Won't Crank When HOT

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Jul 25, 2011 | 09:02 PM

customsoftail200

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 1,200

Likes: 3

From: Simpsonville, SC

Won't Crank When HOT

My 03 has not started twice when it was HOT. If I shut the bike off for fuel or just a quick stop and go to restart the bike won't crank. I cannot hear the relay click and if it sits for a couple minutes it's OK. I've tried to duplicate it in the driveway so I can test it with DVOM but it won't do it... Any ideas? I guess I'll put a new relay in and see if that helps...

Jul 25, 2011 | 10:07 PM

Potato_Potato

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 2,600

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From: Minnesota

This is just a shot in the dark but you could replace your Maxi fuse. This was a problem with some models / years but I don't recall exactly. A cheap way to diagnose it is swap fuses with a friend for a while and see if he has the same problem you had and you no longer do.

EDIT

Here is the SB I was thinking of:

SERVICE BULLETIN M-1151

Last edited by Potato_Potato; Jul 25, 2011 at 10:19 PM.

Jul 25, 2011 | 10:15 PM

Bill03E

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2007

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From: Indy

does all the other electrics come on when you turn the switch, or not, could be overheating , the main CB , has the recall of the 50 am main CB been done.
If it isn't that it could be the starter taking a dump.

Jul 26, 2011 | 06:28 AM

customsoftail200

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 1,200

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From: Simpsonville, SC

I don't know if that recall was ever done, I will check. However I don't think that's the problem. All electronics do turn on when I put the ignition on it just doesn't crank.

Jul 26, 2011 | 08:08 AM

mkguitar

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Joined: Sep 2010

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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins

...and heat causes resistance in wires, connections etc.

you may want to loosen, clean and tighten the battery cables at both ends.

also, when it hangs up on you, try giving the starter solenoid a smack. ( like an old chevy)

mike

Last edited by mkguitar; Jul 26, 2011 at 08:12 AM.

Jul 26, 2011 | 12:01 PM

customsoftail200

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 1,200

Likes: 3

From: Simpsonville, SC

I did try whacking the starter but it didn't crank. I'm thinking either the relay doesn't function when it gets hot because i can't hear it click.

Jul 26, 2011 | 12:27 PM

vickers1

Road Warrior

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 1,993

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From: Southeast GA

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkguitar

...and heat causes resistance in wires, connections etc.

you may want to loosen, clean and tighten the battery cables at both ends. mike

My friend's Road King did the same as yours. It was the positive battery cable not getting a good connection. Sometimes it would start and other times not.