starter rotates but will not disengage

Harley 1985 early FLHT

starter rotates but will not stop spinning when I press starter button

Kill switch will not stop current to starter.

Battery cable has to be disconnected to kill current draw and stop the
starting cycle.

Starter 1.4 Kw All Balls - 1 year old - double ground to battery & frame
New Solenoid - 1 month old
New Relay - 6 months old
New Battery cables - 1 month old Terry

You tell me - why the starter will not disengage ?????

Here is something to try..

When you hit the starter button, 12 volts goes to the starter solenoid. There is a 14gage wire that you should be able to get your fingers on and disconnect it very easily and it should have a slip on connector for when you have to remove the starter.

Here is a test: I would hit the starter and if the starter runs on again pull this 14gage wire off the starter solenoid. If this kills the starter then you have a problem with your switch (of course get ready to disconnect the battery again if this doesn’t work).

If it doesn’t kill the starter, by pulling this wire off, then you have a starter solenoid problem where the bigger contacts in the solenoid body get stuck and keeps on spinning. In this case you have to remove the starter and get the solenoid fixed.

I am assuming that the starter engages and turns over the motor??

I hope this helps.

zenon9

I ran my test on the starting system and found the relay had burnt contacts -so i replaced the relay for about $20.

Bike fired up fine several times with no problem.

Next day I could not get the bike to start up. Starter engages fine and disengages when button released but bike will not start. I got a few sputters after several attempts but it will not fire up.


So what is the next test for this situation ????????

check for loose wire to the run circut you just messed with your wiring and most likley created your own problem recheck your work and also double check that the relay you purchased is the correct relay, don't forget to check your grounds also.

Hi - zenon9 here

Performed several test once I learned the simple tasks of doing them.

Basic problem was with the new relay - I wired it according to the relay instructions for battery current to the ignition.

It cranked several times but for some reason was not energizing the coil after that period.

I moved the ignition wire to the large post on the relay and installed a crane starter booster relay.

Coil is now energized when ignition is turned on.

I located the problem with an ohms meter.
1. Ignition switch in on position
2. Red wire from ohm meter to postive lead on coil
3. Black wire to negative battery post.

Results was 0 = Bad reading
Moved ignition wire to large battery post.
Results was 12.98 volts = Good Reading

Thanks for your comments.

Electrical problem solving is new to me
but I did Not go to the Harley repair shop.

Man that was a close one in my case.

Riding again

Thanks,

zenon9