Install Compufire alternator

[BadgerWing]

I just picked up a Compufire alternator cheep. I'm looking to install it, but there does not appear to be a DIY. I found a vid on Youtube that seems OK, and it doesn't look to painful. However, this group knows a lot more than I do, so I thought I'd solicit any helpful advice first. If you have any experience with this that you would like to share, I'd appreciate it.

I did have a couple of questions that came to mind immediately:

1. Is there anything that I can test on the unit, without taking it apart, to see if it might be defective. I don't want to put it on the bike if it's not going to work. I'm sure there are tests I can do with disassembly, but just testing it without taking it apart would be enough for me to try it.

2. I read in some post here that it would be a good idea to install a small connector from Cyclemax on one of the wires. I'm not sure why that would be, but it sounded like it would reduce the install difficulty by removing the need to root around deeper in the wiring. Unfortunately, I can't find the post. Does this ring a bell with anyone? If so, where's the post, or what should I be doing?

Thanks for your advice and help. I wouldn't be trying stuff like this on my own. I'm learning a lot.

[gford]

When I changed out my alternator I removed the 55 amp dog bone fuse instead of removing the seat and disconnecting the battery for the install.

For the sensing line I cut of the stock connector and replaced it with a male and female bullet connector to prevent having the remove the panel.

[MikeB]

I just picked up a Compufire alternator cheep. I'm looking to install it, but there does not appear to be a DIY. I found a vid on Youtube that seems OK, and it doesn't look to painful. However, this group knows a lot more than I do, so I thought I'd solicit any helpful advice first. If you have any experience with this that you would like to share, I'd appreciate it.

I did have a couple of questions that came to mind immediately:

1. Is there anything that I can test on the unit, without taking it apart, to see if it might be defective. I don't want to put it on the bike if it's not going to work. I'm sure there are tests I can do with disassembly, but just testing it without taking it apart would be enough for me to try it.

2. I read in some post here that it would be a good idea to install a small connector from Cyclemax on one of the wires. I'm not sure why that would be, but it sounded like it would reduce the install difficulty by removing the need to root around deeper in the wiring. Unfortunately, I can't find the post. Does this ring a bell with anyone? If so, where's the post, or what should I be doing?

Thanks for your advice and help. I wouldn't be trying stuff like this on my own. I'm learning a lot.

If you need installation instructions, here they are:

By the way, I recommend that you do not take short cuts. Remove the NEGATIVE battery cable from the battery before you start working on the alternator replacement.

[vcdc]

A 1/4" socket will take out the 3 long screws and the back can be pulled off easily to check the condition of the brushes. Just had mine apart and the brushes looked new after 42,000 miles.

[BadgerWing]

Thanks for all your help! I'm planning on replacing the battery with an AGM anyway, so I'll just pull it out before I start on the alternator. I appreciate everyone's help and advice. I'm going to study up some more and then see how it goes.