'75 FLH Solenoid/Starter Problem. - Harley Forum

The Twangster · #1 03-21-2008, 05:46 PM

Hey guys - Can anyone enlighten me?

My Shovel started just clicking (relay) and draining the battery when I press the button - no kicker - :-(

I'm no great shakes at wiring, but I traced everything so I know it's OK up to the relay power feed to the solenoid. Got permanent power at one of the big studs, which is right.

Here's the puzzle for me.. using a 12V test light, looks like there's earth/ground on the small stud, and also the starter motor stud. It also looks like there's earth on the cable leading to the starter. Is that right?

I earthed to starter stud anyway, expecting/hoping to hear the solenoid click..nothing. Then I bridged the two heavy studs, expecting the starter to turn..nothing.

Are they BOTH dead? Could a fault in one cause a fault in the other?

Your thoughts and help much appreciated. I can find a meter if anyone knows what the readings should be of the coils?

Thanks, guys.

GrayRider · #2 03-21-2008, 11:38 PM

Shovels had starter Bendix issues, which is what it might be. Also, a discharged battery will give you the dreaded, "Click."

I surprised that it doesn't have a kicker. I bought a '75 FX new, kick only. The FXE had both kicker and electric start.

The Twangster · #3 03-22-2008, 10:10 AM

Thanks.

I guess the FL's maybe didn't have the kicker. I wish mine did!

The battery is AOK. I think my starter's a Prestolite, if that helps.

GrayRider · #4 03-22-2008, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Twangster

Thanks.

I guess the FL's maybe didn't have the kicker. I wish mine did!

The battery is AOK. I think my starter's a Prestolite, if that helps.

Sorry, didn't notice it was an FLH...I was skimming.

The Twangster · #5 03-22-2008, 01:01 PM

No Worries...
I didn't notice my own head up my backside!
I should have been puttimg POWER to the small stud, to test the solenoid..not ground.
Duh!
I'll do that later and report back... I'm beginning to suspect the starter. :-(

Yeah - power to small stud - still no click from the solenoid, and no power passed to starter motor stud..so the solenoid seems dead..but so does the starter. Damn.

BIGDADDY77HD · #6 04-05-2008, 10:51 AM

I have a 77flh and mine is almost the exact problem. With a new battery, ignition switch, relay (other issues that I decided to take care of with new parts) my starter will occasionally work but the remainder of the time I hear that dreaded click. Today I am going to test the solenoid to see if that's it, going the cheaper route first. Otherwise it's time to replace the starter.

BIGDADDY77HD · #7 04-05-2008, 03:09 PM

Ok, So After Tinkering Around And Giving It Some Thought I Decided To Use An Old Trick I Used To Use On Old Cars And Trucks. I Took My Screw Driver And Jumped The Solenoid To See If The Starter Would Engage. Sure Enough, That Solenoid Was Bad. Just A Thought For You, I'm No Expert.