Pitbull died on me

[Chris]

Just got my 2002 pitbull. It's a beast, and I love it! Sat 3 years in storage in FL. The local HD shop changed fluids and got it up and running, but it sputtered and hesitated whenever I twisted the handle. Speedo didn't work. The Harley mechanics was unfamiliar with the electrical system so I said goodbye to them. Today I took it on a ride. Did some adjustments to the carb and it ran better. Then suddenly, the bike just died, like someone just pulled the plug on it. Does anyone have any idea of what might have happened? Grateful for any help.

 

[Eric]

check the ehc connections my main ehc connection screw broke & did the same thing, just like you turned the switch off, push on ehc plugs to see if thay came off !!

 

[Eric]

probbly something simple!!

 

[Chris]

Thanks for the advice. Will do.

 

[sloan2]

i have read in other threads that happens sometimes if the ignition switch is wore out maybe from having to many things hanging off your keys. try moving your key around in the ignition switch to see if u lose power:2thumbs:

 

[Chris]

It seems there is power to other things, like lights and such, but the engine is dead. Still ignition?

 

[LDO]

02 Pit right?

EHC is a bit different in the early BDs.

Chris, when the engine died, what else went with it. Did you still have your idiot lights, headlight, tails, etc...

would the bike still crank over? or was it like someone had just removed the battery out of it.

If your bike has sat for 3 years in storage, there could be alot of stuff wrong with it that will come out during operation.

If you can get it started, you can check your electrical system yourself easily enough with a multimeter.

Read this thread and you will see how to check it.
http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/i.../10479-battery-not-charging-when-running.html

I have attached a gouge sheet to put in your manual for future use.

Good luck and keep us posted if you need more help.

 

[Chris]

Thanks for all the help. I'm a newbie; I know electronics but not this bike so I don't know where anything is located. Trying to find my way around...is there a main fuse somewhere??!

Where can I get a hold of a service manual? I'm 2 hours away from the closest BDM dealer in Indianapolis. I guess I could load it on a trailer and bring it there, but I'm short on cash right now. Does anyone know if the Indy dealership has good reputation?

The bike died when I put it in second gear and gave some throttle. (well, ok. a lot of throttle :lol: ) The starter works and all the lights, but the motor just won't fire up.

 

[1968 Nam]

Chris were are you located, I am Cincy/Fairfield Ohio. Don't have a manual but my 03 should be close enough to your 02 for trouble shooting..

 

[Chris]

I just added my location (Marion, IN.)

I checked all electrical connections this morning and once it was all put together, the bike started right up again. It ran for a minute or so, and then the same thing--died. I am now suspecting the ignition. It's really wiggly. Just like the previous response, perhaps the formed owner had too much stuff hanging off that key...?

 

[Oscar Maldonado]

I just added my location (Marion, IN.)

I checked all electrical connections this morning and once it was all put together, the bike started right up again. It ran for a minute or so, and then the same thing--died. I am now suspecting the ignition. It's really wiggly. Just like the previous response, perhaps the formed owner had too much stuff hanging off that key...?

If that's what you need then I got an ignition switch you can have if it'll work on your bike.

It's coming off of an 04 Pitbull.

 

[Chris]

Man, you guys are the ultimate biker community! I'm going to have to take a raincheck though. Will be overseas for the month of June, but when I come back, I'll post here again. Again, thanks for your willingness to help me out.

 

[Chris]

Back in town. My bike is still weird. The engine issues have cleared out with some adjustments and fuel additives; whenever it runs, it runs great! However, I still have issues with the starter. I have cleaned the solenoid (thanks for the "how-to" in this forum), I have eliminated the ignition key and the start button. I can hear it click in the ehc and voltage is going down to the starter when the button is pressed, but the starter wont run and turn the engine over. What's the most likely problem? The starter? The ehc? How can I find out? Greatful for any advice.

 

[Byrddogg]

Chris, Go to Double D Cycle in Marion, Ill. they are a Bigdog Dealer. That's were everyone around here goes, and they know their stuff too. Darroll the owner knows everything about Bigdogs. They are open Tue-Sat 9-5 If your coming to Sturgis or going to the Street Rally in Shawneetown, give me a call and we can do some riden :2thumbs:

 

[Byrddogg]

Sorry I thought it was Marion, Ill.

 

[Chris]

No prob. I was getting excited there for a moment...thinking there was a place around here somewhere I didn't know about!

 

[Chris]

02 Pit right?

EHC is a bit different in the early BDs.

Chris, when the engine died, what else went with it. Did you still have your idiot lights, headlight, tails, etc...

would the bike still crank over? or was it like someone had just removed the battery out of it.

If your bike has sat for 3 years in storage, there could be alot of stuff wrong with it that will come out during operation.

If you can get it started, you can check your electrical system yourself easily enough with a multimeter.

Read this thread and you will see how to check it.
http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/i.../10479-battery-not-charging-when-running.html

I have attached a gouge sheet to put in your manual for future use.

Good luck and keep us posted if you need more help.

It seems like there are different problems on this bike, just like LDO said. Thinking about what happened that day when the bike just died...after the engine shut down while in second gear, the engine would still turn over. I remember trying to start it again but it acted like I just removed all the spark plugs or something. Got it home, messed with it, and it started up again. Rode it a few days, THEN, the starter wouldn't work. Just that click in the EHC. Cleaned the solenoid. Nothing. The electromagnet never engaged the starter. Tried to push it in manually--nothing happens. There is power to the starter, and I can measure power coming when I press the start-button.
I have been able to push it a couple of times and getting it going. (I REALLY want to ride this thing). I'm exhausted but it runs great. I'm just terrified that it will die on me when I'm out. I once had to get a tow from a tractor-mower. Wish I had pictures. Would have made a great John Deere commercial.
I'm broke, no manual, 2 hours away from a dealer--and I can't think of anything else than getting this bike running!!!

 

[DRBarnhart]

It seems like there are different problems on this bike, just like LDO said.

And that makes it a little tough to deal with! You need to work on one thing at time...

Thinking about what happened that day when the bike just died...after the engine shut down while in second gear, the engine would still turn over. I remember trying to start it again but it acted like I just removed all the spark plugs or something. Got it home, messed with it, and it started up again.

Or a fuel issue perhaps?

Rode it a few days, THEN, the starter wouldn't work. Just that click in the EHC. Cleaned the solenoid. Nothing. The electromagnet never engaged the starter.

Have you checked the solenoid?

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/how/11356-how-check-your-starter-solenoid.html

Tried to push it in manually--nothing happens. There is power to the starter, and I can measure power coming when I press the start-button.

But is there power on the large red wire going to the starter? And does the starter have a good ground?

I have been able to push it a couple of times and getting it going. (I REALLY want to ride this thing). I'm exhausted but it runs great.

This is what I'm talking about. First you say it dies on you, then it won't start but then it does and through all this you say it "runs great!" I'm confused... :loony:

I'm just terrified that it will die on me when I'm out.

And until you iron out the problems that's a well founded fear!

I'm broke, no manual, 2 hours away from a dealer--and I can't think of anything else than getting this bike running!!!

Maybe someone else here can hook you up with a wiring diagram?

Let us know what you find out, we're all about getting Big Dogs running!!!

Dennis

 

[Chris]

Button fix

Hey, thanks for taking the time giving me some direction. Checked the starter according to instructions. The solenoid is bad. Fixed the problem the cheap way with a mechanical start button on the starter itself. So now it runs great again! Which means, once it is started, it rocks! Life is good again.:up: