starter/starting issues issues

[m.colley]

As you know I've been chasing a starter issue on port enginge in my Sportster 1800. I finally brought meter home from work. Battery shows 12.5 volts straight off battery terminals, at starter with ground and hot disconnected from starter I show 12.5 volts, with ground and positive connected at starter voltage drops to 6.5-7 volts. Bad Starter???


Martin

 

[Dr Honda]

With a voltage drop like that... it's a battery.

 

[m.colley]

Thanks Doc, gonna have the battery load tested before I go thru the hassle of pulling the starter..

 

[m.colley]

Hey Doc, why would battery turn starboard engine starter over and not port engine if battery is bad? You would think it wouldn't turn either starter over... Thanks..

Martin

 

[Dr Honda]

What does the voltage drop to on the other engine?

FYI... you are doing your own load test.

Last thing... if the battery was "Good"... and the load of the starter was high enough to pull it down to 6v... the battery cables would be smoking hot. (because of the current)

I'm not saying the starter is perfect... but the battery voltage shouldn't sag that far.

 

[m.colley]

Thanks again Doc. I'm not sure what the voltage at starboard engine is but I'll put the meter on it tonight when I get home.
So its the " cranking amps" side of the battery that you feel is bad?