Removed the alternator

[Breeze]

I removed the alternator today on my 97 standard. After removing the pans and bolts, I pried it out and it nearly fell out after I turned the wings. DID I GET LUCKY or is this easier on my bike than most? It took me 15-20 minutes total after reading the teck help in shop talk. I even put it back in to see what that would be like once mine gets shipped here. It went right back in just as easily.           http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/alternator/alternatorservice.htm   

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

IT must be the alignment of the planets and stars. You're either highly skilled are very lucky. Go buy a lottery ticket.

[Breeze]

Now that's the best advise I have been given all day.  All I need is a winning number.  LOL   

[9Ball]

famous last words......don't get cocky!!!!

 

[Jess from VA]

Like other things, it can be harder more difficult getting in than sliding out.

[Breeze]

famous last words......don't get cocky!!!!

 

If you knew me very well the last thing you would think is that I am cocky. I was as surprised as anyone could be after reading the posts about the job of removal/reinstall of the alternator. I do respect experienced tech help and already know that most on this 4m do know a lot more than I do about these bikes. I do know how to follow instructions though and am not afraid to try. I was just asking if mine was different. I always do however have confidence in the fact that if other backyard wrenchers  can do it , that I can too. It may have been beginners luck. I only posted so that others would not be afraid to DIY instead of paying someone else. Without the top quality photos, help,instructions I found on this 4m, it probably would have been longer to take it out and put it back in again. Much respect and high regard for those who encourage and take the time to help us on this 4m. Again, the instructions and photo's were first class :     http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/alternator/alternatorservice.htm

[9Ball]

last time I removed my alternator it was 5 minutes to get it out and 1-1/2 hours to get it back in.....I'm glad it worked so easy for you.

[donaldcc]

Like other things, it can be harder more difficult getting in than sliding out.

 

[Breeze]

Like other things, it can be harder more difficult getting in than sliding out.

  I've already put the old one back in for a dry run. Not that bad. I wonder if mi bike is different???

[Bone]

Practicing a heart transplant is nothing. Wait until you have a live one in your hands

[9Ball]

Practicing a heart transplant is nothing. Wait until you have a live one in your hands

now that's funny.....

[Breeze]

Practicing a heart transplant is nothing. Wait until you have a live one in your hands
[/quotehttp://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/alternator/alternatorservice.      http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/alternator/alternatorservice.htm    this isn't surgery or we would all be broke.  LOL

[GOOSE]

putting that alternator back in is just like the driveshaft..........sometimes they fall right in, and sometimes they are a ba-sitch.  i put one in and it just fell into place, sooooo i pulled it back out because i knew it just couldn't go that easily.....2-hours later i was still screwing with it.

[Breeze]

Now that is a statement I can totally agree with. Just don't let it scare you and believe you can do it and most of the battle is over. THANK YOU for that statement of encouragement. LOL

[Breeze]

Got the alternator from UPS this AM. Put it back in with no problems, may be 25-30 minutes total. I did remove the bolts and pull the metal pan above the alternator up and forward, which I think gave me 1/8 inch more wiggle room. Went right in with a turn or two. I do admit it is tight but on a scale from 1-10, I give it a 5. When I built my Warrior I did things a lot more difficult than this job. The hardest thing was that cheap plastic cover with the fake chrome with Honda stamped on it. The bottom bolt hole on mine was broken. Does anyone make anything or sell anything to replace that plastic cover?  Thanks  

[dalai-lama]

I found the alternator is pretty easy with the engine removed for repairs for hydrolok    Same thing with the starter motor and removing the carbs for cleaning is also pretty simple at this point.  While it took only about 2 hours to remove the engine, I don't recommend this for alternator service

the dalai

[Breeze]

Wow, two hours is very good time. I have never done it before but if I do I hope you don't mind me asking for a few pointers. It took me almost that long to change just the rear shocks, the alternator.

[dalai-lama]

My son gave me a hand or maybe it was me who gave him a hand   The hardest part was removing the radiator upper hose.  It was just about glued onto the radiator and was difficult to let go.  Other than that, it really is pretty straight forward to get it out.

Here is my helper just after we slid the motor out of the frame:


I bought the bike from a friend.  He had hydrolock and had it in the shop and then was contemplating just parting it out.  I did not want to see another good Valk parted it out so I bought it.  It is a 1998 with 50K on it and I paid $2500 and have about $500 into it with the parts.  I worked on this bike last year when my friend was having some health issues, so I knew what I was getting except for the damage but it turned out to be only the rear case and the starter idler gear.

My boy is going to be using this as I already have an I/S (just turned 116K) , Kawasaki Concour (68K), two dirt bikes, one Kawaski Ninja 500 (boy's first bike), a Suzuki GS 550 that the boy and I want to make a cafe racer out of, and two Honda dirt bikes.  So the garage was full, but I just could not bear to see this tourer parted out.

the dalai

[fudgie]

Try the starter next time and let us know how that goes. 

[Breeze]

After reading the majority of the negative posts just on my alternator, most of the comments make me want to sell or part out as soon as possible. That is normal for a 4m with mostly older people on it. I am on three other 4m's and on all three, all encourage you to DIY and are more positive while actually wanting to see others to do well. The age group is much younger than this one. There are a few very good members on this 4m that can feel your pain and want to help you instead of the "my arthritis is worse than yours" crowd, "wait until your nightmare begins" You'll be sorry you were ever born when you go to change that dreadful alternator, it's a widow maker.   Thanks for the help from those who understand what a forum is all about. I got a lot of help from you.I do realize I was very fortunate to have the quality of help offered on this 4m , and maybe the Lord smiled on me......

[Breeze]

Try the starter next time and let us know how that goes. 

                                                                                 Is it as tight as the alternator?

[2qmedic]

Interesting comments here.
For me
removal = 30 min
install = 30 min
placing the nut on the stud for the positive lead = several hours,
(even tried preconnecting it but it just wouldn't work) AAAAGGGGGGGGG
about drove me nuts
Finally got it
Next time I'll modify something on it to work.

[fudgie]

Try the starter next time and let us know how that goes. 

                                                                                 Is it as tight as the alternator?

Tighter. I had to remove almost all my wiring to get it out. Comes out easy tho. Goes in easier but all the wiring is a mess.

[Earl in Pensacola]

On my FirST removal/install attempt: I first disconnected the battery, at the battery!  Then, after removing the cover and undoing the necessary retaining bolts etc.  the "trick" seemed to have been to pull the unit straight back and tilt the rear-end of it slightly inward and downward.  For me, it took a little doing, as those rubber down tubes run down between the alternator and the engine taking up very valuable space.  I disconnected the battery lead etc. and lifted it out.  For me the hardest part of the INSTALL was getting those dam* rubber down tubes out of the way and yet not causing them to disconnect.  Reconnect the battery leads and try to gently work the back-end of the unit in and downward, then up and forward to its bolt-in position. 

[Ratdog]

Congrats on getting it done yourself.  I think getting those bundles of clutter behind it moved out of the way was the key for me... and, getting the impellers aligned too.

[Breeze]

Thanks. It went well with all the help from the 4m.