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Old Oct 6, 2007 | 09:26 AM
  #1  
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Default battery issue

okay guys I have issues with my battery and the negative terminal. I tried to start my bike last night and it would turn over but it was shooting sparks at the where the cable connects to the post, it went as far as to melt some of the post. I look at the negative cable and it has some melt marks in it. I am wondering, can I just replace the negative cable, put in a new battery make sure it isn't touching metal and all should be fixed, or are my issues larger than what they appear?
 
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Old Oct 6, 2007 | 10:54 AM
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From: fegfsg
Default RE: battery issue

GOOD THING i am not the only one with this problem!!!!

i tightened mine and it fixed. turns out my connection was just a little loose and it cuased a spark to jump out. i couldnt even tell when i inspected it the first 3 times. then it got worse and i could see it. motor vibration sucks

tighten it, if it doesnt work, replace the cables and your battery, or try cleaning them.
 
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Old Oct 7, 2007 | 12:33 AM
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Default RE: battery issue

I had a similar problem a few weeks ago. I went to start my bike one evening, and the starter started to engage -- then I lost all power at the key. No lights, no anything. After pulling the side cover and checking fuses (none were bad), I noticed that my lights were back on. I tried starting the bike and got same result. I wiggled the starter cable and lights came back on. My bike started this time.I tightened my positive cable with my multi tool. On my way home I noticed the check engine light going on and off. The next morning, more of the same problems. I ended up replacing a starter cable (because I had the stuff laying around to make one, so it was cheap and easy elimination). Problem came back. Changed battery after that (because it was 3+ years old and had some problems with it last winter anyway.) Problem went away -- for 3 weeks. Last night check engine light started coming on and off again.Then lo andbehold the bike wouldn't start and lost power again. Found loose connections on both posts. Tightened them up, now everything is working good. Thisissue had me a little frustrated, so I hope this helpssomeone.
 
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Old Oct 7, 2007 | 01:01 AM
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Default RE: battery issue

If you need some help give me a call tommorrow.
 
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Old Oct 7, 2007 | 07:16 PM
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Default RE: battery issue

Okay guys, took the battery out and removed the negative cable. I was at a swap meet today and the Wife was helping me out, and got me a battery. The current one on the bike was the old acid filled type, she got me a sealed battery, but it was the wrong one, will swap that out tomorrow. No big deal, atleast she tried. I also took the battery tray out so I could fix what the acid filled battery had done to it. I figured I would also add my chrome oil tank since I have had that for a few months. Will save me the hassle of pulling out the battery again.

The swap meet I went to was in sandwich Illinois, man was that fun!
 
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Old Oct 7, 2007 | 10:04 PM
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From: fegfsg
Default RE: battery issue

are you suggesting the problem you had before was becuase it was the old battery? i had this issue with a sealed. now that i fixed the cable, it hasnt come back and the battery is great. or did yours need replacing anyways?
 
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Old Oct 8, 2007 | 07:43 AM
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Default RE: battery issue

It wrecked the negative post, melted it right to the bolt holding the cable on. It was the old acid filled style, which prior owner had let leak (no drain tube) on the tray, primary etc. So I figured I'd sawp it out for a sealed on, and have less issues. I know the entire problem is based on a poor connection, it has to be TIGHT!
 
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Old Oct 8, 2007 | 07:50 AM
  #8  
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Default RE: battery issue

Make sure it is tight, and use some of the anti-corrosion spray you can buy at any parts store. I had a problem with mine at beginning of summer when I took it off the tender and went to start it. Battery showed full voltage but bike wasn't getting all of it and wouldn't start. So after fighting that damn battery mount configuration I found the negative cable connection was corroded to hell. So I cleaned the battery and leads for both positive and negative and sprayed the anti-corrosion spray and no problems since.
 
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Old Oct 8, 2007 | 10:27 AM
  #9  
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From: fegfsg
Default RE: battery issue

ORIGINAL: bobbsterkid7

It wrecked the negative post, melted it right to the bolt holding the cable on. It was the old acid filled style, which prior owner had let leak (no drain tube) on the tray, primary etc. So I figured I'd sawp it out for a sealed on, and have less issues. I know the entire problem is based on a poor connection, it has to be TIGHT!
after hearing this, its probably what happened to my bike before I got it, there is signs of leaked acid EVERYWHERE, even on the starter and engine case, too lazy to clean it. thats probably what happened and the battery was replaced.

well good luck with the new one, keep the connections tight!
 
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Old Oct 8, 2007 | 12:03 PM
  #10  
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Default RE: battery issue

dont forget to check where the battery grounds to the frame .
 
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