Failure to Start

[offTHEbeatenPATH]

I recently purchased a 2005 Big Dog Chopper. When I bought the bike, it started up just fine. Shortly after getting it home, I began to have start up problems.

Alright everyone, here's what I've tried so far:

The clicking sound beneath my butt lead me to believe it was the solenoid for the starter, s I took it apart to clean up the contacts. While doing so, I found that the spring was somehow broken in half- but it did not impede the function of the solenoid. Next, I took a volt meter to the battery, and found that it was not holding a proper charge, so I replaced it. As soon as I put the new battery in, I used a wooden dowel to engage the solenoid, and the motor turned over several times but still failed to start. Next I swapped out the spark plugs. Still no go. :bang:

Running short on hair left to pull out over this- any helpful suggestions?

 

[Mr. Wright]

I'm assumeing you have the kill switch on the handle bar in the on position

 

[offTHEbeatenPATH]

I'm assumeing you have the kill switch on the handle bar in the on position

Yep, and the fuel petcock is open too.

 

[Mr. Wright]

Just checking, I know i've done dumb stuff like that. Do you have spark?

 

[Mr. Wright]

Go to forms, and look under performance, you might find something under there that will help

 

[Nukeranger]

My thoughts are to get a new solenoid. I had a boat solenoid for the starter and due to tolerances, it would not make up. You can bench test yours but test it a dozen times. Just on shot at it doesn't mean it is good.

Also, just because you have the petcock open doesn't mean you have good gas flow. Take the fuel line off and check the flow into a container.

 

[CCRainman]

You can also remove the air cleaner and see if you are getting fuel into the carb.

 

[BadBrad]

Sounds like your only problem was a bad battery (probably the most common of all issues with our dogs). So, now you have it turning over but it still won't fire? Check your plugs to see if you're getting a spark. If so, then like Hew said, make sure you're getting fuel flow to the carb. If you're getting spark and fuel, you should be firing off.

 

[offTHEbeatenPATH]

Well I know I'm getting fuel flow to the carb- took the air filter off this morning and checked that. I'll check for the spark once the rain lets up. As I just installed new plugs, I'm hoping that is not the issue, but assuming it is, where should I be looking next?

 

[woodbutcher]

if you have fuel and you have spark, could be bad gas or the spark isn't hot enough. so, could be the coil is dying or you may have water in the fuel. just thinking.

 

[Kdub]

I would test and load test the new battery. Just because its new doesn't make it a sure thing. Make sure all your wires are connected tight at the battery too. If it hasn't ran for awhile you could try using the enricher a little bit to get it to turn over.

 

[offTHEbeatenPATH]

Thanks all. It's been pouring all day, so I have yet to be able to drag the bike out of the garage. Plan of attack is to drain the tank and the carb bowl, fill it with new fuel, check for spark and try to start it again. I'll let y'all know how that works out.:choppersmiley:

 

[offTHEbeatenPATH]

Update- No Spark. Going to test the coil when able.

 

[Dakotabos]

Does your dog have a EHC or has it been refitted with wire plus?

EHC installed
Remove seat turn key on...... check the lights on your EHC. What lights do you get. Hit the Off button then the Run Button......
What lights do you get....

Hit the start..... any lights change.

My EHC just went intermitent on me and I dont get the light half the time.

But your issue is easy if you get all your lights get a slam button for it (Research it here) and easy to install then replace starter with Capt America and raywood they do a good repair and will have it back to you

 

[stlmikie]

While you turn it over is the light on the ignition module flashing? Seems to be a lot of that lately.

 

[offTHEbeatenPATH]

Haven't checked the lights on the EHC yet, but I just changed out the coil, and still no go.

 

[offTHEbeatenPATH]

UPDATE:

The EHC is faulty.
Anyone know where I can get a new harness controller and or a compatible wire harness ASAP??

 

[DRBarnhart]

UPDATE:

The EHC is faulty.
Anyone know where I can get a new harness controller and or a compatible wire harness ASAP??

I may be a glutton for punishment but I have to ask... How did you determine the EHC was bad?

Dennis

 

[Brew]

I may be a glutton for punishment but I have to ask... How did you determine the EHC was bad?

Dennis

Very good question Dennis. Seems some answers and troubleshooting needs to be done on other components...

 

[offTHEbeatenPATH]

I may be a glutton for punishment but I have to ask... How did you determine the EHC was bad?

Dennis

I have tested voltage on the entire system after checking for spark
(which there was none), and changing out all other components for the ignition system, by process of elimination it is THE only thing left.

After my trials and tribulations, I said "hell with it" and dragged it in to a local shop, who told me that it would take them a few weeks to get ahold of a harness kit because WP is backlogged for their kit :bang: