SuzukiSavage.com - Print Page

SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl
General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Overcharged Battery?
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1711640969

Message started by ThumperPaul on 03/28/24 at 08:49:29

Title: Overcharged Battery?
Post by ThumperPaul on 03/28/24 at 08:49:29

I’m considering a totally stock unmolested 2017 S40 with about 5000 miles on it that needs some help (I got outbid on the 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan I was entertaining as my next project).

The seller says he forgot to unplug the battery charger last summer and now the bike won’t start and has a “short”. I’m not sure I buy the story, but assuming it’s true, what would likely be “fried” from overcharging the battery? The first thing the juice would hit is the starter relay, right? Yes/No? Decompression solenoid??

I know it will need a complete fuel system cleaning (tank, line, carb) after sitting up this long. Hasn’t started since early last summer per the seller.

Title: Re: Overcharged Battery?
Post by Dave on 03/28/24 at 17:59:52

Overcharging a battery would likely not have any affect on the bike. An overcharged battery could be damaged - but the battery likely could not inflict any damage on the bike.......provided that he used a real battery charger and voltage was within reasonable limits when he turned the key on.

Does the bike function normally other than not running? Do the lights work, horn blow, turn signals flash, starter turn the engine over, decompression solenoid engage....etc. ?

Title: Re: Overcharged Battery?
Post by ThumperPaul on 03/29/24 at 07:20:21

Thanks Dave. I didn’t think an overcharged battery by itself would be the issue. Just going off what the guy told me. The bike is in Austin so I haven’t seen it in person. I’ll see if he’ll entertain some more questions. He said it does “click”, so I’m suspecting the starter is toast from too many rapid/long attempts to start. It seems like the classic fail of frying the starter trying to fire up a bike with a gummed up carb.

Title: Re: Overcharged Battery?
Post by Yoshi on 03/31/24 at 20:01:27

A bad battery would make the starter go click then bikes does nothing

Title: Re: Overcharged Battery?
Post by ThumperPaul on 04/01/24 at 04:52:04

Thanks Yoshi. Agree. Probably has a dead cell or two.

Title: Re: Overcharged Battery?
Post by 04Savage04 on 04/11/24 at 17:36:43

I'm a electrical engineer hands on project guy. When it comes to not starting because of a electrical problem the list is long. I'd start with testing the battery fuses and main connections then if that all checks out check your safety interlocks clutch switch kill switch etc. and of course if it cranks but won't start is a whole different ball game if it won't crank. With the battery charger on the battery and key off realistically only the battery could be damaged from overcharging and is likely cooked out of water. Nothing else could be effected if thats the true story.

Title: Re: Overcharged Battery?
Post by ThumperPaul on 04/11/24 at 17:44:59

Thanks 04Savage. I ended up not buying this bike as a project.