hard starting when engine hot

baddad · 07-25-2010, 09:01 PM

i have a 2002 1500 it seems like the battery is weak when i crank the engine over. it only does it when its hot. any ideas?

**ringadingh** · 07-25-2010, 09:28 PM

It probably is a weak battery, test it with a voltmeter while cranking the starter, if it drops below about 10.5 volts its time to replace. Also check that the connections are clean and tight.

cactusjack · 07-25-2010, 11:15 PM

The bike is 8 years old. How old is the battery?

macmac · 07-26-2010, 08:58 AM

It might well be a battery or a battery related problem. On the other hand it might be you doing something a little bit wrong. I discovered i do something a little bit wrong.

I was in the habit of turning the key switch on and then waiting for my wife to mount with a hot engine. That delay causes extra cranking. So now when i turn the switch on I just wait for the speedo self test and start the engine instantly after the speedo settles.

I am closing in to the point where the plugs might need to be checked out too nearing 20,000 miles, in the low 18,000's in reality. I haven't looked but may today and close wider gaps if i find that situation.

I am sure it isn't my battery since I run a full time voltmeter 24/7 and use a Shumaker autofloat anti sulfation charger any time i am not riding.

At rest after any ride stopped a while somewhere the meter reads 12.8 dcv

Each start becomes a mini load test, and I see full rate charging any time i look at the meter riding.

baddad · 07-27-2010, 05:43 PM

the battery is about 2 years old. i will check it any way. thanks for your input.

07-25-2010, 09:01 PM	#1
baddad Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Huntley Illinois Posts: 53	hard starting when engine hot i have a 2002 1500 it seems like the battery is weak when i crank the engine over. it only does it when its hot. any ideas? Login or Register to Remove Ads
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07-25-2010, 09:28 PM	#2
ringadingh Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada Posts: 35,387	hard starting when engine hot It probably is a weak battery, test it with a voltmeter while cranking the starter, if it drops below about 10.5 volts its time to replace. Also check that the connections are clean and tight. __________________ 2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951
	0

07-25-2010, 11:15 PM	#3
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	hard starting when engine hot The bike is 8 years old. How old is the battery? __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
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07-26-2010, 08:58 AM	#4
macmac Sr. Contributor Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Tamworth New Hampster 06 1600 Posts: 12,484	hard starting when engine hot It might well be a battery or a battery related problem. On the other hand it might be you doing something a little bit wrong. I discovered i do something a little bit wrong. I was in the habit of turning the key switch on and then waiting for my wife to mount with a hot engine. That delay causes extra cranking. So now when i turn the switch on I just wait for the speedo self test and start the engine instantly after the speedo settles. I am closing in to the point where the plugs might need to be checked out too nearing 20,000 miles, in the low 18,000's in reality. I haven't looked but may today and close wider gaps if i find that situation. I am sure it isn't my battery since I run a full time voltmeter 24/7 and use a Shumaker autofloat anti sulfation charger any time i am not riding. At rest after any ride stopped a while somewhere the meter reads 12.8 dcv Each start becomes a mini load test, and I see full rate charging any time i look at the meter riding. __________________ 06 1600 Nomad Just call me Mac molon labe come and get it
	0

07-27-2010, 05:43 PM	#5
baddad Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Huntley Illinois Posts: 53	hard starting when engine hot the battery is about 2 years old. i will check it any way. thanks for your input. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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