Won't turn over...

[Lennecke]

Folks, Just starting to tear into a 86 A. The carbs are off being cleaned by me. Slow going process as I just started working again and need to put in the hrs. The issue is this - Pushing the starter button just dims the headlight! I was able to fire the bike up when I got it using starting fluid so I know it runs. Noising around tonight I noticed that when the ign. key is on the display is not showing anything. I do know that when I ran it the display was operating so there has to be a wiring issue someplace.

My question - Where to start troubleshooting? The fuses are all good.

What next?

TIA,

Lennecke

 

[Steve83]

No display, no crank - first check battery voltage and cables. Then, ignition switch. Does the headlight dim, or go off completely when the start button is pressed?

 

[Ansimp]

+1 especially battery and connections

 

[Lennecke]

Thanks for the responses folks.

Battery is charged and connections tight. When I push the starter switch the headlight goes out completely. I don't hear any buzzing or clicks (fuel pump off the machine). I did put the FP back in the circuit to see if that changed anything, but nope, no change. Wiggling the key does nothing (hoping a bad spot in the switch). I started to pull the ign. switch out and now have another question. There is a black wire (bundle of 2 maybe) that goes from under the clamp holding the ign switch in place to over the top of that plate and into a connection in the steering head. What is that for?

TIA,

Lennecke

 

[Ansimp]

Start next with the kill switch then the starter solenoid/relay, a test light will confirm the circuit is operating. Try to use a bulb type test light as sometimes there is enough power to run a LED one or multi meter but not enough to drive the device.

 

[Lennecke]

would those circuits involve the led display? That is not working (it was).

I'll be giving those circuits a check soon as I can - fire house duty tonight.
Thanks,

Lennecke

 

[desertrefugee]

You could eliminate a lot of guesswork by jumping over the heavy contacts on the starter relay (solenoid) to the right of the battery. You'll need a heavy jumper - or screwdriver. If the motor bumps over, it's either the switch or the solenoid. If no joy on the jump, could be bad starter, but more likely crummy battery or starter heavy wire connection.

If it bumped, then verify that the 12V "signal" is getting from the handlebar switch to the solenoid. If it is, solenoid bad. If it's not, switch/button or their wiring is sour.

Good luck. In the grand scheme of things, a pretty simple problem to isolate.

 

[slabghost]

Pull the plugs when trying to start. You may have a flooded cylinder.

 

[Ansimp]

He mentions no display, so it still seems like battery, main fuse or connections..

 

[slabghost]

Ansimp » Tue Jan 21, 2014 8:18 pm[/url]":3qt94p0f]
He mentions no display, so it still seems like battery, main fuse or connections..

:good: agreed but still if a cylinder is flooded you don't want the starter at full power unless the plugs are out to clear the cylinder. I know on my bikes it's almost never just one issue.The trouble always seems to bring friends.

 

[desertrefugee]

slabghost » Tue Jan 21, 2014 6:50 pm[/url]":37t61va4]

Ansimp » Tue Jan 21, 2014 8:18 pm[/url]":37t61va4]
He mentions no display, so it still seems like battery, main fuse or connections..

... I know on my bikes it's almost never just one issue.The trouble always seems to bring friends.

Heh, heh...ain't that the truth

 

[Lennecke]

Thanks for the replys. The plugs are out (I did have a hydro'ed cyl before I took the carbs off). I'll be doing a bit more troubleshooting soon as the temps get above 13 in the garage (which should be sometime next week!!!).

Lennecke

 

[joedrum]

yep its bleak here too on temps LOL

 

[desertrefugee]

80 in Phoenix today...

 

[slabghost]

desertrefugee » Wed Jan 22, 2014 3:50 pm[/url]":2pxr2rkl]
80 in Phoenix today...

:cheeky: when it's 110 in the shade there remember us. It'll in the 70's and 80's here. While your boots melt. :smilie_happy:

 

[Lennecke]

OK Folks - sorry for such a long delay. Working as a contractor and traveling around the country does not allow a lot of time for 'playing' on the computer (or the bike for that matter).

THE BIKE WILL NOW TURN OVER!!!!!!!! YEAH!!!!

Issue - there were 2 issues - one, the starter solenoid. The wires going to it were brunt. Replaced the wires and the solenoid. Second issue - the fuel pump - solid ground. Engine would turn over twice then blow the fuse. Did not notice the blown fuse since I saw early on that it was 'good'.

Have a small gravity fed 'micro' electric pump from 'Mr. Gasket' that will (hopefully) fill the bill as a replacement for the stock one. Specs on it state 2-3.5 PSI, 28 gal/hr.

Now to get the time to rebuild the carbs to get it going!!!!

Lennecke

 

[slabghost]

Congratulations! Love to read of progress in spite of the days burdens.

 

[Ansimp]

+1

 

[Steve83]

Lookin' forward to a ride report!

 

[joedrum]

yep