new member, 1st harley. couple Q's
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: boston,ma
new member, 1st harley. couple Q's
hey guys, just bought my first harley. gave up rice for good. i picked up a 74 sportster ironhead with a hardtail frame, needs a little love but i got at for a good price, just wish it started and ran as good as it looks.
first question is that i have a superglide (small) battery and it doesnt have enough juice to crank the engine over, unless i fully charge it, then it might work once. so i've been jump starting it down hills to get it going when nobody is around to help me with a push, now i notice the battery is completely dead, wont even beep the horn. will a dead battery have an effect on the way the engine runs? seems to be running crappy now under a load, but idles pretty good.
second question is on the top of the voltage regulator there is a small strip of metal going from side to side, riveted to the outside. it has a crack in it, and when i give it a shot of gas i see sparks jumping across the crack, could this be part of my charging/poor running problem?
here's a pic of the bike... glad to join you guy's forum - Bob
first question is that i have a superglide (small) battery and it doesnt have enough juice to crank the engine over, unless i fully charge it, then it might work once. so i've been jump starting it down hills to get it going when nobody is around to help me with a push, now i notice the battery is completely dead, wont even beep the horn. will a dead battery have an effect on the way the engine runs? seems to be running crappy now under a load, but idles pretty good.
second question is on the top of the voltage regulator there is a small strip of metal going from side to side, riveted to the outside. it has a crack in it, and when i give it a shot of gas i see sparks jumping across the crack, could this be part of my charging/poor running problem?
here's a pic of the bike... glad to join you guy's forum - Bob
Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: HangTown/NorCal
That thing is pretty sweet for a sporty!!! Congatulations on your new bike!
Q1: Any vehicle requires a minimun voltage to power its ignition system. Start with a new battery and then confirm your charging system is functioning properly. Turning over slow indicates low voltage or a poor ground. If your battery and charging system are good you may have a bad starter drawing high amps...
Q2: Deffinatly replace your regulator! This could be your whole problem, and even if its not you don't want anything throwing sparks under or near your fuel tank!
Welcome from NorCal!
Q1: Any vehicle requires a minimun voltage to power its ignition system. Start with a new battery and then confirm your charging system is functioning properly. Turning over slow indicates low voltage or a poor ground. If your battery and charging system are good you may have a bad starter drawing high amps...
Q2: Deffinatly replace your regulator! This could be your whole problem, and even if its not you don't want anything throwing sparks under or near your fuel tank!
Welcome from NorCal!
Last edited by FirstRealBike; Aug 22, 2008 at 06:46 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 1
From: Central Virginia
Welcome from Virginia. I agree totally with FirstRealBike.
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