Motorcycle Repair: Starter Problem, harley davidson flh, solenoid starter

Question
----I did a load test on the battery and it checked good? ---------------------
Followup To
Question -
I have 1976 Harley-Davidson FLH. When I got it it had No Starting system. I have installed a Starter,Battery, New Cables, Starter Solenoid, Starter relay, And Starter Button. It Started just fine except the starter would stay engaged? After my Father was killed in a Motorcycle accident in June I stopped working the bike. Finally I got up the courage to try to tackle this problem again after a few months. I charged the battery and Now all I get is click? I installed a NEW solenoid, and relay and still just a click. Any information you could assist me with will be greatly appreciated.
Answer -
Hi James.

Well, to start with, the battery may be bad.  Even though it is not very old, if it was the battery that was in the bike n June and was allowed to discharge, then you may have one or more bad cells.  Test the battery with a batterty hygrometer for motorcycles.  You can find one at any decent bike shop.  Also double-check for any shorts and bad/loose connections in the starter circuit, just to be on the safe side.

A battery may show a full charge, but that is volts.  It is the amps that turn the starter.  If you have bad cells, then you do not have a full charge.

Another thing that you will want to do is to change all of the fluids in the bike, clean the carb and reseal the tanks to prevent "varnish" intrusion into the system.

Let me know what you find.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON

Answer
Hi James.

If all you are getting is a "click" with the battery testing good in all aspects, then see if you can hand turn the engine (as if you were adjusting the valves).  The engine could be seized from rust in the cylinders if the bike was not properly prepared for long term storage.

Also, double-check all connections between power and the starter.

Let me knw what you find.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON