bad starter

[thebarlow]

Hi y'all, I have a "86" 883 sportster chop, and the problem I have is that
when I go to start the bike, even if I have been out on it the previous day, its a bitch to start. It takes ages before it tries to fire. I know about warmin the plugs but is there another solution, like better ignition etc. I have flattened the battery twice before tryin to get it to fire up. Cheers.

[simonDyna]

What is the battery condition like?

[thebarlow]

The battery has been tested and its ok. It will hold a charge. Also I don't think its petrol cos i've flooded it blipin the throttle tryin to start it.

[simonDyna]

Have you checked the voltage drop when you try and start it and also the leads to the starter and earth?

[thebarlow]

Not yet but will do this week. Don't get me wrong, it does start, but it takes ages. But once its warmed up it starts no problem. Its only when its left overnight.

[simonDyna]

How about taking a multimeter reading on the battery at say, four hour intervals ( take two readings - one with ignition off and one with it off ) to see if its dropping over night. Whilst the battery is fine, you may have something draining it.

Next thing to check/clean would be the coil, plugs and plug leads and so on.

[kevscrivener]

Process of elimination in these circumstances. Start by changing the plugs, if you haven't already. If it works, fine, if it don't the bike's now got new plugs anyway.

If no joy and the leads look a bit elderly, change them next. Same applies as above.

Simplistic I admit, but my guess is that the fault lies somewhere along these lines. If the battery's holding its charge and it's cranking over fast enough, also you say it's getting juice in, could well be an ignition problem. Colder mornings and a bit of damp in the air tend to show things up like this.


One other question; have you had the bike for a while or is it new to you?

[thebarlow]

Ive had the bike 15 months. I have put new plugs in. It dosent try to fire, it just spins over + over + over then eventually starts. I'm going to warm the plugs before I try to start it and see how long it takes to fire up.

[simonDyna]

Are you getting a spark from the plugs, if they are removed and earthed against the heads?

[thebarlow]

No I have'nt to be honest. I will but if there is no spark why does it fire up eventually.