https://www.hdforums.com/forum/evo-c...king-87-a.html

My 88 FLHTC has been cranking real slow. Much like what the OP describes in the link above. I followed Dr.Hess suggestion in the link and tested the voltage. I found that the voltage drops significantly at the terminal on the solenoid where the power wire goes to the starter when I push the start button.. The voltage at the other terminal is equal to the voltage at the battery when I hit the start button. Does this mean that the solenoid is bad and needs replaced or is there another problem? I did check for loose connections and found none.

 

So what kind of voltage numbers are you seeing on the volt meter?

Voltage across battery terminals before trying to start: _________
Voltage across battery terminals while trying to start: _________
Voltage at the solenoid post connected to the battery while cranking: _________
Voltage at the solenoid post connected to the starter while cranking: _________

If the voltage is different between the two solenoid posts while cranking, it sounds like you're getting a voltage drop there, which could very well be bad contacts inside the solenoid.

 

Have numbers from test would really help.

Age and charge of your battery? Check grounding? This symptom is 90% a weak battery, especially when it's something that is gradually getting worse.

 

My 86 always had starter stall,especially when cold, hit the button a second time usually gets it cranking.and always used Mobil 1 15-50 showing no wear after 34k

 

Don't remember the numbers exactly but I can check when I get home. Here's close numbers though........

At the battery.......12.7-12.9 this one I remember.
At battery when cranking.........10-11
At solenoid from battery..........10-11
At solenoid ro starter........4-5

 

These two posts should be connected together inside the solenoid when the plunger pulls in, so the voltage at each of them should be the same, or very nearly so.

Looks like a probable bad solenoid to me.

 

That's what I thought. Looks like I'm replacing the solenoid.

 

Smile
It could have been much worse.

 

I'll smile when this fixes the problem.

 

I thought surface voltage @ normal ambient should be at least 13.6?