Rectifier Failure Symptoms

weeZee wrote: An old battery can hold a charge, but still not be able to crank a starter effectively.
If you get a chance, try the starter with a fresh battery to check.

Some guy near where I am said (without having seen or heard the bike) that its the starter clutch. I am thinking "no" because the starter clutch wouldnt cause the bike to shut off when I turn the lights on, nor would a failing starter clutch be a continual drain on the battery.

Further more, I cant even KICK start the bike. I dont think there is a spark.

When a battery cable broke on me while I was riding, I lost half of my Dyna, cooked a coil and damaged my rectifier. I've also had a battery that was fine then would short on and off. That could damage the electricals as well.
Steve

SWest wrote: When a battery cable broke on me while I was riding, I lost half of my Dyna, cooked a coil and damaged my rectifier. I've also had a battery that was fine then would short on and off. That could damage the electricals as well.
Steve

Well i just ordered brake light switches and a coil just to be safe. If it ends up being a ground, at least I will have spares.

Switches are pretty tough. Points/condensers?
Steve

SWest wrote: Switches are pretty tough. Points/condensers?
Steve

This is NOT a points/condenser issue. Most likely its the battery or the coil or the starter wire. I wrote a detailed description of what the symptoms are. theres a short, failed coil or ground somewhere as a result, most likely of my splicing the wire with a smaller gauge. I will update you when its sorted.

Could you test the resistance between the crankcase and the -VE battery terminal?

My money is on bad battery
Dave

Street Fighter LTD wrote: My money is on bad battery
Dave

Sorry. I should have updated this. I hate it when ppl post an issue and never follow up. Seems like for a minute, I was one of those guys.

Two weeks ago I changed the battery and coil and voila, bike works great.

Only issue is, I was so tired from the workweek, I simply cable tied (or zip strap or whatever you call it) the coil to where it was on the frame