If you’re a Harley Evo owner, you might have encountered a situation where your motorcycle engine cranks but won’t start. This common predicament can be attributed to a variety of reasons. Fortunately, this article delves into the possible causes of this issue, how to diagnose them, and the appropriate solutions. So let’s get back on the road, shall we?!
Here are the ten issues we’re going to address, specifically for why your Harley evo motor cranks but won’t start:
- Battery Issues
- Complications with The Spark Plugs
- Fuel System Faults
- Fuel Pressure Problems
- Compression Issues
- Ignition System Faults
- Crank Position Sensor Faults
- Security System Issues
- Wiring Problems
- Other Potential Issues
Breakdown of Issues Where Your Harley Evo Cranks but Won’t Start:
In this section, we’ll dive deeper into the causes of your Evo cranking, and not starting, but then also some insight into how to diagnose and fix the issue. Let’s get to it!
1. Battery Issues
The first potential reason for your Harley Evo not starting could be an issue with the battery. A weak or dead battery will not provide the necessary power for the starter motor to crank the engine.
a. Checking the Battery
You can check the battery by switching on the ignition and observing the brightness of the headlights. If they appear dim or fail to light up, this could indicate a battery problem. Alternatively, you can test for a bad battery by way of a load test.
b. Solving Battery Issues
Replacing the battery is a straightforward solution if it is the root cause of the problem. You could also try charging the battery if it is weak but not completely dead. As a note moving forward, I always recommend a battery tender be used when the bike is parked. A simple plug into the battery charger can save you a lot of trouble moving forward.
Read next: Harley EITMS Problems
2. Spark Plug Complications
Another reason could be complications related to the spark plugs. If the spark plugs are not functioning properly, the engine may crank but not start.
a. Diagnosing Spark Plug Issues
You can diagnose this by removing the plugs and checking if they are sparking when the engine cranks. While doing so, it’s worth checking the spark plug wires as well because this can be another point of failure.
b. Addressing Complications With Spark Plugs
If the spark plugs are not sparking, they may need to be replaced. If they are sparking, the problem lies elsewhere. Be sure you check the plug wires again before coming to this conclusion.
Related: Best Spark Plugs for Harley Davidson Evo: Bikes Evolve Today
Related article: Who Makes Harley Davidson Spark Plugs?
3. Fuel System Faults
Fuel system faults are another common reason why your Harley Evo may crank but not start. The fuel system includes the fuel pump, the fuel injectors, and the fuel tank.
a. Diagnosing Fuel System Faults
You can diagnose a fuel issue by isolating the fuel injectors from the V-twin and cranking the bike. If the injectors are spraying fine, then the fuel pump is working.
b. Addressing Fuel System Issues
If the fuel pump is not working, it will need to be replaced. If there is an issue with the fuel injectors, they may need to be cleaned or replaced.
4. Fuel Pressure Problems
Low fuel pressure can also prevent the engine from starting. Even if the injectors are putting out some fuel, if the pressure is too low, the engine may not start. If you have a carbureted model, make sure the fuel valve is open before trying to start the bike.
a. Diagnosing Fuel Pressure Issues
You can diagnose fuel pressure issues by conducting a fuel pressure test. Beforehand, make sure that you check each fuel line to make sure they’re secure or the fuel flow may wind up in expected locations.
b. Solving Fuel Pressure Problems
If the fuel pressure is too low, the bike won’t get enough fuel, and it may be due to a problem with the fuel pump, a clogged fuel filter, faulty fuel lines, or a faulty fuel pressure regulator. These components may need to be replaced.
Read next: Harley 131 Problems, Too Much To Handle?
5. Compression Issues
If there is an issue with compression in the engine, it may crank but not start.
a. Diagnosing Compression Issues
You can diagnose compression issues by using a compression gauge to perform a compression test.
b. Addressing Compression Issues
If there is a compression issue, it may be due to a problem with the valves or the head gasket. These may need to be repaired or replaced.
6. Ignition System Faults
Faults in the ignition system can also cause the engine to crank but not start. Often times, this can be as simple as blown fuses or loose wires, but you can run into larger electrical system issues like a faulty ignition module, also known as the engine cutoff switch or kill switch. It’s worth mentioning that a blown fuse can also signal larger electrical issues at hand.
a. Diagnosing Ignition System Faults
You can diagnose ignition system faults by checking the pickup in the timer cover and checking for any stored codes. For the more advanced users here, you can disassemble the kill switch and check for continuity with a multi meter.
b. Addressing Ignition System Faults
If there is an issue with the ignition system, the faulty components will need to be repaired or replaced. In many cases, the ignition switch is the primary point of failure on a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Be sure to reference a wiring diagram, and then verify that all electrical connections are in place before you initiate the replacement.
7. Crank Position Sensor Faults
The crank position sensor (CPS) is a vital component of the engine. If it is faulty, the engine may crank but not start.
a. Diagnosing CPS Faults
You can diagnose CPS faults on a Harley Davidson motorcycle by disconnecting it from the harness and spinning the engine with an AC voltmeter attached.
b. Addressing CPS Faults
If the CPS is faulty, it will need to be replaced.
8. Security System Issues
If your Harley Evo has a security system, it could prevent the engine from starting.
a. Diagnosing Security System Issues
You can diagnose security system issues by checking if the key icon is blinking when the system is engaged.
b. Addressing Security System Issues
If there is a problem with the security system, it may need to be reset or repaired.
9. Wiring Problems
Wiring problems can also cause the engine to crank but not start.
a. Diagnosing Wiring Problems
You can diagnose wiring problems by checking for any wires that were pinched in the switch housings or attached together incorrectly. At this time, make sure that you don’t have any loose wires as well.
b. Addressing Wiring Problems
If there are wiring problems, the incorrectly attached or pinched wires will need to be repaired, or the loose wires reattached.
10. Other Potential Issues
There could be other potential issues that are not covered in this article. If you cannot diagnose the problem, it may be best to take your Harley Evo to a professional mechanic.
Read more: Best Years for The Harley EVO Motor
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my evo motor cranking but not starting?
There could be a variety of reasons why your Harley Evo is cranking but not starting, including issues with the battery, spark plugs, fuel system, fuel pressure, compression, ignition switch, crank position sensor, security system, or wiring.
How can I diagnose the reason why my Harley is cranking but not starting?
You can diagnose the problem by checking each of the potential issues outlined in this article. This includes checking the battery, spark plugs, fuel system, fuel pressure, compression, ignition switch along with its related components, crank position sensor, security system, and wiring.
What do I do if my evo motor is cranking but not starting?
If your Harley Evo is cranking but not starting, you should try to diagnose the problem using the methods described in this article. If you cannot diagnose the problem, it may be best to take your bike to a professional mechanic.
