Topic: 350F Wiring

[sfhurst]

I am rebuilding a '73 350F.  I had everything back together and everything worked.  Turn signals, headlight, starter, and horn worked.  Taillight came on when the key was in the "Park" position.  My problem showed up after I started the bike for the first time.  It started a ran fine, but it wouldn't idle.  I was so excited that it actually started and ran I forgot to turn the key to the "Off" position after it stopped running.  A few days later I noticed the trickle charger gave an indication it could not make a connection to the battery.  I had it tested and found the battery was COMPLETELY dead and would not take a charge.

So, my problem is that now NOTHING works, except the horn and the taillight in the "Park" position.  No turn signals, no starter, no lights on braking.  Nothing.  What could leaving the key in the "on" position for three days have done?  I took the headlight out and check the rat's nest but no disconnects.  With the key on the "On" position there is current at the starter solenoid, and all of the grounds are solid.

Any suggestions?

[robvangulik]

You did put in a new battery? Check the fuse(s)?

[sfhurst]

Yes, new battery and I checked the fuse.  I think the problem is in the rat's nest behind the headlight.  Everything looks connected, but when checking the connections with a multimeter I connected the red/yellow with a ground and I got the starter motor to turn over.  It was like the multimeter had become part of some missing circuit.  My plan tomorrow is to disconnect everything behind the headlight and start over.  Something is loose in there.

[bryanj]

Dont just check but replace the fuse as they can look good but loose contact inside the cap.
When you checked the yellow/red you grounded it which is what the switch does so of course the starter turned.
Check for 12v pos at red wire of ign switch then black with switch in position 1 as you may have corroded contacts/bad solder connections

[MoMo]

as mentioned above, could be oxidized fuse connectors.  Happened to me on a 400f,  larry

[newday777]

Yes, new battery and I checked the fuse.  I think the problem is in the rat's nest behind the headlight.  Everything looks connected, but when checking the connections with a multimeter I connected the red/yellow with a ground and I got the starter motor to turn over.  It was like the multimeter had become part of some missing circuit.  My plan tomorrow is to disconnect everything behind the headlight and start over.  Something is loose in there.

Any further updates? Did you test both sides of the fuses with a test light probe or a multi meter?

[sfhurst]

Got out the diagram and rechecked every connection.  The multiplug that sits above the battery seems to have been the culprit.  All I did was disconnect, then reconnect all of the wires and suddenly everything on the bike worked perfectly and continues to do so.  Thanks to all for everyone's advice.

[newday777]

Use some electrical contact cleaner in the connectors, push the connectors together and aprt a few times to clean them up. Then a little dialect grease in them.