Interstate Alternator removal/replacement - Need help

[GJS]

Hi all,

I had posted a message a month back or so, about an 85amp replacement alternator on eBay, asking for input. Thanks to those who replied. I ordered it, it has arrived and it looks to be the exact same size (dimensions) as the OEM unit.

I looked up in my manual the removal process and it was not helpful.
It just says remove the old one. DUH!

My problem comes with how to remove the old one. It seems very tight in there.
The manual also says remove the centre panel (if needed), why would some need it and not all Interstates?

I did search for this and all I found applied to the C/CT not the interstate. I did see mention of removing the filter off the back as well.

So..... I'm really hoping that someone has a tip or two as to how to get this puppy out without hurting me or the girl.

(I have pulled out the hoses that were behind it.)

Thanks in advance.

Glenn

[Grumpy]

It is listed in shop talk, should walk you through it.
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/alternator/alternatorservice.htm

[Fritz The Cat]

If it's like the Goldwing. you have to hold your mouth just right as you twist and lift up.

When I put a Compufire alternator in my Wing a couple of years ago, I looked at it then looked at the space it had to go into and said no freakin' way. But I was wrong, it did fit but you had to angle it just right. And of course you had to hold your mouth just right too.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

First and  foremost disconnect the battery. The interstate has a noise filter on the back unplug it and remove it and you'll gain a little more room. Now be ready with all the right words it'll pop out if you get everything just right. After two or three trys take a break and try again. To put the new in more trys and more words. It's really not that bad just a tight fit.

[GJS]

Ok, I'll take another run at it tomorrow.
My shop is not heated and is -2c (29f).
Wearing gloves for the operation does not work for me.
So I have about 5-10 minutes before i'm frustrated and go back to warmer space.

As I did not remove the filter first, I need to put it back in before I take it out.

Thanks,

Glenn

[Bone]

Glenn

I'm in Michigan and avoid winter projects if possible. My hands are always cold.
I bought a bag of "Heavy Duty Vinyl Gloves" at Lowe's. $4 for 25 gloves. Planned on using them for cleaning wet eaves troughs. They are durable and flexible. Wearing them under cloth gloves keeps your hands very warm so I started wearing them in the yard and garage. Try them they are disposable but very tough.

[Trynt]

It was my experience that it came out relatively easy. The real problem (for me) was getting the new one reinstalled.

[larswlvs]

I Also ordered the same 85 amp. alternator from E-Bay and of course I'm following this post to see how the install is going for you.Don't forget to clock the front mounting plate and put locktite on the  impeller screw, so you don;t have to pull it back out again.
Lots of luck with it.

[larswlvs]

well it got to about 40 degrees here today  so I thought I'd replace my alternator...1st of all I had a bi#ch of a time getting the rubber boot off of the alt. hot lead(after disconnecting the battery). I did get it pried back and loose from the engine after I removed the removed the drain hose and main ground wire ...now I can't get it free from the bike no matter which way I turn it it will bind someplace 

[GJS]

Well I got it out this afternoon. Clearly, the stars aligned for a moment and it poped right out.
I did detach the black filter first.
 
I had read that I would need to rotate the top case of the new alternator 120 degrees.
One of the long Phillips head screws striped and I had to drill out the head and use a screw extractor.
(those things are a life saver when you need them)

I will try and re-install tomorrow.

Trynt, what do you mean by "clock the front mounting plate"?

Thanks for the thoughts and advice guys

Glenn

[larswlvs]

I got my alternator installed..it was a PITA.I removed the radiator overflow tank to gain access to the alternator hot terminal well .....it's all together but now I can't find the siphon hose that goes into the bottom of the overflow tank,I'm wondering if any one knows how that hose runs? I don't see it beside the alternator or by the T hoses. I sure hope I don't have to remove the alt.to find it.Wondering how important that over flow thank really is??

[hubcapsc]

Here's the description of me and Stanley Steamer swapping out his alternator...
the key words are probably "patience of Job"...

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,25537.0.html

-Mike

[Ricky-D]

I got my alternator installed..it was a PITA.I removed the radiator overflow tank to gain access to the alternator hot terminal well .....it's all together but now I can't find the siphon hose that goes into the bottom of the overflow tank,I'm wondering if any one knows how that hose runs? I don't see it beside the alternator or by the T hoses. I sure hope I don't have to remove the alt.to find it.Wondering how important that over flow thank really is??

The overflow is very important in the cooling system although you could run without it. The downside is that you will have no fluid recovery each time the motor cools down which will reduce the amount of coolant in the system.

***

[larswlvs]

 I found it!! It was  in a little slot in the frame...in a out of the was place most likely put there by me  .I'm sure glad I did not do a removal of the alt. and then found it,I would of had to kick myself in the butt.
Thanks for the replies.
Larry

[fudgie]

I removed the hot line from the throtle side of the bike with a long extension.

You think alts are fun, wait till you take the starter out. I'll do alts all day if I had the choice. 

[hubcapsc]

You think alts are fun, wait till you take the starter out. I'll do alts all day if I had the choice. 

I helped work on Stanley Steamer's alternator. And I've had my starter out, and my center cover off.

I'll just get a new bike if those issues ever come up again 

-Mike

[larswlvs]

I could not use a long extension and socket because of my MC cruise control  blocked access to it.. that is why I did it  through side panel.

[Rocketman]

I've changed out more than my fair share of alternators.  I've found that taking the center cover off helps immensely.  I also remove some of the electricals first, then unbolt it, then I can rotate it and take the rest of the electricals off.  Tipping the back of the alternator up and inward while rotating as needed makes it come out easier.

Mark

[larswlvs]

I got the alternator installed,it was my first time,I think it would be easier if I had to do it again.I left the condenser or what ever it was,that came with the 85 amp. alternator on it and connected that pigtail to the pigtail that unplugged from my old alt.
 My next project is the Dial-A-Jet system.It should be easy compared to the alternator....I hope 

[lifguardct]

I see this is an old post but I was wondering how the ebay alternators worked out over time and who the seller was. Mine is dead, 99 IS, and I need to get one asap.

[old2soon]

M A R S is a rebuilder of Motorcycle altenators. Just enter mars in your search bar. Guys name is Ken and he is fine to deal with. Or get the G W alt mentioned in the Valkyrie generic parts list. I've got a local alt rebuilder here-I town over about 22 miles BUT he did NOT want to rebuild mine.  RIDE SAFE.

[GJS]

I see this is an old post but I was wondering how the ebay alternators worked out over time and who the seller was. Mine is dead, 99 IS, and I need to get one asap.

Well Since I started the thread . I'll answer.

  So far  

Got about 10K on it.
I do notice that at idle my headlight can pulse a little.
I don't think it is really charging until you get past 1500 RPM or more.

AND

I have about 200 blue LEDs, 90 Watt heated jacket liner,15 watt gloves (x2), Heated pants and insoles (50w+). Plus a Garmin 550 and iPhone 4.

Like I said, no issues, Its all good.
The unit I got looked good and felt very solid.
The RE & RE requires a ZEN like state to go quickly and smoothly.
Do not try this if you have anger management issues!  

Good luck.