QuestionI have receintly purchased a 1982 GL1100 Gold Wing Interstate. I don't have any maintenance history, but the motorcycle has been dropped, which caused some faring damage, and it has less than 27,000 miles. I have two questions.
1. I noticed the voltmeter registers about 10 volts, while the motorcycle is running. Is this a problem I should address? If so, what could be causing this problem.
2. On the same motorcycle, while waiting for a train to pass,I had trouble putting the transmission in neutral while the engine was running. It went into neutral just fine after I shut if off. Again, is this something I should address, and if so, what could cause this problem.
Thanks,
Tom
AnswerHi Tom,
Tom: I noticed the voltmeter registers about 10 volts, while the motorcycle is running. Is this a problem I should address? If so, what could be causing this problem.
Mark: You should have a reading of 12.5 to 13.5 at idle. The voltage should increase to between 14 and 17 volts at rpms up to about 5,000.
Tom: On the same motorcycle, while waiting for a train to pass,I had trouble putting the transmission in neutral while the engine was running. It went into neutral just fine after I shut if off. Again, is this something I should address, and if so, what could cause this problem.
Mark: I suspect the clutch needs adjusted.
GL 1000/1100/1200 Stator Testing Procedures:
For the purpose of testing the Stator assembly, use the following procedure:
1. check the ACG coupler for discoloration, which indicates overheating and it is faulty. This is the connector to the immediate left of the battery and consists of 3 yellow wires. If the connector is found to be discolored and/or brittle from overheating, an ACG Coupler Repair Kit (Part # 31105-ML8-305) is available from your local HONDA dealer. Ensure that the coupler is well packed with dielectric grease. An alternative is to remove the coupler altogether and ?hardwire/solder? the yellow wires together. This method is also acceptable but does make future testing somewhat difficult and would require cutting of the wiring.
2. unplug the ACG coupler and start the engine.
WARNING: Unplugging the ACG coupler while the engine is running can cause sparks which can ignite flammable fuel vapors. You could be burned. Do not unplug the ACG coupler while the engine is running.
3. with a Voltmeter, measure the A.C. voltage between each pair of the three (3) yellow wires in the ACG coupler that leads to the rear of the engine and enters through the rubber grommet leading to the Stator. Conduct the voltage tests between wires A and B, A and C and finally between B and C. With the engine at a steady 3,000 RPM, the voltage should be at least 50 Volts of A.C. voltage from each pair (or phase).
4. if the test indicates 50 Volts A.C. voltage or more from each pair (or phase), the Stator does not require replacement. However, if either pair of wires does show less than 50 Volts of A.C. voltage, replace the Stator.
5. Continuity tests must also be performed to determine if the Stator has developed an electrical short within itself or if it has shorted to ?ground?. With your tester set on the Ohmeter @ R X 1, check for continuity between each pair (or phase) of yellow wires, A and B, A and C and B and C. You should have continuity at all three pairs (or phases). If you find any one pair with no continuity, then this indicates an open circuit in the windings of the Stator and it requires replacement. Then check for continuity between each yellow wire to a source of ?ground?. You should NOT have continuity and if you do find continuity at any wire, this indicates a short within the Stator windings and requires replacement.
** for your Stator to be healthy, it must pass all of the above tests.
Useful Goldwing resources:
www.randakks.com
http://msproul.rutgers.edu/motorcycle/gwfaq.html
www.partsnmoreforum.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=2&sid=bd440b013c03f7c2c36c17d483404c03
http://wings.astcomm.net/electrical.html
Respectfully,
Mark Shively
