Electrical issue?
- Thread starter RVH
- Start date
RVH
Active Member
I think you're talking about the positive cable directly from the battery. It was a little tougher than the other cable to remove but I took a small flatblade screwdriver and eased it up. Are you removing the starter or just trying to get the plunger out to clean and inspect the contacts? No need to remove those connections to just to pull the soleniod end cap. Be careful if you have removed the cables when you re-connect them. Dont overtighten & turn the thin bottom nut. It holds your contacts in position for the most surface contact.... The guy still hasn't looked at my starter but says he will before 5:00. Stay tuned!!!
RVH
Active Member
Alrighty, ever have good news & bad news but its the same news?....Repair shop called and said the starter has a short....well thats good because now I feel better about having ordered a new one......bad news is I'm not headed to the beach just yet. Are there any components that would have helped fry my starter except for the VR? (hopefully was the oil stauration) Havn't had it running to check the voltage at the battery since this delima started. Can I check the VR w/o cranking the bike? (resistance maybe) Will I do too much damage if I install the new starter & crank it just long enough to check the voltage at the battey?
Fibersnake
Banjo Playing PsychoBilly
Can the starter tech fix the short and if so is it for a reasonable price. May be cheaper than a new one, and though you have gone ahead and ordered a new one, a stand-by would not be bad if the price is right.
You should be okay to start it enough to check the voltage for the VR. More than likely you got oil or crud into starter and that created the short.
Good luck
You should be okay to start it enough to check the voltage for the VR. More than likely you got oil or crud into starter and that created the short.
Good luck
) Will check into that later.
RVH
Active Member
Well new starter came today. Just put it in and she fired right up. I smiled like the Hawian Tropic Models had just walked in until I quickly grabbed the voltmeter and touched the terminals. It pegged out, even on the highest setting so I assume the VR is shot. I tried calling BD just to see if the bike is still under warranty but I must have the wrong # cause I got the fax sound. Anybody wanna share the customer service # to these guys?........ Should they replace it even if it is out of warranty? (or will I get the little fuse kit?) If they dont step up, where is my best bet for ordering a replacement? .... Gonna forget about making it to Myrtle. Think I'll just head down to my place in Beaufort to hang out on the beach where I wont see many bikes to remind me that my dog, is still on the porch. Suxxxxx!!!
Fibersnake
Banjo Playing PsychoBilly
RVH,
When you say check the terminals. You referring to the battery I assume. Also I noted that your voltmeter pegged, but what it the max range and did you have it set for a lower range by chance?
May want to get a more diverse voltmeter that will show a much greater range and then get the actual voltage. Without knowing how high it was, it would be hard to say, but should be charging in the 14 VDC range. If you do not have one, would recommend a good multimeter from like Fluk or Biddle.
Hell I know that my Fluke 87 will go to 1000VDC, much higher than anything the alternator is physically capable of putting out.
Good luck on getting ahold of Big Dog, I do not have their number handy and hopefully someone else does and chimes in soon. You might also give the search feature a shot to see if you can find the best number.
When you say check the terminals. You referring to the battery I assume. Also I noted that your voltmeter pegged, but what it the max range and did you have it set for a lower range by chance?
May want to get a more diverse voltmeter that will show a much greater range and then get the actual voltage. Without knowing how high it was, it would be hard to say, but should be charging in the 14 VDC range. If you do not have one, would recommend a good multimeter from like Fluk or Biddle.
Hell I know that my Fluke 87 will go to 1000VDC, much higher than anything the alternator is physically capable of putting out.
Good luck on getting ahold of Big Dog, I do not have their number handy and hopefully someone else does and chimes in soon. You might also give the search feature a shot to see if you can find the best number.
RVH
Active Member
Thanks Fiber, I owe ya. Yeah, I checked voltage at the battery while running. My meter is a Micronta and had it on the 50 then 1000 VDC range. Pegged at both then after checking your post about no way it could produce that kind of voltage, I stuck it on the battery while disconnected. 50 volts on the 50VDC scale. Guess I fried my meter too at some point cause it was working fine. Reminds me of the old "when it rains it pours" saying...... Just got off the phone w Nelson. He didn't have the VR(mine has 05 on it) in stock but went out of his way to find me one and should be here monday. Really great guy and I highly recommend if you need parts!!! Thanks again to everyone for their help and I'll let you know what happens after I install the new VR. Until then, I'll be combing the beaches and drink'n magaritas in Beaufort. later
RVH... slow down...
