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HELP..only cranks without spark plugs...

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17K views 12 replies 9 participants last post by  captainhook455  
D
#1 ·
BOYS>> I need some help here. I was asked to checkpout a bike that had been sitting for a year. When it was brought to me, I was told that it also didn't start. He said he had put a battery and a starter in, still no starting.
He had several things wrong: No juice to switches, no grounds hooked.
I got it to crank well, but only without plugs installed. With plugs, it only clicks, but sometimes it will crank and start.
I have bypassed the low amperage side of the circuit, so relay and swithes are not in play while testing. I have also bypassed the cables by hooking a car battery direct to starter terminal and frame ground. Still same problem. The gear engages into the ring gear, but seems to quit at that point. When I remove voltage, the gear retracts as it should. I have loosened the jackshaft nut a bit, and also tried pushing the solenoid in by hand. Same problem. I also checked the force to turn the crank WITH plugs in, and that was approx 40lb. Turning the rear tire in high gear felt about right as well. WHAT DO I TRY NEXT???
This is a 92 Dyna of some sort.
ANY HELP APPRECIATED!!
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
OK>> thanks for the advice...still tinkering. My cycle mechanic friend stated that this isn't too unusual for a pre 94 bike. The ratio of the primary drive was changed after 94 to eliminate this. He also noticed the HAYDEN chain tensioner, said that wasn't helping, and recommended changing the starter gear and ring gear to a more optimum ratio. Said there is a aftermarket kit for that...I'll be chatting with the owner this weekend and determine how much he wants to dump in. Possible spring for a NEW battery and 3 NEW cables. Otherwise, I'll take my edger apart, and bolt on the PULL START CORD ASSEMBLY!!
Anyone else got any ideas?
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
As mentioned, I replaced the starter already, but still have the same problem. I also bypassed the cables, hooking my car battery with quality cables to: + went to starter lug, - went to starter housing. then I ran a wire from starter lug to the terminal on the starter to pull in the shaft.
Whats next???
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
crank prob.

Springer, THANKS for the reply.
I checked the cold compression this morning, was around 100.
Taped clutch lever in, no difference.
I already put in a NEW starter cause I thought the new one that the guy put in might have been defective. I am using heavy cables from a car battery to the starter lug, and also to the ground where the starter bolts to motor. Also the outer primary cover is off, and I also tried it on without a gasket and snugged with a few bolts.............whats next?
 
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