05 1200 won't run

[Arlingtonss]

Hey I have an 05 sporty 1200 custom. I just added 12" mini apes with the burly brand cables. I went to start it up and all it does is turn the motor over and sounds like it's close to firing but at the same time it doesn't. I would let it sit and then tried restarting it but I looked and saw that my negative terminal on my battery melted. I got a new battery charged it up and went to start and it's still doing the same thing. I checked all my connections and they are good. Trying to figure out what's wrong. It was running perfect before I switched everything over, any advice?

[Bob F]

Welcome to the XLForum.

I looked and saw that my negative terminal on my battery melted

Retrace the wiring looking for a short would be my first step.

[IXL2Relax]

Do this first:
Sportsterpedia - Check Your Battery Cables

Do a thorough check of each of the following - Then report your SPECIFIC METER READINGS from these tests:

Sportsterpedia - Check your Voltages

Sportsterpedia - Check your Alternator/Stator

Sportsterpedia - Coil Info & Testing

Sportsterpedia - Check your Grounds

It's amazing how many times DOING ANYTHING TO THE BIKE disturbs weak connections and causes related (or unrelated) problems...

.....~\
__o~~o__
IXL2Relax
>>>> Build & Ride Reports Are Here <<<<

[sportsterdoc]

The basics of what IXL2Relax posted are do you have spark, fuel and compression?

Based on compression OK, then here is the very short version:

Were plugs wet, when pulled, after trying to start? If not, check for fuel flow (does accelerator pump squirt?...if not (and pump diaphragm is intact), then check if -

a. petcock screen not clogged? Fuel tank cap venting?
b. petcock flowing (vacuum connected on the vacuum operated)?
c. fuel in bowl (open drain screw [N/A on 1200S] is quick way to check)?
d. if a-c are OK, then remove carb bowl and check float valve not restricted with debris
e. float level correct?
f. If unsure, does starter fluid get it going? If so, then it is a fuel/fuel mixture issue. If you have fuel, then move on to the next step.

With plugs out, plugs in high voltage boots, plug prongs grounded (typically to cylinder/head cooling fins), kick the motor or operate the starter. Check for strong bright blue spark. If none, or weak, then check -

a. voltage to coil primary
b. measure coil resistance
c. check high voltage plug wires (both ends)
d. check spark plug condition
e. check coil primary connection to points/ignition module/ICM (04-06)/ECM (07 up).
f. If EVERYTHING checks good, but still no spark, then it may be the ignition module.

[sportsterdoc]

Originally Posted by Bob F

Welcome to the XLForum.
Retrace the wiring looking for a short would be my first step.

Good advice, although it may have only been the cable clamp loose on the battery terminal.