Obviously check this thread http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/technical-bulletins-recalls/454-voltage-regulator-recall.html
Then get a known good meter and check your battery voltage. Needs to be 12.8-13.0 with the bike off. With the bike running it should be 14.2 but some will do 14.5 or higher but shouldn't be higher than 14.5 cause it can ham the battery.
You spoke to nelson... did you order a manual? http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/how/4639-how-buy-service-manual.html
Then read what it says on testing the VR.
Short summary is this...
To do this you need to Check the plug from the stator to the battery. Front left side of the motor, 2 prong rubber connection... the cord side of the plug goes to the VR. Take the meter and measure the terminal with the positive and put the ground negative from the meter to the motor case. Should be about a colt less than the battery voltage. Then put both leads on the 2 VR terminals. Should read close to zero volts.
However there are tests to check the stator and rotor... but that would be much to type in... that's why I say get a manual for your 2006.
Obviously check this thread http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/technical-bulletins-recalls/454-voltage-regulator-recall.html
Then get a known good meter and check your battery voltage. Needs to be 12.8-13.0 with the bike off. With the bike running it should be 14.2 but some will do 14.5 or higher but shouldn't be higher than 14.5 cause it can ham the battery.
You spoke to nelson... did you order a manual? http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/how/4639-how-buy-service-manual.html
Then read what it says on testing the VR.
Short summary is this...
To do this you need to Check the plug from the stator to the battery. Front left side of the motor, 2 prong rubber connection... the cord side of the plug goes to the VR. Take the meter and measure the terminal with the positive and put the ground negative from the meter to the motor case. Should be about a colt less than the battery voltage. Then put both leads on the 2 VR terminals. Should read close to zero volts.
However there are tests to check the stator and rotor... but that would be much to type in... that's why I say get a manual for your 2006.
RVH
Active Member
Update
Well got tired of waiting on the new VR so I fired the bike up this morning and put the NEW meter across the battery. Averaged about 14.3 volts. Just got back from a test ride of about 2 hrs and shes running fine. Checked the voltage again with the bike still running(14.3) Question: Will the VR go bad all at once or can I be geting favorable readings when I check it and its possibly spiking high volts when I dont have the meter on it? I'll put the new VR on if it ever gets here but do wanna ride this weekend. Whatcha think? .... Shouldv'e went with my gut feeling about the starter. Also should have loaded it up and hauled it to the beach to one of the trucks. Could've been ridin alot sooner, cost me nothing and been at bike week. And no Chris, I was more concerned about getting it going soon than ordering a manual. I will but until then, it nice to have a bunch of internet technicians to help me out. I do appreciate all the help.
Well got tired of waiting on the new VR so I fired the bike up this morning and put the NEW meter across the battery. Averaged about 14.3 volts. Just got back from a test ride of about 2 hrs and shes running fine. Checked the voltage again with the bike still running(14.3) Question: Will the VR go bad all at once or can I be geting favorable readings when I check it and its possibly spiking high volts when I dont have the meter on it? I'll put the new VR on if it ever gets here but do wanna ride this weekend. Whatcha think? .... Shouldv'e went with my gut feeling about the starter. Also should have loaded it up and hauled it to the beach to one of the trucks. Could've been ridin alot sooner, cost me nothing and been at bike week. And no Chris, I was more concerned about getting it going soon than ordering a manual. I will but until then, it nice to have a bunch of internet technicians to help me out. I do appreciate all the help.
Fibersnake
Banjo Playing PsychoBilly
RVH,
The voltage sounds good for running and highly unlikely that it wil spike when it is not. Overall it sounds like you got everything good and back up. Just remember to get a keep it on a battery tender if you are going to be more than a few days between decent ride (more than a quick run down to the store). Also for the battery 12.8 plus is the key, more likely 13.2 or so range.
