deadly wash killed my bike

[Anonymous]

hi everyone! so i clean my '82 GS850G yesterday, and use the EngineBrite thing to make it more attractive. i tried to go easy on the electricals, as prescribed. i wash it down with moderate amount of water. i ran about 30 miles on it yesterday, no troubles starting. this morning the battery is dead, no go. anyone got ideas? did i kill the alternator? wires? anyone had any experience with that? i presume this is related to my cleaning frenzy of last night. thanks in advance.

[Travellin' Jones]

What is the battery voltage? Voltage at the starter solenoid? Without knowing that, you're just guessing. A digital voltmeter can be had for $20-$30 at Radio Shack, and is an indispensable tool for diagnosing your own bike.

[chuckycheese]

Hmmmm

Based on what you said, my guess is that one thing had nothing to do with the other. :?

I've washed lots of bikes lots of times and never had much of an issue. I always start them afterwards in order to dry everything out and it sounds as though you did that. I feel sure riding for 30 miles would be more than sufficient. Let us know and good luck.

P.S. I suppose if you were rubbing hard in some of the nooks and crannies, you might possibly have knocked a wire loose....

[KEITH KRAUSE]

Sounds like the stator isn't charging the battery while you went on the ride.
You may have loosened a wire. Check/clean/lube all connections.