QuestionMark, I just purchased a used 1985 Honda 1200 Goldwing and discovered a oil leak from the left side of the engine where the stator wiring exits the motor housing. I was told that the only way to fix this problem was to remove the engine from the frame and replace the stator from within. I am not a machanic and do not want to do this. Is there any other way to stop oil from leaking from this location? I also was told that I may be able to stop the leak using some sort of sealant. If this is possible what king would you recommend? My wife is heart sick over this because she used most of our savings to get this bike for me. other than a slight front fork oil leak, along with this problem, the bike runs and looks fine. We have been told that shop time could run into ten hours or more to replace the stator and that translates to almost one thousand to fifteen hundred dollars! Any advise you could give would be greatly appreciated. and I know my wife would appreciate it also.
AnswerHi John,
Sorry to hear about the oil leak. A stator fix in the Dayton, Ohio area goes for 19.6 hours at about $50 per hour flat-rate, plus parts. The actual oil repair would be a bit less time.
I do not recommend the use of sealants or oil additives (aka: seal swellers)when a seal or o'ring is defective. This often results in additional problems and adds to the expense.
I agree that the engine must come out to access the seal and fix the leak properly.
Do you know if the previous owner had the stator problem and "warranty" repair? If not, may be worth looking into. Have the seal done simultaneously.
Stator and Charging information
A "permanent" fix for the GL-1200 Stator was developed some time ago. It is expensive as it involves replacing the system with that from the LTD. Besides having to purchase the obvious 500 watt Stator, you also have to purchase the rear housing of the Engine that covers the Stator and Clutch. The housing needed to be larger due to the fact that the Stator is physically larger also. You will also need to purchase a Regulator/Rectifier for the Limited Edition (1985).
You have to be careful with the Regulator/Rectifier purchase, as some Honda parts persons will tell you that ALL GL-1200 Regulator/Rectifiers are the same. Not so! The Aspencade / Interstate version does not have the same voltage limits, and headset interference will occur, as well as overcharging of the Battery. To make things simple for you and your Honda dealer it is Honda part # 31600-ML8-305
Description: Rectifier, Regulator Unit Price: $154.97....That will be $139.47 with your GWRRA 10% discount off parts.
GL1200 Recalls & Service Bulletins:
www.goldwing-world.com/1200_recalls.htm
The finest motorcycle electrical parts available:
www.electrexusa.com
Respectfully,
Mark Shively
