Loss of Electrics

[Leadbelly]

I took my Softail to work yesterday and it stopped due to a total loss of electrics.

Had to call out the RAC man.

The fault was traced to the small wire coming off the starter.
The connections on the starter was corroded but I could not get it off at the road side.

The RAC fellow who was excellent suggested we connect what looks like an un terminated red wire to the positive on my trickle charger wires.(optimate)

Looks how ever now that I am home I have lost the large chrome washer for the seat mounting and will have to remove the oil tank to get at the starter.
Not done this before but hopefully it will be easy enough.

I am just really telling you this incase you have any tips or it helps anyone else.

Leadbelly

[Limey_Dave]

Only the one that always stands repeating.

When working on battery/starter cables or their circuits,always disconnect the earth first and re-connect last.
If you then touch a spanner on the frame when working on live connections you won't get a short.

[MadMax]

What year Softail? I've had mine out on an 03 a couple of times - it is a pain but it can be done with patience. You're in Region 1 aren't you? You can borrow my 03 manual if you need it ..

[Leadbelly]

Madmax its a 06 softail.

Have you taken the starter out?

I am trying to figure out the easiest way, I take it the battery has to come out then the oil tank to get to the starter?

I am in area 1, I live Mintlaw area and work in Aberdeen. I have bought the Harley Service manual but still trying to make head from tail with it.


Leadbelly

[robbiemac]

Hi, sorry to hear of your hassles.
Try this: when you remove the battery you may be able to get your fingers/small spanner down to the terminal through the bottom of the oil tank.
The last time i did one of those was quite a while ago but i hope there are still the holes in the battery compartment.
Mind your ears when you disconnect the battery.

for future ref: there is a main circuit breaker behind the rear splash guard and that sometimes gets corrosion which can cause a total loss of electrics. Keep an eye on that one.

[softail898]

Originally Posted by Leadbelly

I took my Softail to work yesterday and it stopped due to a total loss of electrics.

Had to call out the RAC man.

The fault was traced to the small wire coming off the starter.
The connections on the starter was corroded but I could not get it off at the road side.

The RAC fellow who was excellent suggested we connect what looks like an un terminated red wire to the positive on my trickle charger wires.(optimate)

Looks how ever now that I am home I have lost the large chrome washer for the seat mounting and will have to remove the oil tank to get at the starter.
Not done this before but hopefully it will be easy enough.

I am just really telling you this incase you have any tips or it helps anyone else.

Leadbelly

Just changed my Oil Tank. It is fairly straightforward but a bit time consuming.
I put my bike on a Bike Lift, makes it so much easier.
This is the bare bones: Seat off. Disconnect Battery and remove. Drain Oil from tank (Drain Plug on bottom of Swingarm near the pivot.) Remove Rear Splash Guard (2 Bolts). Remove Ignition Module and Fuse Box Bracket. Remove Rear Silencer. Remove the 3 Oil Lines. the top 2 are easy: Pull back Chrome Covers and you will see a Black Plastic Fitting going into the tank with the Oil Line going through it. Depress the 2 wings that stick out of the fitting and pull gently and the Oil Line and Fitting will come free. Note there is a small Spacer sandwiched by 2 O Rings which should be left in the tank when the oil line is removed. Put a bit of tape over the holes to stop them falling out or remove and store safely for later. Undo the Lower Oil Line connection clip (at the tank end) and the Drain Line Clip (at the swingarm end), new Jubilee clips will be needed. Remove the remaining Bolts (2 Rear and 1 Front) and the Tank should be free. I also removed the vertical Bar in front of the Oil Tank that goes from the Frame to the Engine (its where the Horn and Coil are mounted.) This gives a bit more room to get the Tank out. Slide the Tank out to the right hand side of the bike.
When Putting the Tank back, make sure the 2 O Rings and Spacer are seated so the pipe can go through them.
Good luck...Pat

[MadMax]

Leadbelly,
I've had my starter off a couple of times & yes you will need to take out the oil tank first. The description above is perfect, especially remember to take out the post behind the motor - that gives you a lot more room. I had my back wheel out at he same time, gives you more access to the electrics behind the splash plate. Be sure to check in your manual the correct steps for removing the battery - or you'll be plagued with alarm problems .. Give me a bell on 07979598393 if you need a hand ..

[banquo]

Battery removal on '06 not same as our '03 Max. Don't ask me how I know, as it concerns alarms, and I would have to cut my tongue out...