Starter

[notmoving]

All this started because my starter sometimes worked, sometimes didn't. So if I'm following this correctly, the problem had always been that the starter hadn't been properly grounded and what I need to do now is make a permanent, reliable connection.
Right?

 

[Jim]

That's a best guess based on the internet conversation we're having. Without being there, well....

 

[notmoving]

Gotcha.

 

[notmoving]

Look at that: I'm no longer an "enthusiast," but an "addict."

 

[notmoving]

Good morning!
By any chance, could the lights work once the engine is engaged and running? My oil and gas are drained right now and I'm not going to place an order (which includes filters) to Mike's until I'm sure of all the parts I'll need.

 

[gggGary]

headlight comes on after engine start, others should work with ignition switch on.
Blinkers only blink if the battery's strong or the bike is charging (running).
Check your fuses with a test light. The stock fuse box is notorious for rotted fuse holders.
print these out as big as you can get them. I keep one about 6 pages big taped together on my shop wall.

 

[notmoving]

Sorry for being dense. Right now I have the key to "on" position. The starter cranks but I don't actually start the engine because like I said: no oil or gas. So with only the key in the on position, should the headlamp and taillight come on?

I'll check the fuses, thanks. Where are they?

And thanks for the charts.

 

[gggGary]

tail lamp not headlight

headlight comes on after engine start, others should work with ignition switch on.

fuses under the seat.
you sure you should be messing with a 45 year old motorcycle?
We all have to start somewhere but....
Might I suggest you get out some rags, mineral spirits and polish and clean this bike top to bottom.
As you clean, think about what you are looking at and what it's for.
This is part of every barn bike wake up I do. When I get tired and just want to mess a bit more with a new to me bike I clean and check. Amazing what things pop up as oh that's where that is and THAT's what it does. And oops, that needs work.

 

[notmoving]

I am looking under the seat! I don't see anything resembling a fuse box, except maybe this reserve lighting device. But that doesn't open. What does it do? I can't find an answer here.

And yes, I'm sure. This is quite the learning experience. Trust me, I'm highly embarrassed to be in such learned company; I don't possess anything near the knowledge for me to have earned the right to be here. But I'm learning, with your help. And I will clean and check all summer long, I give you my word. But for now I would really, really like to just get this thing started and take a ride for the first time this year.

I have looked all over the bike, including under the tank and I don't see anything that I would recognize as a fuse box.

Thanks ever so much!

 

[gggGary]

Hmm 79 special should have a fuse box.
There's some non stock wires there and some electric tape bandages that you might want to look into.
This is how it would have looked from the factory

a fuse box open

Show us a couple over all shots of the bike?

 

[gggGary]

Looks like someone replaced the fuse box with individual fuse holders that's pretty common to find in these 40 year old bikes look at the wires with fuse holders in front of the battery.

 

[Wingedwheel]

I believe I see a single fuse holder. Could the PO have eliminated the fuse box for a single?

 

[Wingedwheel]

Dang Gary, beat me to it…

 

[gggGary]

dig around in that area
Look into these too.

 

[Wingedwheel]

Right now I have the key to "on" position. The starter cranks but I don't actually start the engine because like I said: no oil or gas.

So that issue appears to be resolved?

 

[notmoving]

6 pages in and asking about a fuse box feels like your not using a manual to help those helping you..

Agreed, but there is no fuse box. But yeah, you're right. I'm not flipping through a manual but I'm scanning the Web for photos and terms and schematics as each helpful comment comes in. I'm working on this as I have time. And I won't be able to get back to this until tomorrow, because I'm with clients right now. Thanks!

 

[notmoving]

Sorry, it's been raining all day. Happy Father's Day to all the dads!

 

[notmoving]

Hello all!
Between constant rain and other demands on my time, I'm finally back to it.
And now the starter won't crank again. Nuttin'! So I'm having the battery charged.

 

[notmoving]

There are four of those. All have fuses, all look fine.

 

[notmoving]

Hey everyone,

I'm popping in here to express my thanks and apologize. I fixed my bike yesterday, working very slow and irregularly. Those of you who know me from my old posts know that my son has medical issues that will never go away. And lately I do, too. That's why I disappeared. But I didn't want to ask another spate of needy questions. Some of you were right: I should have spent more more time studying the information you sent me and less time running to this forum for help. I make no excuses.

Thank you everyone, for you help!

- Mark