Hopefully no more issues and if question on the VR, Gas Man has got very good advice there. Do not hesitate to get the Service Manual when you can for it will become very helpful at times. Between the SB and the folks on here, you should be able to save some time and money for allot of situations.
Be safe and have a great Memorial Weekend.
The voltage sounds good for running and highly unlikely that it wil spike when it is not. Overall it sounds like you got everything good and back up. Just remember to get a keep it on a battery tender if you are going to be more than a few days between decent ride (more than a quick run down to the store). Also for the battery 12.8 plus is the key, more likely 13.2 or so range.
Hopefully no more issues and if question on the VR, Gas Man has got very good advice there. Do not hesitate to get the Service Manual when you can for it will become very helpful at times. Between the SB and the folks on here, you should be able to save some time and money for allot of situations.
Be safe and have a great Memorial Weekend.
Fibersnake
Banjo Playing PsychoBilly
RVH,
It sounds like you have a bad seal between the starter and the primary. There should be no oil coming from starter and if there is, it is due to oil is seeping by the jackshaft seal and migrating to the starter. This is what probably caused the first starter to short.
First thing to do it disconnet the battery and not mess with it. Then if you can, try to get some details photos and get them posted so that we can see where you are referring in regards to the D hole.
More thn likely you will need to get a proper seal and get it taken care of. Also if you have not hurt the stater yet (should be good), will need to take it out, pull it apart and give it a good cleaning with the electrial contact cleaner (make sure it is safe for plastic so not to remove varnish and insulation from armiture).
Fiber
It sounds like you have a bad seal between the starter and the primary. There should be no oil coming from starter and if there is, it is due to oil is seeping by the jackshaft seal and migrating to the starter. This is what probably caused the first starter to short.
First thing to do it disconnet the battery and not mess with it. Then if you can, try to get some details photos and get them posted so that we can see where you are referring in regards to the D hole.
More thn likely you will need to get a proper seal and get it taken care of. Also if you have not hurt the stater yet (should be good), will need to take it out, pull it apart and give it a good cleaning with the electrial contact cleaner (make sure it is safe for plastic so not to remove varnish and insulation from armiture).
Fiber
Last edited:
Fibersnake
Banjo Playing PsychoBilly
RVH,
It sounds like you have a bad seal between the starter and the primary. There should be no oil coming from starter and if there is, it is due to oil is seeping by the jackshaft seal and migrating to the starter. This is what probably caused the first starter to short.
First thing to do it disconnet the battery and not mess with it. Then if you can, try to get some details photos and get them posted so that we can see where you are referring in regards to the D hole.
More thn likely you will need to get a proper seal and get it taken care of. Also if you have not hurt the stater yet (should be good), will need to take it out, pull it apart and give it a good cleaning with the electrial contact cleaner (make sure it is safe for plastic so not to remove varnish and insulation from armature).
This may help:
Fiber
It sounds like you have a bad seal between the starter and the primary. There should be no oil coming from starter and if there is, it is due to oil is seeping by the jackshaft seal and migrating to the starter. This is what probably caused the first starter to short.
First thing to do it disconnet the battery and not mess with it. Then if you can, try to get some details photos and get them posted so that we can see where you are referring in regards to the D hole.
More thn likely you will need to get a proper seal and get it taken care of. Also if you have not hurt the stater yet (should be good), will need to take it out, pull it apart and give it a good cleaning with the electrial contact cleaner (make sure it is safe for plastic so not to remove varnish and insulation from armature).
This may help:
Fiber
RVH
Active Member
Talked to a local custom guy last night and he says there is no seal around the shaft. Only a bushing. Only way the oil can get on the inside is around the shaft, right? Keep reading on here about a new gasket, new O-ring or new seal. The new O-ring would only keep the oil from getting on the outside, right? What did BDM do to the newer starters to keep oil out? ..... Fiber, cant post pics right now, Im working from my laptop. Both starters look identical & with the starter in the mounted position, the hole is at the very bottom of the starter, on the left side of the bike. If it were not there, the starter would just fill up with oil.