[hodos]

I've got a 2000 LC1500 with a starting problem. Local dealer checked battery (ok), charging sysyem is charging (ok), ignition (ok). However, bike will occasionally slowly crank as if the battery is low, but my battery tender says it is charged. I jump it with a jump box and it will start, run fine and I will put 75-100 miles on it, pull it in the garage. Next day it may not start, or it may jump to life and seem just fine. I NEED HELP. This is driving me a bit crazy!!

 

[Dave2122]

Even though they said the battery is ok I would check the output while the bike is running. It should be 14.5 volts. also with the bike off check the battery and see what the voltage is. It should be 12.5 volts.

 

[icekillah]

yea while the bike is not running the voltage of the battery should be around 12.5 give or take. if it goes under 12 volts you may have a short in the electrical system or an exhausted battery(have you ever completly discharged the battery before) a completely discharged battery will loose about 40% of its power unless its of marine grade. If you have a multimeter and a manual for the bike you could also test the ignition coils to make sure they are in spec. could also be the starter motor but usually when those go the bike won't start at all, otherwise that i would suggest pulling the spark plus to see if one or all have been fouled which could cause weak spark,erradic starting till they get completly fouled and the bike will not start at all it shouldn't look like this:

http://www.ngk.com/sparkplug411.asp?kw=Fouling&mfid=1

 

[Kropatchek]

Startin'or not?

Did you check the battery terminals, clean and tight?
The thick negative wire to the engine? The connections on the starter relay?
Just a thought.

Greetz
Kropatchek

 

[The Chad]

doubt that you will have a SHORT, they blow fuses. You may however have a draw that is more than normal. You can disconnect the neg. terminal and hook up an amp meter from the cable end to the neg. post of the battery. if there is anything more than .2 of an amp, ( even that might be a bit high) you need to locate what circuit it is that has the problem. Has the battery been replaced in the lase 2 years??????? If not, just do it, bike batteries are exposex to high temps and lots of vibration, these two things can easly cause the battery to break down internally and sometimes have an intermitant internal short between 2 or more plates in the battery. If all these things are OK, you may want to conduct voltage drop tests. This will inform you if you have a component with excessive internal resistance, battery cable, starter solinoid, so on and so forth. Any Q's, ask me here or PM me, either way I'll do what I can. If you use MSN messanger, you can add me and talk to me live at [email protected] Good luck to you.

P.S. I love AC delco batteries, they are built at the same plant but to a different standard. Best vibration resistance.