'08 FLHTCU won't start after battery change

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Oct 8, 2017 | 05:16 PM

#31

PwnedNoob

Thread Starter

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Joined: Jul 2009

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Thanks, that seems like a good thing to try, but I can't figure out why anything would be out of whack re: timing. Figure: the bike is running perfectly for years, albeit with low miles. I had surgery, so it stayed in the garage for months unused. I fired it up occasionally just for fun. Ready to ride again, the battery was weak, so I replaced it. Put it on a charger for a few weeks, washed the bike, and suddenly, it won't start.

Oct 8, 2017 | 05:45 PM

#32

btsom

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2012

Posts: 4,459

Likes: 2,896

From: Oklahoma

4 pages and finally this: washed the bike, and suddenly, it won't start.

One of the most common phrases in Harleydom. Garden hose, high pressure washer? Very likely an exposed plug has gotten water inside and is shorting or has lost continuity. Crank position sensor is a good candidate, as that has come up before. Separate plugs, check for water or blow out just to be sure, some add dielectric grease at this point to help lock out water in the future, reassemble plug. Plugs to fuel injectors and to throttle body frequently get water contamination during a wash job, especially if a garden hose or high pressure washer is used.

Oct 8, 2017 | 06:01 PM

#33

PwnedNoob

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Quote:

Originally Posted by btsom

One of the most common phrases in Harleydom. Garden hose, high pressure washer?

Damn, maybe. More like garden hose and leaf blower to dry. Oh geez... where to start?

Oct 8, 2017 | 07:01 PM

#34

Taggs

Road Warrior

Joined: Sep 2015

Posts: 1,447

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From: USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by PwnedNoob

Yeah, I think you're right. I finally found a (dealer) site that let's me buy parts. Replacing everything from the pump to the injectors, except for brackets, would cost me arount $600. And that's just guessing what the problem might be.

It's damn frustrating to not be able to figure this out, but with the electronics these days, you're blind unless you have the right diagnostic computers or just want to start replacing systems.

True that. The basics still apply regardless of electronics technology. The combustion engine requires, air, fuel, and fire. Minus any one and no go.

You determined you have fire at the plugs. Next as suggested determine if fuel is making it to the injectors.

Have you replaced the old fuel?

Last edited by Taggs; Oct 8, 2017 at 07:03 PM.

Oct 8, 2017 | 07:13 PM

#35

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 11,476

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From: Charleston, SC

Also check the ET sensor connector which is between the heads.

Oct 8, 2017 | 07:50 PM

#36

ORradtech

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: May 2015

Posts: 2,172

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From: Georgia

Quote:

Originally Posted by lp

I think I would hit the intake with some starting fluid to make double sure you're getting spark at the right time... If it lites off and runs for a few seconds you know your crank position sensor and ECM are synced correctly.

If it runs for a few seconds, the issue is fuel. In that case remove the fuel hose end that feeds the injectors (small screw and blade lock) and point it into a gas can or glass jar. Try to start it and ensure that fuel is pumping.

I'd have done that early on. Real quick way to determine if the issue is fuel or spark.
Runs = fuel problem
No run = spark problem

Oct 8, 2017 | 08:13 PM

#37

voodoodrug

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 3,236

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From: lancaster, pa

tell us more about things you have done to the bike and mileage.

example. ive replaced every sensor on my bike over the last few years for good measure.70k+miles on bike now

[fuel reg,filter, hoses,housing ran me about 200-250$+fuel pump 49$(generic works great).]

trying to look at the big picture