Starting issue
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 711
Likes: 235
From: Florida
Starting issue
2002 Road King with 95" long block 204 cam kit. Otherwise the bike is bone stock including the pipes.
Turn ignition on, Run switch on. Hit start button. Nothing happens for 2-3 seconds then it fires right up.
My concern is that 2-3 second delay.
Bike has 250,000 miles on it and things are rapidly deteriorating.
Starter has been replaced as well as the start relay. Wiring and connectors been checked and cleaned.
Battery, fully charged, shows 304 CCA at 12.6 volts at the local Autozone. The battery is about 4 years old, is a DEKA ETX30L which is rated at 400 CCA
The problem only occurs after bike has been sitting for a spell. Once it starts, I can turn it off and attempt restart and it fires right up. Could the 304 CCA rating be a problem with the 95" engine/304 cams?
What else could it be? It is difficult to diagnose since I only get one chance at it before the symptoms disappear.
Incidentally the starter and relay were replaced for other reasons.
Turn ignition on, Run switch on. Hit start button. Nothing happens for 2-3 seconds then it fires right up.
My concern is that 2-3 second delay.
Bike has 250,000 miles on it and things are rapidly deteriorating.
Starter has been replaced as well as the start relay. Wiring and connectors been checked and cleaned.
Battery, fully charged, shows 304 CCA at 12.6 volts at the local Autozone. The battery is about 4 years old, is a DEKA ETX30L which is rated at 400 CCA
The problem only occurs after bike has been sitting for a spell. Once it starts, I can turn it off and attempt restart and it fires right up. Could the 304 CCA rating be a problem with the 95" engine/304 cams?
What else could it be? It is difficult to diagnose since I only get one chance at it before the symptoms disappear.
Incidentally the starter and relay were replaced for other reasons.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
I'd also consider a new battery as Fireball Jack recommends. You basically spell it out that a 400 cca battery is only putting out 304 cca or, 75% when it's fully charged.
Another thing to look at closely is both battery cables. I know you said you cleaned the connections but battery cables do fail. Check where the cable ends go into the insulation and make sure they are clean and tight there as well. If you can, check for continuity whiles twisting, wiggling and pulling the ends to make sure the cable is good internally.
Last look at the main switch on the tank. I replaced one that was worn and had to be in just the right spot to start, even though the lights came on.
Good luck!
Another thing to look at closely is both battery cables. I know you said you cleaned the connections but battery cables do fail. Check where the cable ends go into the insulation and make sure they are clean and tight there as well. If you can, check for continuity whiles twisting, wiggling and pulling the ends to make sure the cable is good internally.
Last look at the main switch on the tank. I replaced one that was worn and had to be in just the right spot to start, even though the lights came on.
Good luck!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 10,833
Likes: 6,485
From: Canada Flats
Yup , battery is done .. buy a new one , all is happy .. I would also recommend a battery tender if your not using one , especially if it has to sit for more than a couple of days . 
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 711
Likes: 235
From: Florida
I also have an issue with fuel pressure. Once that is resolved I will probably invest in a new battery.
I do have a Battery tender and plug it in if it has been more than a couple of days between rides.
I do have a Battery tender and plug it in if it has been more than a couple of days between rides.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 10,833
Likes: 6,485
From: Canada Flats
Your fuel pressure issue could be just as easy as replacing a hose inside the tank , could be pin holes or split . Could also be a bad regulator or plugged fuel filter . If you pull the pump out , it might be a good idea to just replace the hoses and fuel filter at the same time . Even changing the regulator might help , not that much $$$ to do it all since your in there .
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Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 711
Likes: 235
From: Florida
Your fuel pressure issue could be just as easy as replacing a hose inside the tank , could be pin holes or split . Could also be a bad regulator or plugged fuel filter . If you pull the pump out , it might be a good idea to just replace the hoses and fuel filter at the same time . Even changing the regulator might help , not that much $$$ to do it all since your in there .
I am waiting delivery of tghe entire unit now. Been about a week since I ordered it. Covid-19 issue is slowing things up a bit but hopefully in the next week or so I will have my new unit.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,031
Likes: 12,555
From: South Carolina
Harley uses connectors from outside sources, they are not specific to HD.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; May 26, 2020 at 07:30 PM.