Of course it won't start... It was working fine so of course something had gone to shit!

Hradek

Hradek

Member
04 bdm chopper.
Key on start, run button on, push start button... Starter engages, cranks to start, but doesn't turn all the way over... Does this until we get lucky and it actually starts, but mostly it just drains the battery, so we jumper cable it to another bike or car, let it charge for a few then try again with almost 100% success. Is this a battery issue or an ignition switch issue?
Starter solenoid had just been rebuilt, so it's not a starter issue... Any ideas????
 
chubs

chubs

Guru
Hradek said:
04 bdm chopper.
Key on start, run button on, push start button... Starter engages, cranks to start, but doesn't turn all the way over... Does this until we get lucky and it actually starts, but mostly it just drains the battery, so we jumper cable it to another bike or car, let it charge for a few then try again with almost 100% success. Is this a battery issue or an ignition switch issue?
Starter solenoid had just been rebuilt, so it's not a starter issue... Any ideas????
Click to expand...
I betting on weak battery. how old is it?
 
Brew

Brew

Troop Supporter
How old is your battery? It sounds like it might be on it's last leg. Take it to AutoZone or another auto store and have the battery load tested to be sure. It's a free check...
 
S

Sven

Well-Known Member
1. What is my volt reading across the battery? 12v.
2. What is my volt reading across the battery when I spin the motor? 10v. Then it's the battery.
3. What is my volt reading across the battery when the bike idles? 12v. Then it's not the battery it's the charging system.

"so we let it charge for a few then try again with almost 100% success." Seems like the battery can take and hold a charge. Did it take how long for the solenoid repair and no charge to the battery? The assumption is a sitter so months later here we are?

"Is this a battery issue or an ignition switch issue?"
Can't be an ignition issue if the battery takes a charge and you have 100% success at the key switch too.
 
chubs

chubs

Guru
I believe that the engine will stop at the point of most resistance (compression stroke) when ignition is shut off. When you try to start the bike, it has to overcome this resistance, therefore requiring slightly more voltage, and amps, If the battery is not up to the task it will crank very slow and weak. By jumping with a different battery and starting, would lead me to suspect a battery problem. If jumping it works I think you can probably rule out the solenoid. Since it was recently rebuilt I would assume the contacts were cleaned up.
I agree with Brew and Tom
 
francoblay1

francoblay1

The Spaniard
chubs said:
I believe that the engine will stop at the point of most resistance (compression stroke) when ignition is shut off. When you try to start the bike, it has to overcome this resistance, therefore requiring slightly more voltage, and amps, If the battery is not up to the task it will crank very slow and weak. By jumping with a different battery and starting, would lead me to suspect a battery problem. If jumping it works I think you can probably rule out the solenoid. Since it was recently rebuilt I would assume the contacts were cleaned up.
I agree with Brew and Tom
Click to expand...
:agree:
 
RH1661

RH1661

New Member
Hradek said:
04 bdm chopper.
Key on start, run button on, push start button... Starter engages, cranks to start, but doesn't turn all the way over... Does this until we get lucky and it actually starts, but mostly it just drains the battery, so we jumper cable it to another bike or car, let it charge for a few then try again with almost 100% success. Is this a battery issue or an ignition switch issue?
Starter solenoid had just been rebuilt, so it's not a starter issue... Any ideas????
Click to expand...
Hi,
I have the exact same issue with my '09. I had my battery checket at the local battery dealer, and even though he wanted to sell me a new one, he told me that my battery was ok after testing it.
Please post your solution if you find one before me, thanks.
 
IRONHEAD

IRONHEAD

Active Member
Sometimes a battery that test ok is not good enough for our bikes. Ive seen tons of post on the exact problems you're having and a new battery fixes most of the problems. Make sure it has high cold cranking power. Also start checking all the wires for a loose connection. Finally...BEWARE THE INTRO POLICE!!:dupe:
 
RH1661

RH1661

New Member
IRONHEAD said:
Sometimes a battery that test ok is not good enough for our bikes. Ive seen tons of post on the exact problems you're having and a new battery fixes most of the problems. Make sure it has high cold cranking power. Also start checking all the wires for a loose connection. Finally...BEWARE THE INTRO POLICE!!:dupe:
Click to expand...
Thank you Ironhead - I think a new HP battery def. is worth a try...
 
cavcom278

cavcom278

THE COMMOMAN
Ok Ive been trouble shooting my 07 k9 for the same problem. When I try to start it the starter turns 1 time and the flashers start going. cleaned all the connections on the starter , all wires and circuit breaker. I even pulled the soleniod and cleaned the contacts to. Cleaned all wire contacts at the battery but still had the same problem..... Well I tested the battery it's a Braille and it was fine on the load test. After all of that I looked at the face side contact on the battery and it looked gray but clean. I used a angle grinder with a fine gasket cleaning disk and just scrubbed the face of each pole and brighted them up and reinstalled everything and wala everything worked fine. Started it 6-7 times just to make sure and then went for a quick ride for good measure. all in all checking everything is good but check the contact faces on the battery first because that was the last thing I checked and it may save you some time.
 
chubs

chubs

Guru
Funny you should mention that. My 02 pitbull was not wanting to start tonight, so I pulled the battery out of the sportster (new last fall) and popped it in the dog. Lights the puppy right up. put the dog battery in the sporty, and it cranks just like new. must've had dirty terminals. LOt cheaper than new battery.:oldthumbsup::oldthumbsup: ,
 
francoblay1

francoblay1

The Spaniard
chubs said:
Funny you should mention that. My 02 pitbull was not wanting to start tonight, so I pulled the battery out of the sportster (new last fall) and popped it in the dog. Lights the puppy right up. put the dog battery in the sporty, and it cranks just like new. must've had dirty terminals. LOt cheaper than new battery.:oldthumbsup::oldthumbsup: ,
Click to expand...
As I always say: ALL CONNECTIONS CLEAN & TIGHT! :old2:
 
Hradek

Hradek

Member
After tearing the bike apart for multiple issues... Starting, battery, clutch adjustment... Etc. We found problems and so we fixed them. First... We were draining the battery every time we went to start it, the problem with it starting was the carb needed retuned. Now it starts within the first couple tries and we're no longer draining the battery. As for all the clutch problems... Well apparently back in September of 2014 when we initially had clutch problems, the throwout bearing was removed or fell out, and was never put back in, so all this time, the bike was missing the throw out bearing! Hope this helps!
 
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