starter engaging with bike OFF

[toadstool]

While attempting to start my 2008 mutt the starter kept engaging despite letting off the start button. I turned the ignition off and the starter continued to engage over and over. Then the battery boiled. I self-diagnosed a bad solenoid and the local Harley dealership bench tested the starter and said everything was fine. I had them install a slam button I purchased from a site vendor. The slam button is hard to push and doesn’t make a good connection. To get the starter to engage the slam button literally has to be smacked using a block of wood and a hammer. The bike worked fine for a week and did the same exact thing with the starter sticking and the new battery boiled. A local independent shop installed a new starter relay and said they started the bike 20 times without an issue, problem solved according to them. The bike worked fine for a while then today the same thing happened again. Any ideas?

 

[IRONHEAD]

maybe the button is sticking or shorting out?

 

[toadstool]

I thought that it could be the start button originally and took the controls apart and inspected everything. My thought process is - if the ignition is turned off there should be no power to the start button. But the starter is directly connected to the battery... but the starter bench tested fine? I’m scratching my head.

 

[KaptinAmerika]

Did they replace the plunger along with the solenoid as well?
I've had several situations where the plunger would stick under certain situations. Replaced the plunger and it would stop.

 

[toadstool]

Did they replace the plunger along with the solenoid as well?
I've had several situations where the plunger would stick under certain situations. Replaced the plunger and it would stop.

That is a great question! I actually have no idea. I purchased the solenoid and slam button from a forum vendor and I am not sure if the kit included the plunger. I will investigate. I've been away for quite some time because I've been nervous to ride my bike. I had a scare last year and topped with starting issues I have lost interest. I listed my bike for sale and watching prospective buyers drool over it kinda renewed my interest. I'd love to keep it but I also don't want to have to worry about being stranded again, and again, and again. A few years ago the big thing was to replace wiring. I'm sure new stuff has came about since the wire plus (I think it was called). What is the new recommendation to eliminate electrical issues?

 

[KaptinAmerika]

That is a great question! I actually have no idea. I purchased the solenoid and slam button from a forum vendor and I am not sure if the kit included the plunger. I will investigate. I've been away for quite some time because I've been nervous to ride my bike. I had a scare last year and topped with starting issues I have lost interest. I listed my bike for sale and watching prospective buyers drool over it kinda renewed my interest. I'd love to keep it but I also don't want to have to worry about being stranded again, and again, and again. A few years ago the big thing was to replace wiring. I'm sure new stuff has came about since the wire plus (I think it was called). What is the new recommendation to eliminate electrical issues?

I believe you bought the slam button from us, Wild Steed Worx.
A slam button is never the answer to starting issues.
It is a fantastic thing to have if and when you have a starting issue along with a 10mm wrench just in case, but without regular maintenance, sometimes even with, it might get stuck on you.
I've had one on my K9 for a number of years but fortunately never needed it.
With some key elements resolved on the BDs an owner can generally avoid the pitfalls others have suffered.
Getting rid of the OEM charging system, going to a quality EHC system like the Electronik and running a quality Lithium-ion battery like the EarthX are all huge starts in the right direction.
Many times though it comes down to just keeping things maintained properly and that includes the wiring system. Keeping connections clean, tight and sealed and making sure areas of the harness are not being rubbed through.

 

[MossBerg590]

While attempting to start my 2008 mutt the starter kept engaging despite letting off the start button. I turned the ignition off and the starter continued to engage over and over. Then the battery boiled. I self-diagnosed a bad solenoid and the local Harley dealership bench tested the starter and said everything was fine. I had them install a slam button I purchased from a site vendor. The slam button is hard to push and doesn’t make a good connection. To get the starter to engage the slam button literally has to be smacked using a block of wood and a hammer. The bike worked fine for a week and did the same exact thing with the starter sticking and the new battery boiled. A local independent shop installed a new starter relay and said they started the bike 20 times without an issue, problem solved according to them. The bike worked fine for a while then today the same thing happened again. Any ideas?

Seems like something is not right with the starter and you shouldnt have to hit the slam button like that. I'd start with taking it off and seeing what's up

 

[Sven]

It might have cockus erectus. That's when the starter shaft is cocked to the flywheel, holds the shaft from retracting. If say you loosen the starter motor bolts, but still have it somewhat tight enough to let the motor find its happy place, returns the shaft home, then retighen, it might not hang up like it's doing. Since the relay was addressed, the slam shows resistance, the motor was bolted up statically, it might need that subtle move. Just throwing it out there.
It

 

[francoblay1]

I
....Getting rid of the OEM charging system, going to a quality EHC system like the Electronik and running a quality Lithium-ion battery like the EarthX are all huge starts in the right direction.
Many times though it comes down to just keeping things maintained properly and that includes the wiring system. Keeping connections clean, tight and sealed and making sure areas of the harness are not being rubbed through.

Sorry to change subject here but... In the past discussions about batteries, Lithium-Ion batteries was a big NO! what has changed???

 

[KaptinAmerika]

Sorry to change subject here but... In the past discussions about batteries, Lithium-Ion batteries was a big NO! what has changed???

Most of the Lithium-ions are a big No No because their junk.
EarthX is a quality American Made battery.
To date I have not seen a Lithium-ion, like we sell, do anything more than pop a hole in it's side or just stop working.
I have not seen one explode burn down a bike or anything else more than what I stated.
I should add also that i have a dozen local customers all running EarthX batteries without issue and loving the no trickle charging, uneventful starts and ability to leave for months at a time and come back to a battery that spins the motor right up.

 

[TapioK]

Slam button has a tendency to get stuck since plunger hits it rather hard against the cover.
I fixed mine by making a washer between the cover and button. Sorry, don’t have a picture on hand. Used it for a summer when my solenoid took crap, smooth one finger operation...

 

[Griffit]

i had that happen on a 76 super glide..found shorted wire to i believe the key side of the solinoid...basically it i kept the starter engaged

 

[francoblay1]

i had that happen on a 76 super glide..found shorted wire to i believe the key side of the solinoid...basically it i kept the starter engaged

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