Bike just started shutting down on me today on my way home from a ride. Everything just started kicking in and out. Bike would go dead, speedo would drop to zero, then "click" back in. Managed to get home without stopping, but it completely died as i pulled in the driveway.

Found my negative battery cable blued and the washer was basically welded to the screw. I managed to tighten it up a bit, and it started right back up after that.

The threads are half melted now tho and the screw won't stay in, so I keep losing that connection and hence the bike keeps dying.

My first thought is I need a new battery (and screw), but should I go deeper with this.Was it justa loose negativeconnection that caused the damage, ordoyou think I have a more serious wiring issue?

Any and all thoughts are welcome.

Ray.

 

Yep, a loose cable will arc at the terminal and cause exactly what you described.

 

More than likely you found the problem.




BOSSMAN

 

After having to tighten my battery connections I make it a habit to give them a check every once in a while. Bike wouldn't start 1 day after a good highway jaunt. First attempt I heard arcing coming from what I thought was the solenoid. It was the battery.

I agree. Chances are you found it but it wouldn't hurt to cover all the bases.

 

I was getting ready to complain about a marriage thread being out of place on the Dyna board.

 

yup probbably just got loose and became an arc welder

 

Thanks all.

I played with it some more (threading and unthreading the screw) and it seems to be holding tight now. I used a socket rather than a screwdriver and cranked it down good and tight. I'll keep some tools in my pocket and let it go like this for a while.

I thinka new battery may be necessary. Time will tell.

Ray.

 

If you drill it out and thread the hole you could use a slightly larger bolt.

bolt 39 cents hand held threading tool maybe 10$ and your set. thats what I'd try....careful not to drill too deep bro!

 

Another option ... and much cheaper than a new battery!

Thanks for the input.

Ray.

 

I'm an auto mechanic, and i see it all the time with GM side-terminal batteries...just my $.02