2011 FLHTK Starting Issue
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 274
Likes: 2
From: Baltimore, MD
2011 FLHTK Starting Issue
This morning my bike wouldn't start. So when I got home I started to check out to see what was wrong.
1. Checked Battery, pulled it and did a current test and I wasn't satisified with my HF tester results so I took the battery to where I bought it back in November and it tested really well, 580 CCA and 12.8V. So verified battery good
2. Thought I had another bad starter (replaced with a new on two months ago. Replaced starter with rebuilt one and same issue, clicking but no start.
3. Saw sparks from bottom of starter area, removed starter again and noticed the arcing to the ground hub. So tried to remove the nut and broke off the stud that you secure the ground strap from battery to the chassis.
So I think my problem was I am ground out my starter circuit. But before I can do anything, I need to get that stud out and replace it and the ground strap on the negative side of the battery.
The only thing I can determine is that the ground wasn't secure (loose) and causing a arc. But if I can't get that stud out and replaced, is there any really good place for me to secure the ground to the chassis that the cable will reach?
I sprayed a lot of penetrating oil on what is left of the stud and tomorrow I will try more and some heat to see if I can get it loose, I hate to have to take half the bike apart to get that stud out.
So once I get this part fixed, I am at a loss of where to look if I can't get the bike to start, but I have a feeling that once I take care of this ground problem my starting issue should clear up. Any comments? Ideas? Suggestions on getting that stud out?
The ground strap lug was pretty ugly and the nut was welded to the stud, hence why it broke off when I stupidly tried to remove it.
Thanks,
Ben
1. Checked Battery, pulled it and did a current test and I wasn't satisified with my HF tester results so I took the battery to where I bought it back in November and it tested really well, 580 CCA and 12.8V. So verified battery good
2. Thought I had another bad starter (replaced with a new on two months ago. Replaced starter with rebuilt one and same issue, clicking but no start.
3. Saw sparks from bottom of starter area, removed starter again and noticed the arcing to the ground hub. So tried to remove the nut and broke off the stud that you secure the ground strap from battery to the chassis.
So I think my problem was I am ground out my starter circuit. But before I can do anything, I need to get that stud out and replace it and the ground strap on the negative side of the battery.
The only thing I can determine is that the ground wasn't secure (loose) and causing a arc. But if I can't get that stud out and replaced, is there any really good place for me to secure the ground to the chassis that the cable will reach?
I sprayed a lot of penetrating oil on what is left of the stud and tomorrow I will try more and some heat to see if I can get it loose, I hate to have to take half the bike apart to get that stud out.
So once I get this part fixed, I am at a loss of where to look if I can't get the bike to start, but I have a feeling that once I take care of this ground problem my starting issue should clear up. Any comments? Ideas? Suggestions on getting that stud out?
The ground strap lug was pretty ugly and the nut was welded to the stud, hence why it broke off when I stupidly tried to remove it.
Thanks,
Ben
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 373
Likes: 90
From: australia
Is this the earth stud, (bottom red circle).
I dont know if the stud is welded solid to the engine case .. if so , I cant see how you will remove and replace it ... not much room to drill and tap something in there .. If you move the ground location , you will , I think need a longer ground cable and find a location for a good ground ...
Others that may have been down this road may have more hands on experience ..
I dont know if the stud is welded solid to the engine case .. if so , I cant see how you will remove and replace it ... not much room to drill and tap something in there .. If you move the ground location , you will , I think need a longer ground cable and find a location for a good ground ...
Others that may have been down this road may have more hands on experience ..
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 274
Likes: 2
From: Baltimore, MD
All Fixed
Fixed the ground issue and the bike starts like new again. I tried a very feeble attempt at trying to remove that crappy 1/4-20 ground stud from the top of the tranny case. Not going to waste my time with it. So I went to two dealers and no one had a new stud nor tell me if the hole it fills is a blind or through hole. So I decided one simple attempt and then I'll pick up a new longer ground cable. So it turns out I didn't need to buy a new cable. I cleaned up the ends of the old cable that was in good shape and just for fun tried to see if it would reach the rear mounting bolt for the starter. It fits with slack, not much slack but a nice fit. So now I have a nice good solid ground and bike started up like new. Moral of the story guys and gals is to check both ends of the GROUND CABLE!!!!!!! Keep them clean and make sure the connection is tight and clean as well.
Oh and Thanks for the help guys.
Oh and Thanks for the help guys.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 373
Likes: 90
From: australia
Good to hear your up and running ... I cant see any problem locating the main chassis ground to the Starter Motor mounting bolt ..
A lot of starting problems on the tourers are because of the chassis ground getting corroded, and or loose etc... You really have to remove the starter motor to get good access. Because its a pita to do for most home mechanics, the chassis ground does not get checked as often as it should ...
A lot of starting problems on the tourers are because of the chassis ground getting corroded, and or loose etc... You really have to remove the starter motor to get good access. Because its a pita to do for most home mechanics, the chassis ground does not get checked as often as it should ...
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