| Author | Message | ||
     Coastrambler |
More battery crap. Past few weeks the bike starts real reluctantly first time each day, when it's totally cold. Get click and the starter whirrs. Eventually it catches fires a beat and stops, with whirr. Finally catches. Yesterday had to get jumper cable to start it after running battery down, it was out in the cold (40F) overnight. I was on a trip, usually it's in the garage and on the battery tender. Battery is 2 years old. So, do I need a new battery? | ||
| Cataract2 |
What is your batteries resting (cold, like over night) voltage? There are a lot of factors that can play into this, but it's a quick check. It's possible that it was low (like you did a bunch of quick rides) when it was put up for the night and the cold over night dropped it a bit more. So it's CCA was not high to begin with. Personally I put both of my bikes on tenders anytime they are in the garage. (Which is anytime they are parked.) | ||
| Sir_wadsalot |
+one on tenders. Are you running heavy weight oil? I ran 20/50 for an oil change and it wouldn't start for shat below 65 degrees. Went back to the reccomended viscocity and no more starting issues. | ||
| Coastrambler |
That's even with the battery tender still connected. I''ll disconnect tender and measure. After the first totally cold start it's usually a start right up. I ask about the battery because it's possible it's the starter. I got it to start after many tries this morning, was on tender all night. Vexxing. Both of my Harleys can sit for a month and fire right up. | ||
| Coastrambler |
Good thought. Am using HD Syn3 oil, which is 20-50. It's due for an oil change. Will get some lighter oil. | ||
| Zac4mac |
Living in Cali, you should be fine with 20W-50 year-round. I used to switch to 10W-40 for the winter in Colorado but decided to stay on 20/50 a couple of years back. Definitely get a tender, I'm still on my original battery. Loretta was "born" the first week of November, 2007. Z | ||
| Sir_wadsalot |
IMO the HD oil (Citgo) is crap. Getting it out of my engine dropped my peak temp 5 degrees. Also it's made by Communists. Live to Ride, Ride to Live!! Haaarleeee!!! Sorry guys, I had to. |
