OK, this never happened before when starting.

[Bmarchant]

I have a 2003 chopper, no issues at all since owning the bike this year. Today I was at the store, I go to start the bike, lots of compression so it hesitates for a sec (happens sometimes but normal, right?), then the starter engages and cranks over twice, then everything is dead. Speedo lights go out, no lights, nothing. I put the key back in and turn the bike off, then back on. Everything comes back, and I hit the starter, good to go, it fires right up. Its never down that before. Though sometimes the compression seems to be a lot for the starter, it might hesitate for a sec, then fire. No compression release valves installed.


Here are the facts.

New Battery only two months old. Drag Specialities. On Tender when not riding.

terminals are tight.

I never leave the key/keys in the ignition. I turn it on, and the key goes in my pocket.

Is this something that might have happened because the starter had a hard time with the compression and shut everything down. Then by turning on and off the key, it reset itself? When I got back to work, I shut it down, then started it twice, and it was fine. It did seem to have a lot of compression when all this happened.

What do you guys think? Is this a hint of something else big about to happen, or should I just not worry about it and see if it ever happens again.

Bill

 

[TheDeadOne]

B,
Not saying you did, but as it states in the owners manual; "Do Not Twist Throttle While Cranking", this adds to the compression drastically!
The high current draw was detected, and it shut down to keep from burning something up. You're right, cycling the key reset it again.
Other than that..I would suggest:
1.Check all battery (High Current) connections for corrosion or oxidation. (2)Battery, (1) Ground, (2) Starter (solenoid & motor)
2. Could possibly be your solenoid high current contacts are a little "Arced Up" from starting, which is normal over time. That can be taken apart and cleaned back up with Emory Cloth or Sand Paper.

Good Luck!

 

[Bmarchant]

Actually, I never turn the throttle before or during starting, because of the added compression. It was just real strange, that seemed to be fixed by turning off then back on.

thanks for the tip on the soleniod contacts. I will check for that.

Maybe it was just because of the hard time turning over the engine. It is real hot here in NH today 90 degrees......

 

[TheDeadOne]

Actually, I never turn the throttle before or during starting, because of the added compression. It was just real strange, that seemed to be fixed by turning off then back on, like something go re-set.

thanks for the tip on the soleniod contacts. I will check for that.

Check the other items first, much, much easier! :2thumbs:

Good Luck!

 

[Bmarchant]

Will do that.... Thank you for the response.

 

[TheDeadOne]

:2thumbs: No problem, that's why I'm here! :lol:

Good Luck!

 

[lee]

badbrad had a drag specialties battery that went south on him real quick - could be that. Get it load tested.

 

[woodbutcher]

just to make sure, i try to remember to manually depress the compression reliefs before cranking. just a little insurance.

 

[TheDeadOne]

just to make sure, i try to remember to manually depress the compression reliefs before cranking. just a little insurance.

:zzdisappointed::zzdisappointed::zzdisappointed:

Only a "Woodbutcher" or a "NailBender" would come up with that answer!...J/K :lol:

are you?











'03s don't have "stock" compression releases! :loony::crazy:

:roll::roll::roll::roll::roll::roll:

 

[Vegas]

03's didn't have compression releases. My 03 chopper always grunted before it turned over. I'd check the bike over really well, that was not normal. You could have popped a circuit breaker.

 

[FIREKILLER!!!]

Check your battery teminal connections, mine will come loose every so often and will do the same thing. Just tighten down and away you go.

 

[woodbutcher]

yea, you're right about the '03s, forgot about that. but it works for me!!!!!!!

 

[Raywood]

yea, you're right about the '03s, forgot about that. but it works for me!!!!!!!

But they are pre-wired for the CR's and are and easy addition (and recommended) that did on my 03.

 

[Bmarchant]

Hi Guys,
Even though I had tightened up the battery connections on Sunday (I do this every week) The right terminal was loose again. Causing the lead to melt a little. Is there a battery that you guys recommend, that has more meat to the terminal. The Drag Specialties batteries seem real cheap to me. This is the second one that has done this. I can't keep them tight to save my life.

What make and model battery are you guys using?

 

[TheDeadOne]

B,
Good find! :2thumbs:

Personally and especially W/O compression reliefs, I go with the Big Boar 350 CCA install, tighten, and spray with terminal insulator spray.

Good Luck!

 

[Big Ron]

Hi Guys,
Even though I had tightened up the battery connections on Sunday (I do this every week) The right terminal was loose again. Causing the lead to melt a little. Is there a battery that you guys recommend, that has more meat to the terminal. The Drag Specialties batteries seem real cheap to me. This is the second one that has done this. I can't keep them tight to save my life.

What make and model battery are you guys using?

Do you have lock washers on your battery terminals? I see a few on here from time to time that have this happen. Three motorcycles and have never had a problem with battery terminals. All of mine have lock washers.

I just bought a Harley battery for a softail that is an exact fit for the 07 K-9.

 

[Bmarchant]

Hi Ron,
Ya, I put lock washers on it. The drag specilities battery has a thin lead wall where the terminals hook up. Also has this big spacer that seems to act like a lever. Then there is just took much stuff on the post.

Which Harley battery did you go with? Is it safe to go with more CCAs, like the 310 or 350. I think stock was 270 CCA wasn't it?

 

[BadBrad]

You can search "batteries" on the forum and get about 100 different opinions, but for the most part, bigger is better and buying a precharged battery also seems to be the choice for most. Like Lee said earlier, I just had a Drag Spec. battery crap out on me only after 3 months. Never had a problem with the terminals. I went back with the same only because it was a full replacement. Not sure if that was the best thing to do, but it saved me $130 for now. I also use the blue locktite on the terminal screws! Good luck

 

[BadBrad]

One more thing! Trash the spacers and make sure your terminal bolt snugs down tight. You may have to go to a different length bolt or just cut the long one that comes with the battery.

 

[woodbutcher]

Hi Ron,
Ya, I put lock washers on it. The drag specilities battery has a thin lead wall where the terminals hook up. Also has this big spacer that seems to act like a lever. Then there is just took much stuff on the post.

Which Harley battery did you go with? Is it safe to go with more CCAs, like the 310 or 350. I think stock was 270 CCA wasn't it?

if the battery will fit in the slot, the more cca you have, the better off you are. still running the original and it has never come loose.