also, my horn stopped working recently as well. at first it was just getting weaker, barely making a buzz sound, now it doesnt work at all when i press the button. is this another possibly related clue? seems to me this would point to a grounding issue..where are all the grounds on a harley? sorry if my questions are noob, this is my first harley and i have no clue when it comes to electrical stuff.

 

Do you have a service manual for this bike? It contains all the necessary electrical schematics.

 

no i dont have the service manual, but i did find a wiring diagram online

http://www.chrishajer.com/bike/XLF/86-90-XL-wiring.jpg

i'll be going over the wiring again before moving onto the solenoid

 

opened up my starter solenoid today, does it look like it needs to be rebuilt? It looks alright to me, but i'm not really sure what its supposed to look like.

Attachment 623612

 

what does the center piece look like...the sides look good....on second look, it looks like there has been water in there...I would take it all apart and give it a good look see, clean it all up if it looks good and put in the new parts for the contacts..

 

this is the plunger/washer. from some other inputs ive gathered its not in the greatest shape either, will replace these contacts and plunger and see if my starter will crank then!



Attachment 623608

 

just an update, i replaced the parts in the starter solenoid, still wouldnt start. so i ended up just replacing the starter and that worked flawlessly.

but now im dealing with no spark and battery drain issues...the joys of owning a harley

 

I feel you.
I have an 88 and if the UPS truck gets here today i'll have it back together tonight