Starter relay test?

[Mike]

Bike just quit going down the road. Got it home and found that the starter relay plug was a little melted. Moved the wires around and it would start. Read some archives on this subject which I found very helpful.
The question I have is how can I test the relay to tell if it is still working properly. I am hoping that with just one wire kind of melted it may have been just a loose connection.

[Ricky-D]

You probably should investigate a little farther in the hope of confirming that the single wire was the only problem and that the problem came up because of a poor connection.

You did the best thing and already have it working again which would indicate everything is pretty much Ok.   Relays either work or don't work so, since yours is working, that to me would mean it's Ok.

I suggest do nothing more but keep an eye on it.

***

[Mike]

The wire that was melted was the one that goes to the ignition switch. I replaced all three connectors and coated them with dialectric grease. Put everything back together and it started fine.

I don't know if it is my imagination but it seems like it is starting quicker, if that makes any sense.

I will definately take your advice and keep an eye on it for a while.

[Robert]

Heat on a electrical connection is a sign of resistance and if the connections are loose at all, this will allow it to heat up again. Make sure the terminal ends are tight on the relay and also consider bypassing the relay by wiring a few things differently. Anything that will help take the load off the connections will be good.

[Ricky-D]

Heat on a electrical connection is a sign of resistance and if the connections are loose at all, this will allow it to heat up again. Make sure the terminal ends are tight on the relay and also consider bypassing the relay by wiring a few things differently. Anything that will help take the load off the connections will be good.

I would suggest to not do this. It is fraught with peril and more dangerous outcome.

[Robert]

Ricky that's good, but not to much peril or danger, if you do something like rewire your headlight through a relay like on the Interstate or like I have modified my standard it takes quite a bit of load off the relay , the starter switch headlight switch and the wiring connections so there's no problem. Its easy actually improves the headlight brightness and unloads the relay. The reason I say headlight is lights including driving lights are the most consistent and highest power user. I think even Horseapple ranch has a wiring diagram on how to do this. Holy cow Batman we can see better and keep our Valks running in top condition Robin thanks to American ingenuity POW!!!!
http://www.rattlebars.com/mtz/foglites.html
This is for fog lights same wire applies to headlights or anything else.
http://www.horseapple.com/Valkyrie/Tech_Tips/Headlight_Upgrade/headlight_upgrade.html
Found the headlight upgrade, I didn't use this I did things a bit different but this gives you a idea.