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Started Problem

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by lwedwards, Mar 1, 2011.

  1. lwedwards

    lwedwards Active Member

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    I am having starter problems and I checked the FAQ and think my problem is the solenoid. "The click-chatter usually indicates a bad solenoid or bad contacts if the noise is from the starter area." My starter doesn't do this all the time usually once every two weeks or so, in most cases I hit the starter switch a couple of times and then the starter works. Today I tried about 20 times waiting about 2 to 3 minutes between and still just a click at the starter. I then waited about 20 minutes and it started right up. Is there a way to clean the solenoid or rebuild it, or do I just need to get a new one. Thanks, :banghead:
    lwedwards, Mar 1, 2011
    #1
  3. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Yes Drag makes a rebuild kit
    Pull the end off and check the plunger and brass contacts
    a simple fix is to sand them down and reinstall if it's not that bad.

    Sounds like you might not be getting power to the starter
    in a full capacity that it needs.

    One trick to help is to put a second ground from the starter
    directly to the battery, it will help. You can get one at
    any Napa store for about $6 . A 12 inch will work on a softail
    and you'll need a 20 for a bagger.

    remove one mounting bolt on the starter, put on cable,
    reinstall, and run it up to the ground (-) post on the battery

    Also if you are letting it sit a couple of weeks between
    starts the battery can run down from the alarm system, clock on radio
    or any other small electrical drain.

    Put a battery tender on it...
    hotroadking, Mar 1, 2011
    #2
  4. lwedwards

    lwedwards Active Member

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    Thanks, I ride it everyday unless it is raining or snowing. The most it has sat is one week back in December when we were having a lot of rain. Will try cleaning and adding a ground strap. I should have said it was a 2002 Ultra Classic.
    lwedwards, Mar 1, 2011
    #3
  5. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    even though HD put two ground on it from factory it's still one
    to the battery to frame, you'll be adding a second from starter to battery

    The power for the battery to get to the starter has to go up a wire to your
    ignition, then over to the start button, back down the wire to that starter.

    having the extra ground helps get clean power through the starter to the
    battery and better cranking.

    You might also check the batterys CCA if it's over 3 years old, have it tested.
    hotroadking, Mar 1, 2011
    #4
  6. lwedwards

    lwedwards Active Member

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    Just replaced it last May was doing the same thing everytime I stopped. Changed battery and then only about once a month. When I get home I will see about cleaning it and adding the second ground.
    lwedwards, Mar 1, 2011
    #5
  7. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    So do you have a SM?

    If so there is a section with tests you can do on the charging system
    and the battery to make sure it's getting a good charge.

    With a lot of electrical problems it's not always about finding what
    it is, but finding out what it isn't... LOL
    hotroadking, Mar 1, 2011
    #6
  8. lwedwards

    lwedwards Active Member

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    Yes, I have the manual, one of the first things I bought after I got the bike. I knew I wanted to as much work as possible to save on cost and other than a electrical short I couldn't find and the 1,000 and 20,000 mile service I have done everything else.
    lwedwards, Mar 1, 2011
    #7

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