G'day, posting this after testing with multi meter, (battery is taking charge and holding it), pulling battery out and checking everything (wires etc) is tight around starter motor etc. Before I take it to a shop wanted to ask if there's anything else I should be checking. This might seem like a really dumb question to most but I'd really appreciate a hint. I ride my 95 dyna glide, stop after 40 mins or so for a bite then it wont restart and I'll have to roll start it down a grade to get home. Next day, starts first time. Cheers and thanks for the posts
Oh yeah...see what you mean...when I turn key ignition lights just go off with a very soft click sometimes. I wait, turn key again and same thing happens. So, wont turn over or fire... But after some time like next day, it fires up strongly.
Yeah that makes sense....just tested battery with ignition (inc hardwired headlight) on and it was 12.44 Errr when I checked earlier ignition was off (I know, stoopid) Checked regulator plug and the pins look shitty (half worn off!) so thats prob the prob. Better get a new regulator as dont think lead/plug can be replaced.... Thanks kiwidave Cooky Smutley....
First up sounds to me like the starter motor might be drawing too much current when it gets hot.
OK when it's cold and leaves plenty for the ign to work, but when they draw excessive current, there's nuthin left for anything else.
That's why it will start with a bump.
This one rings a bell.
Check the bolts holding the starter.Make sure they are torqued correctly.
Not sure if it was your model or year but there was a few bikes that wouldn't start when warm for the reason that the starter would lose contact with the housing.
Take the starter out & see if you have marks where the charge is jumping across
Will get battery tested at battery dealer and the starter motor idea sounds worthwhile too. Havent had much of a chance to do anything yet. Someone also suggested pour cool water over the starter after a ride to see if it starts then after cooling...... Thanks Issues and kiwidave.
Dave, re your earlier post with the link to instructions for testing/troubleshooting, this is great stuff. Thanks heaps for sharing knowledge I really had/have little clue about this stuff. I'll print this out and do the checks on Sat when I've got some daylight slow time. I'll post results.
plus 1 Hutch. I will be interesting to find out what it was. Probably one that was listed allready, but if it is something new then we all learn some more..
I had a fatty five years back, it was only a year or two old, serviced by stealer. Couldn't start it one day but lights were on, ummed and ahhed for a few minutes and looked around, it had a loose positive lead on the battery. Maybe it came loose, maybe the apprentice didn't tighten it after putting parts on it, maybe, maybe,................ that's why it's best to check everything yourself and don't rely on the stealer. I learn't from my experience.
Hi All, Well, here's the report so far......I followed Kiwidave's excellent instructions on electrical testing and did the following:
1. Battery test with ignition off showed 12.83 V
2. ,, ,, when running 13.6 V and when revved 14 V
3 ,, ,, ignition off after running 13 V
4 ,, ,, ,, on (inc headlight on) 12.4 V
5. Regulator pins volt test .24 V and .25 V (the 2 pins)
6. Stator output AC: 1.1
7. Resistance /ohms test on stator pins: 1
Seems all ok.
I started and stopped the motor throughout and then went for a ride to a mate's about 35k away and it started first time when I left. BUT he noticed my headlight was flickering on and off and says this could be where a short is happening which makes sense to me. So, next thing I will do is take the headlight off and fix that flicker.
I took a pic of the dodgy regulator pins for you to laugh at but am not sure how to put a pic up here. Crap as they look, I really think they're not the issue although will get a new regulator. So.......after all this, a short seems to be occurring around the headlight which could be stopping ignition. I'll get back to it and let you know how I go.
Sorry to waffle on but a really big thanks to kiwidave for the great how to electrical test. It was great to follow those simple instructions and it is a top document for a non mechanic type like me who wants to learn. Thanks to everyone else too for suggestions and interest and this is such a bloody great site because of you and everyone else here. Cheers
