Blue wire under the seat on Sportsters is only connected for male riders. For female riders you disconnect it to derate the engine. Read it here on the Forum so it must be true.

 

https://photos.app.*******/xkeYDrtfYLfnccTE6

 

I just read this whole thing. There are two items that stick out

1. From the OP, the solenoid fell apart, should I replace it?

2. From the OP, I hit the start button and all I hear is a click.

Not that it's going to matter because it looks like he's gone. Just something I noticed.

carl

 

**UPDATE: Well, the '78 Sporty is running. (Two pics enclosed of me riding it. First time it has been ridden in 39 years). Running pretty good actually. New battery, new solenoid, all wiring connections checked, cables lubed. Need tires (they are the original tires), front brake doesn't work (Tried bleeding it but nothing happened so I suspect I need new brake lines. There was all types of crud in the fluid reservoir so I think the lines are just clogged). To my surprise I haven't touched the carb (yet), it seems to be ok but we'll see long term. Still have to change oil and get new spark plugs. Thnaks for everyone ones help. I may be back with more questions, (i.e: gas and oil requirements now as opposed to back then. Gas with ethanol? Oil without zinc? etc. Have to see what works best in these old bikes).

 

Your front master cylinder may need rebuilt (or it may not) and I doubt your lines are clogged. Fill your master cylinder with fluid, leave the top off, pull in the brake leaver and tie it to the handgrip so it stays pulled in. Let it set over night and see if that works. Good luck..... you'll definitely be back with more questions.

 

You started and rode that with old condensation loaded oil in it , knew that was going to happen.

 

That was my 1st thought when I read that too TwiZted. Tell us you really didn't do that OP.

 

Well while ultimately that isn't advisable, keep in mind it was only started and ridden for only about a minute and a half to two minutes, in the very short term I decided to give it a brief test. I am aware it is old oil but my understanding is even old oil does not lose it's lubricating properties. It may lose some detergents or other qualities but I think I'm ok here. I had to start it and run it briefly to see what my next move would be. I'm ok with a short time run of the engine. There are so little miles on the bike I don't think there are any major components that are threatened. Oil was also squirted down the cylinders the day before it was fired up. I really don't believe anything critically bad occurred. Now take it easy on me, I know I'm going to get jumped on here.

 

Good tip. I'll try that. A friend mentioned I should also open up the bleeder too and let it flow with the lever tied to the bar.

 

OK, so you didn't tell us why it did not have power? Inquisitive minds want to know..........