83 Wing quit on me!

[Dakotaman]

I went to my garage to start up my 83/1100 wing like usual. I turned the key to start, pushed the start button and heard something like the sound of a fuse that blew! I have checked each fuse under in the tank and the dogbone one, but it won't start. It may not be a fuse per say, but something that I don't know about. Any suggestions to get my wing running would be appreciated!!!!! I replaced the dogbone actually, with the dogbone fix that was on here. I've checked the fuse in it, and it's good.

[ride dont hide]

Double check that dogbone. I had one that looked fine but when removed it crumbled in my hand. Then replace it with a much better blade type. Plenty of how -to's on that on this sight. Keep us posted!

[DaveO430]

Double check that dogbone. I had one that looked fine but when removed it crumbled in my hand. Then replace it with a much better blade type. Plenty of how -to's on that on this sight. Keep us posted!

That dogbone fuse was probably 35 years old, sure the blade fuse will last that long?

[virgilmobile]

If you turn the key back on does the headlight work?

[Dakotaman]

I'll check that out when I'm done work. Is there a totally free Owner's Manual for my 83/1100 Standard Goldwing that you might know of?? That would help me some! When I bought this one, the owner lost the Manual after moving. I'll try to check the yellow wires that I read about on here.Thanks for helping!!

[virgilmobile]

Yellow wires have to do with charging the battery.
If your lights do come on,try to start it.When you release the start button the lights should come back on.
Usually a "snap" noise is from a arcing connection ..I usually suspect corroded battery contacts then loss of all power but may return after the key is cycled...Repeat...fail... repeat....fail...
A hydrolocked engine can also cause a "noise and no crank"....Tend to the electric first...

[Dakotaman]

Would their be other fuses, that I may have missed and where would they be? What is the main fuse for what could cause something like this? I will try every thing that is suggested to me!! Thanks for helping a fellow biker!!

[Dakotaman]

The lights did come on, then tried the start button. And heard a noise like a small short, or arc. No go yet!!

[virgilmobile]

Because you heard the same noise..it's not a fuse blowing....It's a electrical arc..Either coming from a bad connection at the battery posts or ..if there perfectly cleaned and tightened...the starter solenoid...due to the engine not turning over.(hydrolocked).
Does the headlight come right back on after you release the start button?

[Dakotaman]

Where would the solenoid be, and if it is dead,
are they expensive!!

[DWade1990]

The solenoid is right next to the battery, towards the rear of the bike. You had your hands on it when you were changing out the dogbone fuse. You have to pull it up and out of the round rubber holder to really get a good look at it.

First things first, check your battery. What is your voltage between the battery terminals when the key is turned on? And then when the starter button is depressed? It takes a lot of power to turn over these big old motors.

Don't worry about the three yellow wires....yet.

[Dakotaman]

I will check the things you have mentioned, when I get the free time. Between School Bus driving, and floor tile replacement, yard work, it's choose and pick!!! Thanks for the help DWade 1990. The thanks also goes out to the others that have jumped in to help!! Again thanks!!

[johnWK]

As long as you're testing the battery, check the connection from it to the solenoid. The solenoid has two posts on it, one connection coming from the battery and the other leading directly to your starter motor. If your battery is showing the correct voltage when you press the start button, then test to make sure that power is making it to the solenoid. If it is, then check the connection between the battery and the post on your starter motor, pull the little rubber boot back and make sure your lead is touching the bolt to ensure you get a good reading. Have someone press the start button, if your solenoid is good then the bolt should read roughly the same voltage you got from the battery. If power is reaching the starter motor but your bike still isn't starting, its time to look into cleaning/rebuilding your starter or buying a new one.