replacing alternator on 89GL1500

[zubby]

I am in the middle of trying to get the side engine cover off. I have everything loose but the mufflers and the panel is still firmly PLANTED ! I'm ready to just cut the old alternator wire and SPLICE in the new one ! It was far easier to replace the timing belts !!! No wonder there is no tutorial for this procedure--because it is too damn hard !!!!!!

[virgilmobile]

What are you trying to do?
I pulled just the side covers,unhooked the battery ground,unbolted the alternator and rotated it out.
Before I removed it from the frame,I unhooked the trigger wire and then the batt cable.I rotated the back into the frame and turned the front out.

[WingAdmin]

It's quite easy to remove the side covers - I can have them off and on in 15 minutes. What are you having problems with?

[Sempai]

Yah, you've got us a bit confused. The mufflers don't need to go anywhere to get the alternator out...nor any 'covers' on the engine. Are you referring to the side plastics under the seat and such??

[zubby]

On my machine, the small wire ( that has the square capacitor attached ) the opposite end of that wire goes up under the body panel that is immediately behind the reverse lever. The new alternator comes with that small wire ( with the square capacitor ) attached, and the other end of that wire has a plastic plug that plugs into something thats behind that panel behind the reverse lever. Now, I COULD just use the existing wire ( with the square whatever ) and plug it into the new alternator, but, why not use the new wire with the square whatever to have everything new. However, I now think it would be easier to just splice the new and old. ( when I said I had everything loose including the mufflers it was just in jest as I was completely frustrated ) Thanks everyone

[zubby]

Also, I should apologize for expressing my frustrations on this forum. I know that I should just download a service manual to guide me. However, wifey dear is not real happy with me as she was not happy when I brought the bike home ( in Dec.), then money for new Alt. and just to keep from being shot I figured I had better not spend another 50 for manual. Thats pretty much why I'm on here trying to figure things out. I guess I'm not explaining my problem properly but, I need to get the side engine cover off ( behind the reverse lever ) because thats where the wire goes from my Alt. I probably shouldn't use the old wire because this Alt. has twice the amperage. ( and that body panel includes half of the dash )

[virgilmobile]

The small wire doesn't carry much current and the large white one can handle the power from the alternator.You should just be able to plug and play.Keep the capacitor,it's needed for alternator whine reduction.

And yes,do download the european service manual for the 88.It helps with the details,and very little is different.
But first....as it always says in the manual...remove the seat..

[zubby]

Thanks Virg---I'm just going to do just that--use the old wire. I just needed to hear that from a pro !! ( i did want to use the new capacitor but they are imbedded in the wire ). Again--Thanks very much

[Sempai]

...I had better not spend another 50 for manual

Download it from this site for free...
/Manuals.asp ... &year=1989

[robb]

Don't understand where the problem is, only need to remove snap off covers to replace alternator.
Disconnect the battery negative cable.
Disconnect the alternator WHT wire terminal and BLK/LTGRN wire connector from the alternator.
Remove the alternator mounting bolts and alternator and regulator/rectifier assembly.
Remove the dowel pins from the rear case cover. (may be stuck to alternator)
Remove the O-ring and alternator damper rubbers.(inspect damper for damage)

Apply oil to the O-ring and install it on the front of alternator.
Install the two dowel pins.
Install the alternator onto the engine.
Connect the alternator BLK/LT GRN wire connector and WHT wire terminal onto the alternator.
Install and tighten the alternator mounting bolts.
Connect the battery negative cable to the battery.
Install the following:
" left front side cover.
" right rear side cover.

[zubby]

I wish to thank every one of you that responded to a grumpy old farts troubles . Thanks to you all, I am now back in business ! Although I haven't taken it out on the highway, I checked the output and it is putting out 14 volts even with absolutely everything turned on !! Won't be long until I might be able to help someone out. Thanks Again

[bajabreeze]

I know exactly which Zubby is asking, the plug that is attached to the replacement alternator has the small plastic plug that has the white wire attached to it. The other end, runs up under the UPPER side over to a place under the fuel hatch behind the reverse lever. My fingers are nimble enough to reach up under there to actually replace it without taking the reverse lever off? to get that upper side cover off, suggestions?

[Uncle Fester]

this is a video I found on Youtube, I think it covers what you need. . . .



   Never miss a video: Subscribe to the GoldwingDocs YouTube channel today!

[Mh434]

I could TOUCH that connector, barely, with the tip of one finger, but I sure couldn't undo it.

In the end, I took off the seat, reached in behind the tupperware (to the left of the fuel cap tray) with a bent piece of stiff wire, and worked the connector backwards to the rear edge of the false tank plastic where I could reach it.

To avoid the problems with trying to connect the wire from the new alternator in this position (with the connector in this position, the wire would be too short - in its original position it's long enough, but then I couldn't use the connector - a 'catch-22') I cut most of the wire (including the OEM connector) from my old alternator, plugged the connector back into the other half, by the fuel cap tray, then dropped the cut end of the wire down to where the new alternator was going to go. I bared the end of the wire & crimped on a small female spade connector. Inside the "sense" wire connector from the new alternator is a small male spade connector. Plug the two of 'em together, and you're good to go. Basically, just made an 8" or 9" extension cord for the "sense" wire. As this wire doesn't carry any current to speak of, the extra length is not an issue.

[mharnack]

Wow. I just replaced my alternator. Lucky I read several post. First I just used my old black box from my old
Alternator on the new alternator. Easy. Could not live with my self. So pulled out new alternator I installed the night before. Put the new box back on new alternator. Remove radio left panel behind reverse level.
Did it the correct way. I do wish I had small finger as listed in previous post.
I'm happy with job done right