Drained...Continued : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Tony S · 09-22-2005, 10:07 PM

Sac Ultra Classic Man & Springer...Evenin' Gentlemen (heres my update) Several weeks ago I removed the stock turn signals & added some mini-bullets. I cut the old rear signal wires at the black plastic plug under the seat, behind the oil tank leaving about 2" for splicing. When I installed the the new rear signals I taped up the wires & gently shoved them down towards those 3 circuit breakers that mount on the rear fender...apparently a MINUTE section of exposed wire, the part where the insulation ends & the little terminal fits into the plastic plug starts, had been touching one of the copper studs on the circuit breakers, causing a drain on the battery...GREAT findin' it but damn,the chain of events leading up to this discovery has been as frustrating as its been expensive...not to mention labor. I know, I know...Welcome to the world of Shovelheads. We learn as we go. Its pretty rewarding having a successful troubleshoot though. Thanks again for the advice & know that i'll be back.
REGARDS,Tony in Frisco

AndrewM01 · 09-23-2005, 11:31 AM

over the end of the connector and down the wire an inch or so, prevents that little gap and acts as a strain/vibration relief on the conection. The next thing that'll happen if you don't, is the vibration will break the wire where it meets the connector. Solder joints are especialy vulenrable. Never mind how I learned that...

newultraclassic · 09-23-2005, 12:01 PM

Great! Glad you found it. I had a short in my Shovelhead one time that took a week to find.

Ultimately, you might enjoy rewiring it some winter. It's nice to know that the wires are all good.

Sieg · 09-23-2005, 03:15 PM

BBB Tip #17
(Backyard Bike Builder)

You guys proly already know about this, but in case you don't...

Whenever I replace stock wiring on a Shovel-which is whenever I work on one-I use a power cord for the rear harness. Usually from a sump pump, chop the cord off at teh pump, clean it up adn test the wires for leakage...if it tests good, it's an excellent harness-3 or 4 wires depending on the model, waterproof, abrasion resistant, auper-insulated...and FREE!