Elecrical problem (maybe)

[geo steinke]

Just put new tires and wheel bearings and timing belts on my 76 Goldwing. Took it for a spin last night for the first time in a year and a half. Went about 20 miles and when I got home I left it sit for say 5 minutes and than was going to put her in the garage but when I went to start it it turned over real slow and wouldn't start. Smoke started to come out left battery cover. When I took cover off the negative post was hot and looked like it started to melt. Battery is three years old so I'm going to replace it but I was wondering if there is maybe something else I should check for possible short beings it was the neg post that got hot. I watched my volt meter the whole ride and it stayed just above 12 volts and as usual it would bounce down when turn signals were turned on but come back up after turning off so to me it seems the charging system was working ok. Just curious if I should be concerned other than the battery. Thanks

[virgilmobile]

Make up a new ground cable..Keep it as short as possible and even larger than the original...Replace yours with the new cable and clean the frame and battery post real good where it makes contact.
Toss the old corroded cable in the scrap pile...
You may,while your right there,at least inspect all the plugs,connectors and positive battery connections for the same problem...The connectors are crimped and oxidation usually turns the copper black...They loose that good connection there..resistance will equal heat with current flow (cranking)...
Good for a coffee pot...not so much for a starting system..

[virgilmobile]

By the way..Have your battery load tested before you replace it..I'll bet 34 cents that it's OK..You just have a loose or corroded connection.

[geo steinke]

Thanks I appreciate the help

[maintainer]

A new battery and some cleaned up (shiny) connections should cure it.
The starter pulls a lot of amperage, extended cranking with loose or dirty connections, or an under charged battery will heat up cables until they almost melt their plastic sheathing insulation.

[geo steinke]

Well had to get a new battery it did test bad, also bought cable to make me a new ground cable and some electrical connections cleaner and contact grease. so tonight going to replace battery and cable and go thru all connections. There were some that looked kinda black like you guys said so I'm going thru them all thanks for the help