Electrical... I need help!

[81xsproject]

So, here it is... I don't know if you all can help, but I am desperate (and poor).
My bike is finally beautiful and mostly put back together (81 xs 1100 sh). There is a problem however somewhere in the ignition circuit. In the best detail I can...

I installed a new fuse box(partsnmore),have studied the wiring diagram and am pretty sure it is right (but not positive). I also had the key ignition apart. To make matters worse I also had the right hand controls apart at one time.

So, it blows the ignition fuse as soon as I turn on the key with/without the starter hooked up. It doesn't pop if the RH control is unplugged. With the fuse out, I tested both sides of the ignition fuse. With the tester grounded to the frame and the key on, one side is hot and one is grounded. In the RH controls the two red and white wires are conected to the two leads on the kill switch. The blue and white is connected to the starter button and the black is screwed alone down to the body of the control.

It all worked when I took it apart, so I know it was something I did to the poor as yet unamed beast. For progress pics click http://photobucket.com/albums/y68/go...slideshow=true

This is the end of a restoration project that began in November. I am going crazy to here it roar to life.

I will go out and test anything you guys need to know if it will help you help me.
thanXS,
JC

[graybird78]

oops

sounds like you have a dead short to ground. I would look at wiring routing. might have possibly pinched a wire some how. do you have a wiring diagram? If it were me, I would disconnect all connectors inside headlight bucket. then turn key on and plug each connector back in one at a time till you locate the affending connector. then maybe you can trace the wires back to the source. wiring diagram would be of great help to you. post back for more help.

[randy]

JC,

I"VE DONE THIS!

When I first turned on the Swamp Thing after a 7-month rebuild, it did exactly the same thing. I found that I had pinched the red-white inside the kill switch against the handlebar. Remove the switch an route the red-whites well away from the switch body. you might also want to tape the area that you've already pinched so it doesn't short again.

HTH

[81xsproject]

You all are absolutely AMAZING! Randy, you nailed it on the head! I ran out this morning and checked in the RH controls. Turnes out I put one of the taller headed screws in for the kill switch and it was grounding out on the handle bar! I am so amped. As soon as I get home tonight I am going out and attempting to fire the old beast up!
thanXS,
JC

[randy]

Or, just lucky!


YAHOOOO!!!!

[skids]

Randy is the new oracle for electrical issues! Good job!

Originally posted by 81xsproject
You all are absolutely AMAZING! Randy, you nailed it on the head! JC

[deathomp]

81xsproject

I checked out the pictures. They look great. I love the blacked out look. This is a little off topic. Forgive me for mentioning a Honda but I am rescuing a 79 cb 400T hawk and want to paint the engine black. Just wondering about the paint you used.

Deano

[81xsproject]

ThanXS for the comliments. I will have some more finished pics posted soon, I just need to get it registered so I can take it to the car wash. I used the 1200 Degree ratle can engine enamel and primer from Napa. So far it seems to be sticking nicely. My only complaints are that I don't understand why you would make engine paint that was not gas resistant and the black has sort of a brownish tinge. Let me know when you have some project pics and what paint you decided on.
JC

[lsippell]

black engin paint

Deano,

The best engine paint I've found is House of Kolor Hi-Heat Black. You have to bake the part after painting it, but it is gas resistant!

Louis

[deathomp]

Thanks I guess i should tear it down.