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Serk
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« on: February 18, 2013, 05:16:24 PM » |
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Stupid question - Lately my Valk's been getting harder and harder to start. When I hit the button it turns over repeatedly and usually really quickly, just takes quite a bit of time to actually start.
On the occasions where I've run the battery down trying to start her up when I jump start her she fires to life almost immediately.
So my first thought is the battery doesn't have the amperage any more to turn over the engine AND energize the ignition coil and should be replaced. Sound theory?
(Just wanted a quick sanity check before I ordered a new battery. It's probably time for a new one either way, but figured couldn't hurt (Other than to my ego) to ask first...)
Thanks!
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away...  IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Daniel Meyer
Moderator
Member
Posts: 5492
Author. Adventurer. Electrician.
The State of confusion.
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« Reply #1 on: February 18, 2013, 05:50:49 PM » |
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Voltage could be the issue. Often a weak cell can drop the voltage yet still leave the amperage for cranking. The Valk needs over 11 volts to even energize the module (while cranking).
You do know the choke trick/issue, right?
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CUAgain, Daniel Meyer  |
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #2 on: February 18, 2013, 06:10:51 PM » |
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Sounds like the battery to me. Mine just slowly began to require more cranks to fire, yet turned over like a champ (so well you would not think battery was the issue) (lights, horn & radio fine), but longer and longer to fire (5-8 seconds, beyond which I let go and start over). Even thou it tested (best I could do) about NL, it was not NL, and a new battery made it fire in 2 seconds like it always used to. It was likely the original battery in a '99, changed last year (24 X 7 on battery tender since '05). What worried me was that this puts more strain on the alternator eventually, and I don't want to ever have to service that if I can help it.
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Serk
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« Reply #3 on: February 18, 2013, 06:12:35 PM » |
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You do know the choke trick/issue, right?
Yah, how when ya' put the choke on you've gotta put it on, the force it a further 1/8th of the way or so to REALLY get the choke on. Kinda figured it was just a battery, In 109,000 miles this is only my 2nd one, so it's probably time to replace it anyway, just wanted a quick sanity check... Thanks! |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Serk
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« Reply #4 on: February 18, 2013, 06:13:03 PM » |
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What worried me was that this puts more strain on the alternator eventually, and I don't want to ever have to service that if I can help it.
I'm on my 2nd alternator anyway, but the first one was replaced under warranty at least... |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #5 on: February 18, 2013, 06:16:55 PM » |
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What worried me was that this puts more strain on the alternator eventually, and I don't want to ever have to service that if I can help it.
I'm on my 2nd alternator anyway, but the first one was replaced under warranty at least... Sixty five bux for a battery, and a one beer job, vs an expensive case of beer job and no skin left on my fingers.  |
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Daniel Meyer
Moderator
Member
Posts: 5492
Author. Adventurer. Electrician.
The State of confusion.
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« Reply #6 on: February 18, 2013, 07:03:46 PM » |
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You do know the choke trick/issue, right?
Yah, how when ya' put the choke on you've gotta put it on, the force it a further 1/8th of the way or so to REALLY get the choke on. Kinda figured it was just a battery, In 109,000 miles this is only my 2nd one, so it's probably time to replace it anyway, just wanted a quick sanity check... Thanks! HA! I know where you live! THREE years out of a battery is a miracle in our weather! Yep, it's probably time! |
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CUAgain, Daniel Meyer |
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Disco
Member
Posts: 4897
Armed Man=Citizen; Unarmed Man=Subject
Republic of Texas
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« Reply #7 on: February 18, 2013, 10:59:42 PM » |
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Sanity? Check!
I, too, am betting battery.
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2000 Bumblebee "Tourer", 98 Yellow & Cream Tourer, 97 Rescue blower bike 22 CRF450RL, 19 BMW R1250RT 78 CB550K 71 Suzuki MT50 Trailhopper .jpg) VRCC 27,916 IBA 44,783 |
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Tx Bohemian
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« Reply #8 on: February 19, 2013, 07:59:25 AM » |
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Wow!! Really Serk?!?
You've been around here long enough to know that some people get their panties in a wad when you don't put in enough information!!
You know like - yr model, miles, color, what tires you're running, what oil you use, vin #, Darkside, rear bearing mod, etc...
I learned my lesson soon after I joined!
But enough of the sarcasim.
Being a self-proclaimed Valk starting expert, because of the issues I've had with mine, I'd bet too that your battery is getting weak.
Especially since you've stated that with the "car battery boost" it fires right up.
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Remember, if you are on a bike and wreck with a car no matter how "in the right" you are you are going to lose. RIDE LIKE EVERBODY IS OUT TO GET YOU!!
Al
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Houdini
Member
Posts: 1975
VRCC #28458 - VRCCDS#144
Allen, TX
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« Reply #9 on: February 19, 2013, 10:52:22 AM » |
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Did you try Seafoam?  |
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"A Camera And A Bike....What More Do I Need?  |
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LL
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« Reply #10 on: February 19, 2013, 11:03:14 AM » |
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Yeah, I'd top the battery with a shot of Seafoam.
I'd even go as far as a triple shot in your energy drink, it fixes everything!
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 VRCC #472 |
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Serk
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« Reply #11 on: February 24, 2013, 02:52:08 PM » |
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Well that done did it...
Put a fresh battery in this morning. Now all I hafta do is THINK about starting it, if I wave my hand near the starter it fires to life almost instantly...
Thanks ya'll! Nice to have a Valk I can depend on again.
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Daniel Meyer
Moderator
Member
Posts: 5492
Author. Adventurer. Electrician.
The State of confusion.
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« Reply #12 on: February 24, 2013, 06:58:17 PM » |
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Now remember...and another half-dozen years or so you'll need to buy another battery! 
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CUAgain, Daniel Meyer |
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Serk
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« Reply #13 on: July 02, 2024, 11:10:33 AM » |
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Now remember...and another half-dozen years or so you'll need to buy another battery! Necro'ing this thread just for giggles: The battery I replaced in this thread finally failed and was just replaced... 11 years ain't a bad run! (And it wasn't even a Yuasa!) |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #14 on: July 02, 2024, 12:24:49 PM » |
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Mine all last that long keeping them on Battery Tender Jrs 24 X 7 when not riding or on the road.
I've had a spare on a shelf indoors with acid on the side for some years.
Same deal with the even smaller battery that starts my big gas (whole house except 220) generator.
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