Help! XB9R wont start after shut down on highway

[JtBarnett45]

So my Firebolt shut down on the freeway the other night. I was riding back from Houston and it has been running great. I have a few mods to the bike and it just rolled 20k, it has a Jardine pipe, crankcase breather mod, race maps flashed to the ecm and a K&N filter. At a freeway cruising speed it just bogged down slowly dropping rpms. I pulled over and switched it off and back on and it started right up. It sounded great at the time and went a few more miles before shutting off again. Then it wouldn't start , just clicks. I have it at my house now and have replaced the battery. I pulled the airbox cover and noticed the coil had vibrated loose off its mount. I think it grounds to its mount so I am assuming this may hv been the ramping down I felt on the freeway. It's tightened up but still won't start. Just one click when I press the start button. I just noticed the clutch won't disengage either. I pull the lever and it doesnt roll in gear. I tried adjusting the.cable but to no avail. Do I have to have the clutch engaged to start the bike? Even in neutral? I hope it may be related to the clutch or cable rather than engine problems bit not sure. I rode thru a BAD rainstorm about an hour before the.bike.shutdown on the road. Any ideas ??

 

[07Bolt]

could of got water down in the regulator plug; behind the right side pulley cover. 03-07 bolts had an old style flat-pin plug that was succeptable to arcing/melting.

08-10 had needle style plugs installed which eliminated virtual any arcing

without a regulator ur battery wont charge at all

as for the clutch, it should start in neutral/gear anytime. a low battery will resist more if trying to start in gear than in neutral. which sounds like ur regulator is bad and ur battery isnt charging

 

[JtBarnett45]

I'll check out the regulator plug. Been messing with it all day. Gonna check some relay as well. Just frustrating it only clicks, the battery is brand new now. Thanks for some ideas !!

 

[jriffe108]

Whats clicking? The actual starter or relay in fuse panel?

Is the starter solenoid engaging the primary? Check starter to ensure bolts are tight, giving a good ground.

Check all other grounds.

 

[JtBarnett45]

Well not a connector with water in it... The starter solenoid clicks and its getting a good ground. Not sure what happened but all day the fuel pump would prime when I turned the run switch on. Now no fuel pump noise and it still won't start. I've checked all the relays, the fuses, gone over lotsa wiring, the handlebar switches. I hate to bite the bullet and take it into a shop.

 

[jriffe108]

Charge battery and keep it maintained with tender, ensure all grounding points are secure and power cable is clean and tight.

Have you checked oil level in primary and engine reservoir? Good level and color?

I would recheck all fuses, relays, ground locations and battery power cable, charge battery or jump a known good battery to it, remove spark plugs from engine and attempt start.

Does starter get hot when clicking? Remove drive pulley and attempt to turn by hand while spark plugs are out.

We need to determine if engine is seized, why clutch is not functioning properly, if starter motor is good, and if an electrical short is present, where.

Process of elimination.

Where are you located JT? You stated you were riding from H-town, I'm in San Antonio and will help you the best I can if you are close.

 

[christianmb]

If you aren't getting the fuel pump anymore, check the grey wire into the fuel pump plug. Mine kept spliiping out on the fuel pump side. Maybe something similar. As far as it just clicking, you might have gotten water into the starter motor itself (unlikely - but a thought)

 

[JtBarnett45]

Well bad news guys. The motor seized..Destroyed rear piston, cylinder, the stator and the part the stator makes contact with. I'm gonna go ahead n sell not running Or part it out. Thanks for all the advice guys!!! Appreciate it!

 

[christianmb]

I'm glad you are ok! The motor seizing up at highway speeds could have been REALLY bad. Almost sounds like the oil pump went and then took everything else with it. Tough break, man. It looked like a nice bike too! Where you at? If you are close, I know of someone that might be interested.

 

[JtBarnett45]

Hey! Yup! When it went it locked the rear end up.. got kinda squirrelly on me. Lol.. That's how I look at it!! Coulda been much worse! Im in Dallas.. Gonna go pick it up at the shop around the corner. The Harley Tech said its $1700 to repair everything. A little more than just buying the engine. I already have over book in it so can't justify putting another 1500-2k in it. I'm gonna get it home this weekend and take pics n post it up