i tried a 1/2 nipple and it would not go. the o.d. looked closer to 7/8 than 3/4, so i put on the center clamps and gussets. it feels rock solid. bike wouldn't start , to test out the lift. same as sunday. cleaned and tightened the ground cable. checked voltage with a meter, showed 12.9. put tender back on and bike started mon. morning. went to start it this afternoon to test the lift, and would not start. ur thoughts?