Underseat electrical problem

[cshogo1]

I did a search but could not find this problem previously posted. If I did not do well enough or didn't notice the problem, please forgive me.

My XS only starts when the group of wires under the seat is lifted up with decent force. If that is not done, the engine does not turn over at all. This issue started last summer but the bike was stored at home with no rider for it. Any help would be greatly appreciated or one could make me and offer (perhaps $800 or so) and take it off my hands to make room in the garage since it was my father's bike and he passed on a while back with the bike stored decently since then. The manual may have been lost in a garage cleanup, so simple directions would be appreciated!

Do I have to host pics elsewhere to post them up here?

[mro]

Second question is easy,>>>>>YES

First Question
Before Tring to find a problem in the harness..........
I'd start by just cleaning every electrical connector (including fuse holders).


mro

[skids]

A lot of people will loosen and disconnect the negative terminal at the battery for storage. Check that out.

[Geezer]

Agreed but I also recommend making a tool to release the terminals from the plugs so the female terminals can be crimped in a bit to tighten up the connection. Coating the terminals with dielectric grease will prevent you from having to do this again.

Geeser

Originally posted by mro
Second question is easy,>>>>>YES

First Question
Before Tring to find a problem in the harness..........
I'd start by just cleaning every electrical connector (including fuse holders).

mro

[skids]

OK, Geezer...we are anxiously awaiting the description on how to fashion that tool!

Originally posted by Geezer
Agreed but I also recommend making a tool to release the terminals from the plugs so the female terminals can be crimped in a bit to tighten up the connection. Coating the terminals with dielectric grease will prevent you from having to do this again.

Geeser

[Ken Talbot]

I've had pretty good luck removing the spade lugs from connector blocks with a small jewellers screwdriver. You slide it in along the back side of the lug, from the open end, and it will depress the little retainer prong so the lug slips right out. I'll see later if I've got some photos of this in action.

[John]

Too add to what Ken said

You can go to Radio Shack, or similiar store and buy a tool that will pop out the round terminals also.

[Geezer]

Originally posted by skids
OK, Geezer...we are anxiously awaiting the description on how to fashion that tool!

Look into the end of one of the plugs and you will see a small rectangular notch next to each prong. Make a thin flat probe that will slide up in there to depress the catch on the terminal. Then the terminal should come right out.

I usually start with a cotter pin that's just a little to big. I cut off one leg of the pin and grind the other one down to the right size. If I'm in the mood to make it nicer, I epoxy up a handle on the loop end. It's a great tool and you can make one for under a quarter.

Geezer

[mro]

under a quarter.

Thanks Geezer,
been cleaning (or attempting) inside them connectors with a "bobkin" (needle w/brass handle).

My kinda tool (under a quarter) for my kinda bike


mro

[Geezer]

I was thinking about making some up for sale but they're so easy to make I think it would seem like a scam to some.

I'm over due to make a page for my site on cleaning connections. I hope to get around to it pretty soon. I will also show how to make and use the terminal release tool.

Geezer

[mro]

like a scam

There are a lot a people that would rather just buy something they know will work, and some others that don't have the tools or want to spend the time.

One thing that for sure needs to be done on these old scoots is getting/keeping the electrial clean and in order.

NOT a scam if fair


mro

[cshogo1]

I'll work on cleaning the connections. Hopefully this is all she needs!