. UPDATE: now i just read them again and it's not putting out power. Wtf? I'm thinking the VR is bad and frying the stator? It's pointless to put the new VR in until i change the stator.... Again.... Fun. Again thank you all.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,175
Likes: 12,747
From: South Carolina
As long as the connectors are in good condition and make good contact, the grease probably won`t hurt the connection.
It is used to seal electric connectors from moisture invasion. Also good for lubing the inside of spark plug connectors where they slide over the porcelain.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 112
From: Florida
It will help prevent corrosion but not improve conductivity, as it is a non conductor.
As long as the connectors are in good condition and make good contact, the grease probably won`t hurt the connection.
It is used to seal electric connectors from moisture invasion. Also good for lubing the inside of spark plug connectors where they slide over the porcelain.
As long as the connectors are in good condition and make good contact, the grease probably won`t hurt the connection.
It is used to seal electric connectors from moisture invasion. Also good for lubing the inside of spark plug connectors where they slide over the porcelain.
I've been using this stuff for many years. Not only on my bike but also on my pickup truck snowplow connectors. It works great!
Last edited by HDmikie; Nov 24, 2013 at 03:27 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,175
Likes: 12,747
From: South Carolina
GB Ox Gard is not dielectric grease. It is a conductive grease. Care must be used when using a conductive grease, especially in a multi pin connector, because if applied incorrectly it can cause an unwanted electrical connection between the pins.
Yes, it is great stuff.
Yes, it is great stuff.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Nov 24, 2013 at 03:38 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 0
From: NC
Since you will be changing the stator again and the VR you might want to change the battery cables as well. They can go bad on you and if you are smelling something like burning wire then I would change them out.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,175
Likes: 12,747
From: South Carolina
You are saying an apple is better than an orange...
They have different applications. You would not use Ox Gard to seal an electric connector or use it on a points breaker plate.
They are both better...at their intended applications.
They have different applications. You would not use Ox Gard to seal an electric connector or use it on a points breaker plate.
They are both better...at their intended applications.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 112
From: Florida
Hmmm, you really like to bicker, don't you? Potatoe.......potato! As far as this topic is concerned either one would suffice. Myself, I prefer GB OX-GARD.....but that's just my opinion. So far, my bike always starts and my plow always works. Btw, my bike is 11 years old and the plow is 18 years old. And, yes I'm aware that OX GARD should used carefully if used in close proximity to other connectors. You are welcome to continue bickering.......I'm done. Ride safe!
Last edited by HDmikie; Nov 24, 2013 at 05:24 PM.